This course is part of the Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

4.6
stars
456 ratings

Prof Marco Gillies

27,418 already enrolled

Offered By

University of London

Goldsmiths, University of London

Associated with the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree

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Introduction to Computer Science and Programming SpecializationUniversity of London

About this Course

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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.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 3 in the

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 3 in the

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.65/5 (109 Ratings)

Prof Marco Gillies

Professor

Computing Department, Goldsmiths, University of London

448,653 Learners

16 Courses

Offered by

University of London

The University of London is a federal University which includes 18 world leading Colleges. Our distance learning programmes were founded in 1858 and have enriched the lives of thousands of students, delivering high quality University of London degrees wherever our students are across the globe. Our alumni include 7 Nobel Prize winners. Today, we are a global leader in distance and flexible study, offering degree programmes to over 50,000 students in over 180 countries. To find out more about studying for one of our degrees where you are, visit www.london.ac.uk

Goldsmiths, University of London

Championing research-rich degrees that provoke thought, stretch the imagination and tap into tomorrow’s world, at Goldsmiths we’re asking the questions that matter now in subjects as diverse as the arts and humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, computing, and entrepreneurial business and management. We are a community defined by its people: innovative in spirit, analytical in approach and open to all.

Start working towards your Bachelor's degree

This course is related to the 100% online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from University of London. It will provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors so you can decide if the full online degree program is right for you.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating94%(6,808 ratings)

Week

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Abstraction

This week starts your journey into understanding computer science. You will think about how computer science can help you understand the technology you use every day and you will also learn one of the most important concepts in computer science: abstraction.

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 20 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week

Week 2

3 hours to complete

State, modularity and applications

In this week you will learn about the computer science concepts of state and modularity and how they can help you understand the computer applications that you use every day.

3 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 38 min), 1 reading, 5 quizzes

Week

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Networks

This week you will learn about how computers communicate with each other over networks, including the internet. You will also learn about some of the security threats that the internet entails and how they can be avoided.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 34 min)

Week

Week 4

4 hours to complete

How the web works

In this week you will apply all of the computer science concepts you have learned in this course to understanding how modern websites work.

4 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 26 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes

Reviews

4.6

135 reviews

5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
4.79%
2 stars
1.74%
1 star
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TOP REVIEWS FROM HOW COMPUTERS WORK

by DRSep 19, 2019

Very good course as an introduction to computing. Could stand to be more challenging, but the material is certainly easy enough for a true beginner.

by THJan 10, 2021

Very fundamental Computer Science terminology and concepts. Some lessons had repeat information.

by KGJan 27, 2020

Clear and concise introduction about how computers work. I really liked the focus on abstraction and security.

by KSJun 13, 2020

It is awesome and wonderful experience.

and in fact in-depth learning and knowledge of the courses/topics

Thankful to all the staff/members of Coursera and PSMO...

View all reviews

About the Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

How Computers Work

About this Course