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Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science

Alexander S. Kulikov, Michael Levin, and Владимир Подольский

Mathematical thinking is crucial in all areas of computer science: algorithms, bioinformatics, computer graphics, data science, machine learning, etc. In this course, we will learn the most important tools used in discrete mathematics: induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, optimality. We will use these tools to answer typical programming questions like: How can we be certain a solution exists? Am I sure my program computes the optimal answer? Do each of these objects meet the given requirements?

In the online course, we use a try-this-before-we-explain-everything approach: you will be solving many interactive (and mobile friendly) puzzles that were carefully designed to allow you to invent many of the important ideas and concepts yourself.

Prerequisites:

1. We assume only basic math (e.g., we expect you to know what is a square or how to add fractions), common sense and curiosity.

2. Basic programming knowledge is necessary as some quizzes require programming in Python.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Making Convincing Arguments

Why are some arguments convincing and some others are not? What makes an argument convincing? How can you establish your argument in such a way that there is no room for doubt left? How can mathematical thinking help with this? In this section, we start digging into these questions. Our goal is to learn by examples how to understand proofs, how to discover them on your own, how to explain them, and — last but not least — how to enjoy them: we will see how a small remark or a simple observation can turn a seemingly non-trivial question into an obvious one.

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Builds a strong foundation for beginners in discrete mathematics and mathematical thinking

Taught by Alexander S. Kulikov, Michael Levin, and Vladimir Podolskiy, who are recognized for their work in discrete mathematics and computer science

Develops important tools and techniques used in computer science, including induction, recursion, logic, invariants, and optimality

Uses many interactive puzzles to allow learners to invent ideas and concepts themselves

Covers topics that are highly relevant to industry, academia, and personal growth and development

Requires basic math and curiosity as prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of learners

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Reviews summary

Applying mathematical thinking to computer science

According to learners, Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science is a largely positive course focusing on applying core mathematical concepts like induction, recursion, and logic to computer science problems. Many found the interactive puzzles a highly effective and unique teaching method that aids understanding. While students appreciated the practical connection to programming, some noted the difficulty level is higher than expected, requiring significant effort and possibly more background than the stated prerequisites. The assignments are challenging but rewarding, solidifying theoretical concepts. Overall, it's considered a valuable course for building a strong foundation in discrete math for CS.

Quizzes and programming tasks solidify learning.

"The programming assignments were tough but gave me real confidence."

"Quizzes really tested if you understood the core ideas, not just memorized."

"Doing the homework was essential to master the concepts taught."

Concepts are well explained by instructors.

"Lectures were clear and concise, breaking down complex proofs."

"The instructor's explanations for recursion were particularly easy to follow."

"Found the video explanations very helpful for abstract ideas."

Effectively links math to programming problems.

"Really useful for understanding the math behind algorithms and programming."

"The course does a good job showing how logic and induction apply to CS."

"I see now how these mathematical ideas are used in real coding scenarios."

Unique and effective learning tool.

"The interactive puzzles were a highlight and really helped concepts click."

"I loved the 'try-this-before' approach, the puzzles made learning engaging."

"These little games are a great way to test understanding interactively."

Requires significant effort and background.

"This course was much harder than I anticipated, requires a strong foundation."

"Be prepared to put in serious effort, it's challenging but worth it."

"The difficulty sometimes felt overwhelming, especially later topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science with these activities:

Review basic programming concepts

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Refreshing basic programming concepts ensures a strong foundation for understanding algorithms and implementing mathematical solutions.

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Review basic programming syntax and data types.
Practice writing simple programs to implement mathematical concepts.
Complete online coding challenges or exercises.
Seek clarification if needed through discussion forums or Q&A platforms.

Review fundamental mathematical concepts

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Refreshing fundamental mathematical concepts ensures a solid foundation for understanding the course material and applying it to real-world problems.

