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Principles of Computing (Part 2)

Scott Rixner, Joe Warren, and Luay Nakhleh

This two-part course introduces the basic mathematical and programming principles that underlie much of Computer Science. Understanding these principles is crucial to the process of creating efficient and well-structured solutions for computational problems. To get hands-on experience working with these concepts, we will use the Python programming language. The main focus of the class will be weekly mini-projects 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.

In part 2 of this course, the programming portion of the class will focus on concepts such as recursion, assertions, and invariants. The mathematical portion of the class will focus on searching, sorting, and recursive data structures. Upon completing this course, you will have a solid foundation in the principles of computation and programming. This will prepare you for the next course in the specialization, which will begin to introduce a structured approach to developing and analyzing algorithms. Developing such algorithmic thinking skills will be critical to writing large scale software and solving real world computational problems.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Searching and Data Structures

This week, we will explain the importance of searching. We will also explore various data structures and learn about inheritance.

Recursion

This week, we will explain the importance of recursion.

Trees

This week, we will explain the importance of trees. We will also explore how to set up game trees so that we can efficiently search them.

Modeling, Assertions, and Invariants

This week, we will explain the importance of modeling. We will also explore how to use assertions and invariants to ensure that our models are always consistent and correct.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Core audience includes absolute beginners who are looking to approach this topic for the first time

Intermediate learners can join to reinforce and expand their foundational knowledge and skillsets

Covers core concepts such as searching, trees, and recursion

Uses Python as the programming language which is highly relevant in industry and academia

Focus on hands-on projects helps learners apply concepts practically

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Reviews summary

Challenging but rewarding python

According to students, Principles of Computing (Part 2) is challenging, but rewarding. The course is designed to help students gain a solid foundation in Python and computer science concepts like recursion and BFS. Students say the projects are well-designed and force them to think independently. While some students found the course material difficult, many say that they learned a lot and gained confidence in their coding abilities.

Learners gain a solid foundation in Python and computer science concepts.

"This course is perfect. It helped me to step into Python in a very interesting way."

"Helped me gain a lot of insight on Python coding."

Projects are well-designed and require independent thinking.

"The projects are carefully designed in that they don't hold their hand out while one writes the code."

"The final project requires you to independently think and write 200+ Lines of code easily."

Course topics are tough but rewarding.

"Challenging, but I learned so much."

"A big step up in terms of difficulty compared to the rest of the specialization."

"This was easily one of the hardest Programming courses I have taken."

Some weeks may take longer than a week.

"Interesting, but challenging course. Some weeks might take longer than a week, but don't give up."

"little bit hard to solve the assignment"

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 Principles of Computing (Part 2) with these activities:

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Organize and review course materials to create a study guide that will help you prepare for exams and assignments.

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Gather all relevant course materials.
Review the materials and identify key concepts.
Create a summary of each topic.
Include examples and practice questions.

Participate in study groups

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Collaborate with other students to discuss course concepts, solve problems, and share knowledge.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together to solve problems.
Share resources and knowledge.

Read 'Introduction to Algorithms'

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Gain a deeper understanding of fundamental algorithms and data structures by reading the classic textbook 'Introduction to Algorithms'.

View Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition on Amazon

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Read one chapter per week.
Summarize the key concepts in your own words.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Discuss the book with other students or online communities.

Four other activities

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Follow tutorials on recursion and data structures

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Deepen your understanding of recursion and data structures by following guided tutorials and applying them to coding exercises.

Browse courses on Recursion

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Search for tutorials on recursion and data structures.
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your learning style.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Complete the coding exercises.
Review the concepts and apply them to your own projects.

Solve Python programming challenges

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Practice solving Python programming challenges to solidify your understanding of programming concepts like iteration, conditionals, and data structures.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Choose a challenge website or book.
Start with easier challenges and gradually increase the difficulty.
Break down the problem into smaller steps.
Implement your solution in Python.
Test your solution and debug any errors.

Develop a game using recursion and data structures

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Apply your knowledge of recursion and data structures to create a game that demonstrates these concepts.

Browse courses on Game Development

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Design the game and choose the appropriate data structures.
Implement the game logic using recursion.
Test the game and debug any errors.
Share your game with others.

Contribute to open-source projects related to programming

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Gain hands-on programming experience and contribute to the community by volunteering for open-source projects.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Find open-source projects related to your interests.
Review the project documentation and code.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Submit a pull request with your changes.
Collaborate with other contributors to enhance the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Principles of Computing (Part 2) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, debug, test, and maintain the code that runs computers and applications. They design and implement algorithms and data structures to solve problems. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of computation and programming. It can help Computer Programmers develop the skills needed to write efficient and well-structured code. The programming portion of this course will cover topics such as recursion, assertions, and invariants. These skills are essential for writing large scale software and solving real world computational problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Developer

Software Developers write, debug, test, and maintain code. They design high-level system requirements and turn these low-level design specifications. This course may help prepare you for this role by teaching you programming principles including recursion, assertions, and invariants. These are concepts that are essential to creating correct and efficient software. Additionally, this course teaches students Python, a programming language that is commonly used by Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists gather, analyze, and interpret data to find patterns, trends, and insights. They use this information to make informed decisions about products, services, and strategies. This course can help you build skills that are essential for this role, such as data modeling, data analysis, and programming. Specifically, this course teaches the fundamentals of searching, sorting, and recursive data structures. These skills can help a Data Scientist be more effective at working with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing. This course may be helpful for Web Developers who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code. Additionally, this course teaches Python, a programming language that is commonly used for web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and that data is secure and accessible. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for managing databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of hardware and software to ensure that networks are running smoothly and efficiently. This course may be helpful for Network Administrators who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for network administration tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They develop and implement security measures to protect data and ensure that systems are running smoothly. This course may be helpful for Information Security Analysts who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for security applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with a variety of software and hardware to ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently. This course may be helpful for Computer Systems Analysts who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for system administration tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets requirements and is free of defects. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs. This course may be helpful for Software Quality Assurance Analysts who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for testing and debugging software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain business systems. They work with a variety of software and hardware to ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently. This course may be helpful for Systems Analysts who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for system analysis tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Teacher

Computer Teachers teach students about computers and programming. They work with students of all ages to develop their computer literacy skills. This course may be helpful for Computer Teachers who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them teach their students more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Teacher

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to find patterns, trends, and insights. They use this information to make informed decisions about products, services, and strategies. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for data analysis tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Mathematician

Mathematicians conduct research in mathematics and develop new mathematical theories and techniques. They use mathematics to solve problems in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and business. This course may be useful for Mathematicians who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them develop more efficient and well-structured mathematical algorithms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mathematician

Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. They work with a variety of software and hardware to create games that are both fun and challenging. This course may be helpful for Game Developers who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more efficient and well-structured code for game development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. They work with engineers and other technical professionals to gather information and write clear and concise documentation. This course may be helpful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about the principles of computation and programming. It can help them write more technical documentation that is accurate and easy to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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 Principles of Computing (Part 2).

Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition

Save

Classic textbook on algorithms and is widely used in computer science courses at universities worldwide. It provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental algorithms and data structures, and valuable reference for students and professionals alike.

Principles of Computing (Part 2)

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Challenging but rewarding python

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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