Foundations of Computer Science from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Specialization: Introduction to Computer Programming Visual Basic

Welcome to Foundations of Computer Science, the first course of the Key Technologies of Visual Basic Programming specialization. By enrolling in this course, you are taking the first step to kick start your career in computer programming.

Algorithms, History of Computing and Algorithm Efficiency

In the first week of the course, we will learn about algorithms and talk about problem solving using algorithms. We will also learn about some historical events in computation that lead us to where we are today. By the end of this module, you will know how to identify the different types of data analysis and their use cases. So, let's get started!

Computer Hardware and Organization

In the second module of this course, we will learn how computers utilize hardware to store data and execute instructions to carry out our algorithms. We will explore binary number systems, Boolean logic, computer circuits and control circuits. We will look at the primary machine architecture that has been used in all modern machines.

Computer Networks, Cloud Computing and Information Security

In the third module of this course, we will learn how connecting computers offers opportunities and challenges. We will discuss how computer communicate with each other and ways we can protect the computers while sending communication.

Systems Software, Databases and Automation

In the fourth module of this course, we will touch on some important remaining topics required to understand the place of the software we develop. We will dive into the low-level languages used in computing including assembler and machine language. We then will look at databases as most applications need to store data. Lastly, we will look at how automation and artificial intelligence will affect the programs we develop

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops strong foundational knowledge for Visual Basic programming

Provides a comprehensive introduction to computer science fundamentals

Introduces essential computer hardware and organization concepts

Covers key networking, cloud computing, and information security topics

Provides a solid foundation for systems software, databases, and automation

Taught by experienced industry experts with a proven track record

Reviews summary

Computer science basics well received

Learners say Foundations of Computer Science is a well-received course that provides a great and easy to follow intro to computer science. Students also say the instructor is informative and easy to listen to, explaining concepts clearly.

Many positive reviews

"This course was easy to follow."

"It is very nice and the easy way they thaught us"

"Excellent pace & materials. A true value added!"

"Easy to follow and extremely informative! Great lessons!"

"Excellent course and instructor had explained the concepts very clearly. "

"Good overview. Instructor was very informative and was very easy to listen to."

"Excellent course to review some rusty knowledge."

"This Course has little we may see but very reach insight course."

Some students noted errors or typos

"The course could have been decent because it gives a lot of great information, but there were far too many typos to take it seriously."

"It seemed like almost every page had at least one spelling mistake."

"Plus, one quiz question gave credit for the wrong answer. This gives me the impression that either the instructor or LearnQuest themselves don't care about quality since none of those issues should exist in the final product with proper proofreading."

"There are Quiz problems with the answers being wrong in two place, but more importantly the video on OUtput which shows you how to actually RUN VB code is broken and points to the install video."

Some materials were from external sources

"The reading materials are taken from wikipedia."

"I doubt the veracity of the recommended articles."

"Good course for people completely new to computer science wanting to have an overview."

"I only take 1 star off, because a lot of the external resources provided were just wikipedia articles which seems very lazy."

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 Foundations of Computer Science with these activities:

Read 'Computer Science Illuminated'

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This classic textbook will provide a broad overview of computer science fundamentals to prepare you for the more technical topics covered in this course.

View Computer Science Illuminated on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.

Solve Algorithm Efficiency Problems

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Understanding algorithm efficiency is the cornerstone of performance optimization in computer science.

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Find a tutorial on algorithm efficiency.
Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises.
Apply the concepts to real-world scenarios.

Work through Binary Number Systems

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Mastering binary number systems is essential for understanding the low-level operations of computers.

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Review the concept of binary numbers.
Convert decimal numbers to binary numbers.
Convert binary numbers to decimal numbers.
Perform basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction) on binary numbers.

Four other activities

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Practice Boolean Logic Simplification

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Boolean logic is a foundation in computer science. Practicing simplification will enhance your problem-solving skills.

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Review the basics of Boolean logic.
Use truth tables to simplify Boolean expressions.
Apply Boolean algebra laws to simplify expressions.

Write a Summary of Computer Hardware Components

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Creating a written summary of computer hardware components will help you grasp their functionality and interconnections.

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Identify the key components of a computer system.
Research each component's purpose and functionality.
Organize and write a summary that explains how the components work together.

Watch a Tutorial on Cloud Computing Security

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Cloud computing security practices are essential for protecting data and systems in the cloud.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

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Find a tutorial on cloud computing security.
Watch the tutorial and take notes.
Apply the concepts to a real-world cloud computing scenario.

Develop a Data Flow Diagram for a Business Process

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Creating a data flow diagram will help you visualize and understand the flow of data within a business process.

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Identify the boundaries of the business process.
Identify and analyze the data inputs and outputs.
Draw a data flow diagram using appropriate symbols.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Computer Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software solutions to meet the needs of organizations and individuals. This course provides a solid foundation in computer science topics that are essential for Software Developers, such as algorithms, computer hardware and organization, computer networks, and databases. By taking this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of software development, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer writes and tests code to create software applications and systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of computer science, which is essential for Computer Programmers. By taking this course, you will learn about algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and operating systems, which will help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. This course provides a solid foundation in computer science principles, which are essential for Web Developers. By taking this course, you will gain a deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, computer networks, and databases, which will enable you to build robust and reliable web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator designs, implements, and maintains databases to store and manage data for organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in database systems, which are essential for Database Administrators. By taking this course, you will learn about data modeling, database design, and database administration, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Consultant

An IT Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to use technology to meet their business needs. This course provides a broad overview of computer science and information technology, which are essential for IT Consultants. By taking this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the principles and practices of IT, which will enable you to provide valuable insights to organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst designs, implements, and maintains computer systems to meet the needs of organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in computer science and systems analysis, which are essential for Computer Systems Analysts. By taking this course, you will learn about systems analysis, systems design, and systems implementation, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects an organization's computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a strong foundation in information security, which is essential for Information Security Analysts. By taking this course, you will learn about security principles, security technologies, and security management, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator designs, implements, and maintains computer networks to meet the needs of organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in computer networks, which are essential for Network Administrators. By taking this course, you will learn about network design, network implementation, and network management, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes data to extract insights and knowledge that can be used to solve business problems. This course provides a foundation in data analysis and machine learning, which are essential for Data Scientists. By taking this course, you will learn about data analysis techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, develops, and deploys machine learning models to solve business problems. This course provides a foundation in machine learning, which is essential for Machine Learning Engineers. By taking this course, you will learn about machine learning algorithms, machine learning models, and machine learning deployment, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Software Architect

A Software Architect designs and develops the overall architecture of software systems. This course provides a foundation in software design, which is essential for Software Architects. By taking this course, you will learn about software design principles, software design patterns, and software design methodologies, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Computer Hardware Engineer

A Computer Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and maintains computer hardware. This course provides a foundation in computer hardware, which is essential for Computer Hardware Engineers. By taking this course, you will learn about computer hardware components, computer hardware design, and computer hardware maintenance, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Network Architect

A Computer Network Architect designs, develops, and maintains computer networks. This course provides a foundation in computer networks, which is essential for Computer Network Architects. By taking this course, you will learn about network design, network implementation, and network management, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs, develops, and manages cloud computing solutions. This course provides a foundation in cloud computing, which is essential for Cloud Architects. By taking this course, you will learn about cloud computing concepts, cloud computing services, and cloud computing architectures, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs, develops, and manages data pipelines to move data between different systems. This course provides a foundation in data engineering, which is essential for Data Engineers. By taking this course, you will learn about data engineering concepts, data engineering tools, and data engineering best practices, which will help you succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer