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
About this Course
55,321 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
56%
started a new career after completing these courses
42%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Learner Career Outcomes
56%
started a new career after completing these courses
42%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 3 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 14 hours to complete
Suggested: 16 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
8 hours to complete
Your development environment
In this topic you will learn about three key concepts:
8 hours to complete
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 Stijl3h
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
3 hours to complete
Drawing 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
3 hours to complete
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
6 hours to complete
Variables, objects and interaction
In this topic you will learn about three concepts: • Variables and data
6 hours to complete
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 App3h
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
Reviews
4.4
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
by BSFeb 23, 2019
Very challenging (which is good!) But at times.. hard to follow. Definitely establishes the most basic skills that a programmer needs: Patience, Problem-solving, Research, Flexibility, and Flow.
by TADec 28, 2019
Coursera is a great online platform which is having skilled instructors and helping lots of students to grasp skills and be employable in different industries.\n\nThank you so much!
by RCSep 22, 2019
An excellent way to introduce newbies to the programming world. I did not know a thing about programming. However, I've acquired the necessary skills to understand the basics of it!
by PSFeb 20, 2020
Thank you coursera and everyone involved in making this course back in London university.\n\nThis was a Great adventure and i learned so much along the way.
by RSDec 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this course's structure and learning material. The methods and tools used to teach the information was also very appropriate and efficient.
by MMDec 23, 2019
Well this is great for a beginner, who just started programming.\n\nIf any one who knows how to program in any language, jump to the next right away.
by DMOct 5, 2019
Other than the one Sleuth assignment which seemed unreliable, this course was very informative and provided a healthy challenge.
by WZJan 19, 2020
locating the coordinates when there are multiple (>5) in a sleuth task can be a little repetitive. other than that it's great.
by DKMay 29, 2019
am so excited to complete this course and also thanks to the coursera. org team and the University of London
by EPMar 10, 2019
A good entry level course to give you a flavour of how to program in JS. We ll presented and easy to follow.
by GJJan 14, 2020
It is a great course for those who are beginning to learn how to program. The assignments are quite fun :)
by KSJan 19, 2020
It is a really good introduction to programming. The library P5 is amazing. I enjoyed this course a lot.
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.