Browse courses on Logic

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Review basic concepts in logic, set theory, and number theory.
Complete practice problems and exercises to reinforce understanding.
Seek clarification if needed through discussion forums or Q&A platforms.
Identify areas where further clarification or practice is needed.

Organize and review course materials

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Regularly reviewing and organizing your materials helps reinforce learning, identify gaps, and prepare for assessments.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, and readings.
Organize materials logically, e.g., by topic or week.
Review materials regularly, focusing on understanding rather than memorization.
Identify areas where further clarification or practice is needed.
Seek support from the instructor or peers if needed.

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Participate in online discussion forums

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Engaging in discussions fosters critical thinking, improves communication skills, and exposes you to diverse perspectives on mathematical concepts.

Browse courses on Logic

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Read and understand the course materials related to the topic.
Join the discussion forum and introduce yourself.
Participate in discussions by asking questions, sharing insights, and providing constructive feedback.
Synthesize your learnings from the discussions.

Follow online tutorials on mathematical logic

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Following tutorials provides structured guidance and additional practice to strengthen your understanding of mathematical logic.

Browse courses on Logic

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Search for reputable online tutorials on mathematical logic.
Select a tutorial that aligns with your level and interests.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step and take notes.
Complete the exercises and quizzes provided in the tutorial.
Seek clarification if needed through discussion forums or Q&A platforms.

Solve recursion puzzles

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Solving puzzles helps develop an intuitive understanding of when and how to apply recursion and induction.

Browse courses on Recursion

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Identify the recursive or inductive structure of the problem.
Break the problem down into smaller subproblems.
Define the base case(s).
Write the recursive or inductive solution.
Test your solution on various inputs.

Create a visual representation of an algorithm

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Visualizing algorithms helps you understand their structure and flow, and can make complex concepts more accessible.

Browse courses on Algorithms

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Choose an algorithm to represent.
Design a visual representation, e.g., a flowchart, diagram, or animation.
Implement the algorithm in your chosen visual representation.
Test and refine your visual representation.
Share your visual representation with others.

Develop a proof by induction

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Creating your own proof by induction demonstrates a deep understanding of the concept and strengthens your ability to construct rigorous arguments.

Browse courses on Induction

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State the proposition you want to prove.
Prove the base case.
Write the inductive step.
Prove the inductive step.
Conclude the proof.

Career center

Learners who complete Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use mathematical and statistical methods to extract insights from data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying data science techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies. Mathematical thinking is essential in computer science, as it allows scientists to design and implement new algorithms and data structures. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which can be applied to a wide range of computer science research topics, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer graphics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers develop, maintain, and improve computer software. Mathematical thinking is critical in software engineering, as it allows engineers to design and implement efficient and effective solutions to complex problems. This course provides a solid foundation in mathematical thinking, which can be applied to a wide range of software engineering tasks, such as algorithm design, data analysis, and software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to improve the efficiency of organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying operations research techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in operations research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying statistical techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess and manage risk. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying actuarial techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in actuarial science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying quantitative analysis techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in quantitative analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze biological data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying biostatistical techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in biostatistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Economist

Economists use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze economic data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying economic techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in economics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying financial analysis techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in financial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze market data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying market research techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in market research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Operations Manager

Operations Managers use mathematical and statistical methods to improve the efficiency of organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying operations management techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in operations management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze product data. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying product management techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in product management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Consultant

Consultants use mathematical and statistical methods to solve problems for clients. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying consulting techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Teacher

Teachers use mathematical and statistical methods to teach students. This course provides a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, which is essential for understanding and applying teaching techniques. The course covers topics such as induction, recursion, logic, invariants, examples, and optimality, which are all essential for success in teaching.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science.

Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to discrete mathematics, covering topics such as logic, set theory, combinatorics, and graph theory. It classic textbook that is widely used in undergraduate mathematics and computer science courses.

Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science

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Reviews summary

Applying mathematical thinking to computer science

Activities

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