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.
This course is part of the Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization
Introduction to Computer Programming
Offered By
University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Your development environment
In this topic you will learn about three key concepts:
• The toolkit we will use to develop programs.• Drawing using simple shapes and 2D coordinates.• The process and experience of writing code.
8 videos (Total 43 min), 6 readings, 3 quizzes
8 videos
About you: Growth mindset2m
What is programming ? What is p5.js4m
Running your first program with Brackets6m
Learn by hacking4m
2D coordinate systems7m
Code philosophy: What it feels like to code3m
Getting started with Sleuth11m
6 readings
Some information before you begin….10m
P5.js Resources10m
Programing exercise 1: Hack the Robot10m
Programing exercise 2: Code from scratch: De Stijls
Sleuth Case by Case10m
Transcripts for the videos of Sleuth cases 201, 202, 301, 302, 30310m
2 practice exercises
Getting started with P5.js12m
2D coordinate system16m
Week
2Drawing in 2D
In this topic you will learn about three key concepts: • Set of 2D drawing functions in p5.js • Colour representation and styles • Debugging with the console
7 videos (Total 43 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes
7 videos
fill, stroke, noFill7m
setup, draw and Programme Flow3m
Shapes: ellipse, rectangle, line, triangle, point6m
How to access and use the console to view errors3m
Debugging syntax errors8m
Code Philosophy: Asking for help5m
4 readings
Programing exercise 3: Hack it - Robot parade10m
Programing exercise 4: Code from scratch: Kandinsky10m
Teach it to yourself10m
Programing exercise 5: Debug challenge30m
4 practice exercises
RGB colours16m
setup, draw and Programme Flow16m
ellipse, rectangle, line, triangle, point16m
Using the console and debugging syntax errors10m
Week
3Variables, objects and interaction
In this topic you will learn about three concepts: • Variables and data
• Simple interaction
• Code organisation
10 videos (Total 61 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes
10 videos
Built-in Events: mousePressed, keyPressed3m
Create your own variables: var, initialising and assigning10m
12 top tips for naming variables2m
Objects7m
Working with operators10m
Mathematical functions: random, min, max11m
Inspecting variables in the console3m
Code philosophy: The elegant coder3m
MOOC Summary58s
4 readings
Programing exercise 6: Coding from scratch - Drawing Apps
Programing exercise 7: Hack It - Sunrise10m
Teach it to yourself20m
Programing exercise 8: Debug challenge30m
4 practice exercises
Built-in Variables: mouseX, mouseY, and Events20m
Create your own variables: var, initialising and assigning16m
Working with operators16m
Inspecting Variables in the Console8m
Instructors
Dr Edward Anstead
Associate LecturerComputing, Goldsmiths
Dr Simon Katan
LecturerComputing, Goldsmiths
About 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
About 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.
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?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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