Introduction to Computer Science and Programming from edX

Do you want to learn more about data and gain programming experience? If yes, this is the right course for you to start!

“Big data”, “data science”, “data-mining” and “artificial intelligence” are all popular terms that are often encountered nowadays in the academic and in business worlds.

Computer Science is a field where the usage of computers and “computations” have continuously evolved. As computational power increases, computation becomes an indispensable tool for solving complex problems and making predictions. We are now able to “compute” various things from DNA sequencing to aerodynamics simulations and weather forecasting.

In this course, you will learn the essence of computer science. You will obtain an overview of cutting-edge computer science as well as learn the basics and introductory level knowledge of computer science, while experiencing, designing and writing your own simple programs. This revised course consists of 5 weekly units. A separate course covering the same content is also offered where the lectures are given in Japanese.

The course begins by introducing the notion of computation and data and how things work inside a computer. Before jumping into advanced topics like encryption and cryptanalysis, we will discover important notions like "arrays", "characters" and "strings" and we will know more about functions and subroutines throughout the lectures. Along the way we will practice with exercises to have a hands-on experience and deeper understanding of the explained notions. All exercises have files that can be downloaded and used. A detailed explanation about setting up the environment to run the programs using the language Ruby is provided at the beginning of the course.

By the end of this course you will be able to write your own programs for encryption and decryption of English texts. The course concludes with a general overview of the recent progress and research trends in the computer science field. This last part covers topics discussing the nature of computation as well as applications of computation in our modern society such as simulations, data mining and artificial intelligence AI.

What's inside

Learning objective

・what is data (corresponding to an atom of data)? ・what is a computation (the one that corresponds to the atom of the computation)? ・basic information security: encryption, decryption, and crypto-breaking ・private key cryptosystems and public key cryptosystems ・representative examples of utilization of computations in present society (computer simulation, data mining) ・installation of software and the programming environments (editor, shell) ・how to use the programming environments (editor, shell) for computations ・basic programming using “ruby on rails,” a programming language

Syllabus

Introduction

Unit 1: What is Computation?

Learning Objectives

1.1 What is computation?

1.2 Data is Numbers

1.3 Inside the Computer

1.4 Programming with Ruby

1.5 Time to Practice 1

Quiz 1

Unit 2: What is Programming? (Part 1) Arrays

2.1 Arrays, Basic Concepts

2.2 How to Use arrays

2.3 Time to Practice 2

Quiz 2

Unit 3: What is Programming? (Part 2) Characters and Strings

3.1 Characters and Strings

3.2 Caesar Encryption

3.3 Time to Practice3

Quiz 3

Unit 4: What is Programming? (Part 3) Functions and Subroutines

4.1 Functions and Subroutines

4.2 Cryptanalysis

4.3 Time to Practice 4

4.4 Modern Encryption

Quiz 4

Unit 5: Summary and Appendix (Introduction to Research on Computation)

5.1 Brief Summary of this course

5.2 Appendix 1.1: On the Nature of Computation, Computability

5.3 Appendix 1.2: On the Nature of Computation, P ≠ NP Conjecture

5.4 Appendix 2.1: Applications of Computation, Simulation

5.5 Appendix 2.2: Applications of Computation, Data Mining

5.6 Appendix 2.3: Applications of Computation, AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Quiz 5

Who is Professor Watanabe? Introduction to Computer ScienceInstructions for learners on how to study this course

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops cryptography, encryption, and decryption, which are foundational skills in computer science and cybersecurity

Introduces learners to object-oriented programming, a cornerstone of many real-world applications and systems

Introduces learners to cryptography and its practical applications in cybersecurity

Taught by Osamu Watanabe, a renowned computer scientist and cryptography expert

Access is provided to a programming environment for immediate, hands-on practice and experimentation

Uses a clear and well-defined structure and layout, with learning objectives and clear progression of 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 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming with these activities:

Compile Study Resources

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Organizes and consolidates study materials, enhancing accessibility and improving retention.

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Gather lecture notes, slides, assignments, and other relevant materials.
Create a digital or physical folder to store the compiled resources.

Review Arrays and Characters

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Refreshes fundamental concepts of arrays and characters, ensuring a strong foundation for subsequent topics.

Browse courses on Arrays

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Revisit lecture notes or online resources on arrays and characters.
Practice creating and manipulating arrays and characters in a programming environment.

Read "Grokking Algorithms"

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Provides a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures, essential for understanding computer science concepts.

View Grokking Algorithms, Second Edition on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1-3 to understand basic concepts of algorithms and data structures.
Complete practice exercises in each chapter to reinforce your understanding.
Review challenging sections and seek clarification from instructor or peers.

Five other activities

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Attend Study Groups

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Facilitates collaboration, discussion, and peer learning, enhancing understanding and retention.

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Join or form study groups with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems, and prepare for assessments.

