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

4.1
stars
783 ratings

Dr Edward Anstead +1 more instructor

66,358 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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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.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 1 of 3 in the

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 21 hours to complete

English

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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 1 of 3 in the

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 21 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.36/5 (195 Ratings)

Dr Edward Anstead

Associate Lecturer

Computing, Goldsmiths

66,369 Learners

2 Courses

Dr Simon Katan

Lecturer

Computing, Goldsmiths

66,371 Learners

2 Courses

Offered by

University of London

The University of London is a federal University which includes 17 world leading Colleges. With extensive experience in distance learning since 1858, University of London has enriched the lives of thousands of students, delivering high quality degrees across the globe. Today, University of London is a global leader in flexible study, offering degree programmes to over 45,000 students in over 190 countries, delivering world-leading research across the world. To find out more about University of London, 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 Rating92%(10,738 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

9 hours to complete

Your development environment

9 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 43 min), 7 readings, 3 quizzes

8 videos

Welcome to the course and about us1mAbout you: Growth mindset2mWhat is programming ? What is p5.js4mRunning your first program with Brackets6mLearn by hacking4m2D coordinate systems7mCode philosophy: What it feels like to code3mGetting started with Sleuth11m

7 readings

Some information before you begin….10mP5.js Resources10mHow to download and install Brackets10mPrograming exercise 1: Hack the Robot10mPrograming exercise 2: Code from scratch: De Stijl3hSleuth Case by Case10mTranscripts for the videos of Sleuth cases 201, 202, 301, 302, 30310m

2 practice exercises

Getting started with P5.js30m2D coordinate system30m

Week2

Week 2

4 hours to complete

Drawing in 2D

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 43 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes

7 videos

RGB colours8mfill, stroke, noFill7msetup, draw and Programme Flow3mShapes: ellipse, rectangle, line, triangle, point6mHow to access and use the console to view errors3mDebugging syntax errors8mCode Philosophy: Asking for help5m

4 readings

Programing exercise 3: Hack it - Robot parade10mPrograming exercise 4: Code from scratch: Kandinsky10mTeach it to yourself10mPrograming exercise 5: Debug challenge30m

4 practice exercises

RGB colours30msetup, draw and Programme Flow30mellipse, rectangle, line, triangle, point30mUsing the console and debugging syntax errors30m

Week3

Week 3

8 hours to complete

Variables, objects and interaction

8 hours to complete

10 videos (Total 61 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes

10 videos

Built-in Variables: mouseX, mouseY5mBuilt-in Events: mousePressed, keyPressed3mCreate your own variables: var, initialising and assigning10m12 top tips for naming variables2mObjects7mWorking with operators10mMathematical functions: random, min, max11mInspecting variables in the console3mCode philosophy: The elegant coder3mMOOC Summary58s

4 readings

Programing exercise 6: Coding from scratch - Drawing App3hPrograming exercise 7: Hack It - Sunrise10mTeach it to yourself20mPrograming exercise 8: Debug challenge30m

4 practice exercises

Built-in Variables: mouseX, mouseY, and Events30mCreate your own variables: var, initialising and assigning30mWorking with operators30mInspecting Variables in the Console30m

Reviews

4.1

266 reviews

5 stars
59.89%
4 stars
16.85%
3 stars
7.91%
2 stars
2.80%
1 star
12.51%

TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

by RDFeb 19, 2022

easy to follow through to learn some basic concept of how computer works, especcially with the concept of internet, would be good to introduce some game dev knowledge briefly maybe

by KAOct 24, 2022

Thanks a lot for the short and elegant course! Now I understand better development of internet applications, which I can launch in my browser :)

by AMAug 16, 2021

I liked everything about the course, it's a fun way to learn. I feel confident and satisfied with whatever that I learned. :)

by JSAug 3, 2020

Great course. Worth the time and money if you, like me, had no had no background in programming and need to start from scratch.

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.

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