Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

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Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

Get ready for computer science. Create graphical programs, learn computing mathematics, develop mental models of computer systems.

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3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.2

(1,131 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 month at 10 hours a week

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Share your expertise with employers

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.2

(1,131 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 month at 10 hours a week

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

Overview

This specialisation covers topics ranging from basic computing principles to the mathematical foundations required for computer science. You will learn fundamental concepts of how computers work, which can be applied to any software or computer system. You will also gain the practical skillset needed to write interactive, graphical programs at an introductory level. The numerical mathematics component will provide you with numerical and computational tools that are essential for the problem solving and modelling stages of computer science.

Applied Learning Project

There are a range of activities included in this specialization that will enable learners to apply and develop their programming skills in a fun and engaging way. Learners will master the fundamentals of computer science by solving mathematical puzzles using interactive techniques, becoming a detective and solving crimes in an interactive sleuth application and apply computer science concepts to solve problems found in daily computer use.

1. Use the Javascript language to create interactive programs in the browser with 2D graphics.
2. Convert between number bases, work with modular arithmetic, sequences and series and plot graphs.
3. Develop and use mental models to describe the workings of a range of computer systems.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

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Taught in English

33 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from University of London

Specialization - 3 course series

Introduction to Computer Programming

Course 121 hours4.1 (910 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This MOOC provides you with the foundational skill set required to write computer programs. If you are interested in learning how to write interactive, graphical programs from an introductory level in a real programming language, this is the course for you. You will begin by learning the basics of editing and running programs. Then you will learn how to create 2D graphics using shapes and coordinates. Finally, you will learn how to create interactive graphics that you can control with the mouse. You will even solve a set of interactive puzzles using your coding skills in the Sleuth game which has been created especially for this course. The course uses the Javascript language and the p5.js library.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Data Management

Category: Maintainability

Category: Human Computer Interaction

Category: Visualization (Computer Graphics)

Category: Development Environment

Category: Debugging

Category: User Interface (UI)

Category: Programming Principles

Category: Computer Programming

Category: Javascript

Category: Computer Graphics

How Computers Work

Course 210 hours4.6 (567 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Computers are everywhere, they aren't just the desktops and laptops we use for work but the phones in our pockets and even the watches on our wrists are also computers. You probably use a computer every day and in fact you are reading this on a computer!

Just because we use computers all the time, doesn't mean that we understand them, or find them easy to use. Computer Science is the science of computers, it is the field of knowledge that experts use to understand computer systems. Knowing a little computer science will help you understand the computers all around you. This isn't a how-to course for a particular piece of software, instead you will learn some fundamental concepts that you can apply to any software or computer system. You'll apply these concepts to the kind of computer systems we use every day, including word processing applications, e-commerce, the internet and web sites. You will learn how to apply computer science concepts to solve problems in daily computer use and generally be a better computer user. Taking this course could be the start of your career in computer science, and the course is an introduction to the Bachelors in Computer Science from University of London, but it is also for you if you just want to learn a little computer science to help you better understand the computers you use in your ordinary life.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Computer Science

Category: Computer Systems

Category: Debugging

Category: Servers

Category: Web Servers

Category: Web Applications

Category: Computer Networking

Category: Cybersecurity

Category: Computational Thinking

Category: User Accounts

Mathematics for Computer Science

Course 39 hours4.1 (244 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

1. Transform numbers between number bases and perform arithmetic in number bases
2. Identify, describe and compute sequences of numbers and their sums.
3. Represent and describe space numerically using coordinates and graphs.
4. Study, represent and describe variations of quantities via functions and their graphs.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Arithmetic

Category: Logical Reasoning

Category: Computational Thinking

Category: Algebra

Category: Computer Science

Category: Systems Of Measurement

Category: General Mathematics

Category: Applied Mathematics

Category: Mathematical Theory & Analysis

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Build toward a degree

This Specialization is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of London. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Instructors

Dr Simon Katan

University of London

1 Course86,868 learners

Prof Marco Gillies

University of London

14 Courses566,102 learners

Offered by

University of London

Goldsmiths, University of London

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Frequently asked questions

The Specialisation should take approximately 13 weeks to complete. How Computers Work course is 4 weeks long, Introduction to Computer Programming is 3 weeks long, and Mathematics for Computer Science there is 6 weeks long. The courses are flexible so these are indicative timings. Learners can study the courses concurrently but should be mindful of the course load required per week to complete in these time frames.

There is no specific order in which to take the courses.

The Specialisation is non credit bearing, however, it provides a 'taster' of three of the modules taken from the University of London BSc Computer Science suite of degrees.

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

Overview

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

What’s included

Advance your subject-matter expertise