Follow Ruby on Rails Tutorial

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Provides hands-on experience in building web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework.

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Set up the development environment and install necessary software.
Follow the official Ruby on Rails tutorial step by step.
Build a simple web application using Ruby on Rails.
Troubleshoot any errors or issues encountered during the development process.

Solve LeetCode Problems

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Enhances problem-solving skills and strengthens understanding of algorithms and data structures through practical application.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Select problems based on difficulty level and start with easier ones.
Analyze problem statements and develop logical solutions.
Implement solutions in the preferred programming language.
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Build a Basic Ruby Program

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Allows students to apply their knowledge of Ruby to create a working program, solidifying their understanding.

Browse courses on Programming

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Design a simple program that performs a specific task, such as calculating averages or generating random numbers.
Write the code in a Ruby file using proper syntax and data structures.
Test and debug the program to ensure it runs correctly.

Contribute to Ruby Projects

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Provides practical experience in software development and collaboration, while deepening understanding of Ruby.

Browse courses on Ruby

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Identify open-source Ruby projects that align with interests.
Read the project documentation and contribute to discussions.
Submit a pull request with code improvements or bug fixes.

Career center

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

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and help businesses make informed decisions. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Data Analyst. Students will learn how to collect, manage, and process data, and how to use programming to analyze and interpret data. They will also learn about data security and encryption, which are important skills for protecting sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They develop algorithms and models to analyze data, and they use these models to make predictions or recommendations. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Data Scientist. Students will learn how to collect, manage, and process data, and how to use programming to analyze and interpret data. They will also learn about data security and encryption, which are important skills for protecting sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems and networks. They work with clients to gather requirements and design systems that meet those requirements. They may also work with hardware and software engineers to implement and maintain systems. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Computer Systems Analyst. Students will learn how to design, develop, and implement computer systems and networks, and they will learn about the different hardware and software that are used in computer systems.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They work with data analysts and other users to gather requirements and design databases that meet those requirements. They also work with software engineers to implement and maintain databases. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Database Administrator. Students will learn how to design, implement, and maintain databases, and they will learn about the different database software and tools that are used in database administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work with network engineers to install and configure network hardware and software, and they may also work with end users to troubleshoot network problems. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Network Administrator. Students will learn how to design, implement, and maintain computer networks, and they will learn about the different network hardware and software that are used in network administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. They work with security engineers to implement and maintain security measures, and they may also work with law enforcement to investigate and respond to security breaches. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as an Information Security Analyst. Students will learn about the different types of security threats and how to protect against them. They will also learn about the different laws and regulations that govern information security.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies and applications. They work with other scientists and engineers to design and build new computer systems and software. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Computer Scientist. Students will learn about the different areas of computer science research, and they will learn about the different tools and techniques that are used in computer science research.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. They work with computer programmers to create and test software, and they may also work with end users to gather feedback and improve software products. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Software Developer. Students will learn how to design, develop, and test software, and they will learn about the different programming languages and tools that are used in software development.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers design, write, and test computer programs. They work with software engineers to develop and maintain software applications and systems. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Computer Programmer. Students will learn how to design, write, and test computer programs, and they will learn about the different programming languages and tools that are used in software development.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. They work with computer programmers to create and test software, and they may also work with end users to gather feedback and improve software products. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Software Engineer. Students will learn how to design, develop, and test software, and they will learn about the different programming languages and tools that are used in software development.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. They work with security engineers to implement and maintain security measures, and they may also work with law enforcement to investigate and respond to security breaches. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Cybersecurity Analyst. Students will learn about the different types of security threats and how to protect against them. They will also learn about the different laws and regulations that govern cybersecurity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. They work with web designers to create the look and feel of a website, and they work with programmers to develop the functionality of a website. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Web Developer. Students will learn how to design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications, and they will learn about the different programming languages and tools that are used in web development.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning models. They work with data scientists to prepare data for machine learning models, and they work with software engineers to implement and maintain machine learning models. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Machine Learning Engineer. Students will learn about the different machine learning algorithms and how to use them to solve problems. They will also learn about the different tools and technologies that are used in machine learning engineering.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, develop, and maintain data pipelines and data warehouses. They work with data analysts and other users to gather requirements and design data pipelines that meet those requirements. They also work with software engineers to implement and maintain data pipelines and data warehouses. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a Data Engineer. Students will learn how to design, develop, and maintain data pipelines and data warehouses, and they will learn about the different tools and technologies that are used in data engineering.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work with software developers and operations engineers to bridge the gap between development and operations. They automate the build, deployment, and testing of software applications, and they work to improve the efficiency and quality of software development and delivery. This course provides a strong foundation in computer science principles that are essential for success as a DevOps Engineer. Students will learn about the different tools and techniques that are used in DevOps, and they will learn how to automate the build, deployment, and testing of software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer