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Logic and Computational Thinking

Understanding how a computer "thinks" is one of the first steps to becoming an excellent computer programmer. A foundation in logic is crucial in developing this understanding. Mastering logic is more than learning a set of rules. It involves learning how to break problems into smaller chunks, figuring out how repeatable processes can save time and improve quality, and understanding how to organize problems into the right size.

In this course, you'll learn how to do all those things and use computers to make them easier. After all, logical tasks are what computers are best at doing!

This is not a programming course, but it will teach you how to approach critical thinking as both a lifestyle and an aide to better programming and testing.

Note: These courses will retire in June. Please enroll only if you are able to finish your coursework in time.

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Delves into how computers "think", which is a prerequisite for understanding the process and challenges of computer programming

Provides a solid understanding of logic, which plays a fundamental role in programming and testing, extending its importance beyond just coding

Introduces methods for breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable chunks

Emphasizes the use of computers for logical tasks, where the potential of this technology

Suitable for individuals who wish to improve their programming and testing abilities through logical thinking methodologies

Will help learners to develop critical thinking skills applicable to various aspects of programming and beyond

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Reviews summary

Clear thinking for coders

This course teaches the basics of logic and computational thinking with a focus on how to break down problems and improve programming and testing skills. Students come away with a clear understanding of logical thought processes and how to leverage technology to solve problems. It is a great choice for learners who are new to programming and want to develop critical thinking skills. Students described the material as easy to follow, clear, and interesting, but noted that it became more challenging towards the end.

Teaches how to break down problems

"In this course, you'll learn how to do all those things and use computers to make them easier."

Easy to follow and understand

"This course is intended to learn the base of logic, deductive and inductive logic. It's interesting, clear and easy to follow."

Material becomes harder as you progress

"At the beginning, it's really easy. But don't be fooled, it becomes more challenging at the end of the course !"

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Logic and Computational Thinking. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Logic and Computational Thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers may find this course useful in advancing their career. This course teaches a foundation in logic, which is useful in designing and developing software systems. Understanding how to use logic to break problems into smaller chunks can help Software Engineers write more efficient and reliable code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts would likely find this course useful for a career move or to advance in their current role. It teaches a foundation in logic, which is a critical skill for understanding how computers work. This understanding can be used to analyze and design computer systems that are efficient and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators may find this course useful in advancing their career. It teaches a foundation in logic, which is a crucial skill for understanding how networks work. This understanding can be used to design, implement, and manage networks that are efficient and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators use their knowledge of logic to design and maintain databases. This course can help Database Administrators to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a Database Administrator’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts use their knowledge of logic to protect computer systems and networks from attack. This course can help aspiring Information Security Analysts to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an Information Security Analyst’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers may find this course useful as it can help them understand the thought process of computers and learn how to organize problems into the right size. These skills can be used to design and develop websites that are efficient, user-friendly, and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their knowledge of logic to analyze data and draw conclusions from it. This course can help Data Analysts to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a Data Analyst’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers use their knowledge of logic to plan and execute projects. This course can help Project Managers to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a Project Manager’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their knowledge of logic to analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. This course can help Business Analysts to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a Business Analyst’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers may find this course useful in advancing their career. It teaches a foundation in logic, which is a critical skill for understanding how computers work. This understanding can be used to write technical documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers use their knowledge of logic to teach computer science concepts to students. This course can help Computer Science Teachers to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a Computer Science Teacher’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Economist

Economists use their knowledge of logic to analyze economic data and make predictions about the economy. This course can help Economists to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an Economist’s work.

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Statistician

Statisticians use their knowledge of logic to collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course can help Statisticians to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a Statistician’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Actuary

Actuaries use their knowledge of logic to assess risk and make financial decisions. This course can help Actuaries to learn how to break problems down into smaller chunks, think more critically, and organize problems into the right size. These are all skills that can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an Actuary’s work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. As the foundation of this course is in logic, it will only serve as a stepping stone to a career as a Computer Programmer. However, the skills taught in this course, like understanding the thought process of computers and organizing problems into the right size, are certainly skills that Computer Programmers can utilize.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Logic and Computational Thinking:

25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017

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Time

600 hours

Level

Elementary

Via

edX

Institution

Microsoft

Instructor

Paul Pardi

Good to know

Delves into how computers "think", which is a prerequisite for understanding the process and challenges of computer programming

Provides a solid understanding of logic, which plays a fundamental role in programming and testing, extending its importance beyond just coding

Introduces methods for breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable chunks

Emphasizes the use of computers for logical tasks, where the potential of this technology

Suitable for individuals who wish to improve their programming and testing abilities through logical thinking methodologies

Will help learners to develop critical thinking skills applicable to various aspects of programming and beyond

Featured in The Course Notes

Read one article that features this course, Logic and Computational Thinking from our blog, The Course Notes:

25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017

4 minute read

Share and help others discover this course.

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