This two-part course builds upon the programming skills that you learned in our Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python course. We will augment those skills with both important programming practices and critical mathematical problem solving skills. These skills underlie larger scale computational problem solving and programming. The main focus of the class will be programming weekly mini-projects in Python that build upon the mathematical and programming principles that are taught in the class. To keep the class fun and engaging, many of the projects will involve working with strategy-based games.
This course is part of the Fundamentals of Computing Specialization
Principles of Computing (Part 1)
Offered By
About this Course
38,400 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
25%
started a new career after completing these courses
38%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
14%
got a pay increase or promotion
Skills you will gain
Computer ProgrammingAlgorithmsPython ProgrammingCombinatorics
Learner Career Outcomes
25%
started a new career after completing these courses
38%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
14%
got a pay increase or promotion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 7 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 24 hours to complete
Suggested: 4 weeks of study, 7-10 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
6 hours to complete
Required Python knowledge, coding standards, and machine grading
This week, we will introduce you to the structure and standards of the Principles of Computing courses.
6 hours to complete
10 videos (Total 104 min), 9 readings, 3 quizzes
10 videos
Introduction6m
Required Python Knowledge12m
Coding Style and Standards11m
Python Modules7m
Machine Grading10m
Mini-project Video5m
CodeSkulptor11m
Saving in CodeSkulptor9m
Beyond CodeSkulptor (15:12) (optional video)15m
9 readings
Required Python Knowledge10m
Guidelines for Coding Style10m
Importing Custom Modules in Python10m
Mini-project Description10m
204810m
Math Expressions for Homework10m
Math Notes on Functions10m
Practice Mini-project - Solitaire Mancala10m
Python Development Environments10m
1 practice exercise
Homework 120m
3 hours to complete
Testing, plotting, and grids
This week, we will explain the importance of testing. We will also learn to solve problems with grids.
3 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 34 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
4 readings
Building Tests for Python Programs10m
Mini-project Description10m
Math Notes on Grid Representations10m
Practice Activity - Testing Solitaire Mancala10m
1 practice exercise
Homework 218m
3 hours to complete
Probability, randomness, and objects/references
This we will learn how to use probability and randomness to solve problems.
3 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 56 min), 6 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Basics of Probability10m
Expected Value 13m
Monte Carlo Methods6m
Objects and References 11m
Mini-project Video9m
6 readings
Mini-project Description10m
TTTBoard Class10m
Math Notes on Basic Probability10m
Math Notes on Expected Value10m
Practice Mini-project - Nim (Monte Carlo)10m
Practice Activity - The Monty Hall Problem10m
1 practice exercise
Homework 320m
3 hours to complete
Combinatorics, generators, and debugging
This week, we will learn how to use combinatorics to solve problems.
3 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 68 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Enumeration10m
Permutations and Combinations13m
Combinatorics and Password Breaking 15m
Debugging18m
Mini-project Video5m
5 readings
Mini-project Description10m
Math Notes on Enumeration10m
Math Notes on Permutations and Combinations10m
Practice Activity - Analyzing a Simple Dice Game10m
Practice Activity - Counting Game States10m
1 practice exercise
Homework 420m
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTING (PART 1)
by SNMay 6, 2019
This course is very good for beginners and intermediate coders. Gives important basics about computer science from 3 very good professors.
by JHMay 15, 2018
very wellmade assignments! that goes a long way!\n\nplotting seemed a bit superflous and not much learned.\n\nThank you professors!
by PVJun 26, 2016
It's quite a step up from the level op IPP. Assignments are also a bit more difficult but still very enjoyable puzzles to solve.
by IBJun 11, 2017
Yay, no more peer grading! This course felt easier than intro2. Less fiddling with your programs and more about concepts.
by JGMay 28, 2016
Awesome course! Recommend to newcomers and intermediate alike. The instructors are great and the content is challenging.
by TBAug 25, 2017
Most of the course was awesome, just wasn't crazy about the testing questions at the end of each quizz
by KMOct 28, 2017
definitely gets you thinking the right way about programming (math, algorithms, efficiency, etc.
by JOFeb 19, 2018
Another wonderful class in this series. Great, engaging instructors and interesting projects.
by AKMay 19, 2018
Extremely well structured and highly recommended as a beginner course for computer science!
by RRJun 16, 2017
Best specialization for those who want to improve their coding and computational thinking.
by DPApr 29, 2017
Really great course, understanding deeper some principles of computing. Great staff too.
by JCSep 15, 2019
Increasing harder than the IIPP, but at the right level of toughness... great course!
by JCOct 30, 2017
Great course for beginner to enter computer science and programming with Python!
by SWApr 3, 2018
Yet another brilliant course in a brilliant specialization. On to part 2!
by AFOct 2, 2017
Another excellent course from Rice/Coursera, challenging and interesting
by UNOct 23, 2017
Very challenging and interesting so far. I'm only in the second week!
by ZCFeb 14, 2017
Last week programming assignment is interesting and inspiring.
by WWDec 20, 2017
Course was a good progression on the Intro to Python courses
by JMApr 5, 2016
Amazing. Way better than my community college CS courses.
About Rice University
Rice University is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S. and the top 100 in the world. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy.
About the Fundamentals of Computing Specialization
This Specialization covers much of the material that first-year Computer Science students take at Rice University. Students learn sophisticated programming skills in Python from the ground up and apply these skills in building more than 20 fun projects. The Specialization concludes with a Capstone exam that allows the students to demonstrate the range of knowledge that they have acquired in the Specialization.
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.
