Topic outline

  • Course Introduction

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    • Time: 26 hours
    • CEUs: 2.6
    • Free Certificate
    The goal of this course is to teach you to think like a computer scientist. This way of thinking combines some of the best features of mathematics, engineering, natural science, and philosophy. Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal languages to denote ideas – specifically, computations. Like engineers, they design things, assemble components into systems, and evaluate trade-offs among alternatives. Like scientists, they observe the behavior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test predictions. Like philosophers, they create logical constructs that can be carried out by a machine. This is not to deny the value of the arts so that non-practitioners can understand and employ the resulting systems.

    An important skill for a computer scientist is problem-solving. It involves the ability to detect problems, think creatively about solutions, and express solutions clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of learning to program computers is an excellent opportunity to develop and apply problem-solving skills. On one level, you will be learning to write Java programs, a useful skill by itself. On the other hand, you will use programming as a means to an end, that end being the creation of something useful to society.