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.
Offered By
Fundamentals of Computing SpecializationRice UniversityAbout this Course
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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
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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. 19 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
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
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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. 19 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
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.
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 130m
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 230m
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 330m
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 430m
Reviews
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 JJMay 15, 2018
very wellmade assignments! that goes a long way! plotting 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.
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?
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, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
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