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Computer Science 101

Nick Parlante

4.3

Based on 3 ratings

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Nick Parlante

CS101 is a self-paced course that teaches the essential ideas of Computer Science for a zero-prior-experience audience. Computers can appear very complicated, but in reality, computers work within just a few, simple patterns. CS101 demystifies and brings those patterns to life, which is useful for anyone using computers today.

In CS101, participants play and experiment with short bits of "computer code" to bring to life to the power and limitations of computers. Everything works within the browser, so there is no extra software to download or install. CS101 also provides a general background on computers today: what is a computer, what is hardware, what is software, what is the internet. Anyone who has the ability to use a web browser may be successful in this course. No previous computer science experience is required.

What you'll learn

The nature of computers and code, what they can and cannot do
How computer hardware works: chips, cpu, memory, disk
Necessary jargon: bits, bytes, megabytes, gigabytes
How software works: what is a program, what is "running"
How digital images work
Computer code: loops and logic
Big ideas: abstraction, logic, bugs
How structured data works
How the internet works: ip address, routing, ethernet, wi-fi
Computer security: viruses, trojans, and passwords, oh my!
Analog vs. digital
Digital media, images, sounds, video, compression

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What's inside

Learning objectives

The nature of computers and code, what they can and cannot do
How computer hardware works: chips, cpu, memory, disk
Necessary jargon: bits, bytes, megabytes, gigabytes
How software works: what is a program, what is "running"
How digital images work
Computer code: loops and logic

Big ideas: abstraction, logic, bugs
How structured data works
How the internet works: ip address, routing, ethernet, wi-fi
Computer security: viruses, trojans, and passwords, oh my!
Analog vs. digital
Digital media, images, sounds, video, compression

The nature of computers and code, what they can and cannot do
How computer hardware works: chips, cpu, memory, disk
Necessary jargon: bits, bytes, megabytes, gigabytes
How software works: what is a program, what is "running"
How digital images work
Computer code: loops and logic
Big ideas: abstraction, logic, bugs
How structured data works
How the internet works: ip address, routing, ethernet, wi-fi
Computer security: viruses, trojans, and passwords, oh my!
Analog vs. digital
Digital media, images, sounds, video, compression

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for professionals at the start of their career

Appropriate for learners who want to career-change to tech

Appropriate for learners who are curious about technology

Introduces essential computer science concepts with clear and engaging visuals

Offers a conversational and approachable tone

Self-paced and interactive learning environment

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Reviews summary

Accessible computer science fundamentals for beginners

According to students, Computer Science 101 is a largely positive and highly effective introduction for individuals with zero prior experience. Learners commend the course for its incredibly clear explanations and ability to demystify complex concepts. The hands-on activities and in-browser coding exercises are frequently highlighted as beneficial for solidifying understanding without setup hassle. While offering a broad foundational coverage from hardware to internet basics, some with minimal prior tech knowledge found it too superficial in certain areas, particularly regarding programming depth. It's universally praised for its self-paced format and suitability for absolute novices.

Provides a comprehensive overview of core computer science topics.

"The content covers a wide range of topics, from hardware to software and networking."

"It provides a broad brushstroke of CS topics. The 'jargon' explanation was super useful."

"I now understand terms like 'IP address' and 'algorithms' much better."

"It's a great starting point for anyone curious about how computers actually function."

Interactive coding and practical exercises greatly aid concept mastery.

"The in-browser coding exercises were brilliant – they really helped solidify the concepts without any setup hassle."

"The hands-on activities were very helpful and the 'big ideas' like abstraction really clicked for me."

"I appreciate that everything ran in the browser. No software installation needed was a major convenience."

"The interactive labs are a huge plus. I felt truly empowered after taking this course."

Truly caters to those with zero prior experience in computer science.

"As someone with no prior CS background, I found the lectures incredibly clear and easy to follow. Highly recommend for true beginners!"

"It truly is for 'zero-prior-experience'. A solid introduction to computer science."

"Absolutely brilliant! If you're a complete novice, this is the best place to start."

"Perfect for me, a complete beginner in tech. It’s exactly what I needed to understand the basics."

Complex concepts are explained in an incredibly easy-to-understand way.

"I found the lectures incredibly clear and easy to follow. The in-browser coding exercises were brilliant…"

"The instructor explains complex ideas in a very approachable way. Overall, a fantastic foundation."

"The explanations are incredibly clear, and the interactive elements make learning fun. I now understand terms much better."

"The way they explain 'bits and bytes' and CPU/memory is very intuitive. The security module was particularly interesting."

May be too superficial for learners with some existing tech knowledge.

"I felt it was a bit too superficial in areas. I was hoping for more depth on programming concepts beyond simple loops."

"For someone looking to get into coding, this is just the very first step, not comprehensive enough."

"I found this course somewhat basic, even for a '101'. I expected a bit more substance."

"The 'computer code' sections were extremely brief. Not what I hoped for."

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 Computer Science 101 with these activities:

Tutorial: Introduction to the Python Programming Language

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Develop a solid understanding of Python for this course, covering basic syntax, data types, and control flow.

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Enroll in online courses or consult documentation to learn Python basics.
Practice writing and executing simple Python programs.

Study: 'Head First Java, 2nd Edition' by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates

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Enhance your understanding of Java, including object-oriented programming concepts, data structures, and algorithms, to complement the course material.

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Allocate time for regular reading and note-taking.
Complete the exercises and examples provided in the book.

Review Data Representations

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Review the fundamental data representations that you will use to represent code and data during this course to ensure a solid foundation.

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Refer to your notes or textbooks to refresh concepts about bits, bytes, and binary representations.

Six other activities

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Practice Code Evaluation

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Evaluate code snippets and run tests on small code problems to reinforce the process of translating code into computer instructions.

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Use online coding platforms to solve beginner-level coding problems.

Participate in Code Review Sessions

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Engage in code review sessions with peers to enhance coding skills, identify and correct errors, and learn from different perspectives.

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Organize study groups with other learners in the course.
Share your code with peers for review and feedback.
Review and provide feedback on the code of other participants.

Practice Logical Reasoning

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Solve problems that require logical reasoning and deductive thinking. This skill is essential for understanding the flow of code and debugging complex codebases.

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Enroll in online courses or purchase books that provide logical reasoning puzzles and exercises.
Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to logical reasoning and critical thinking.

Create Visual Explanations

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Create visual representations of complex concepts, such as algorithms or data structures, to enhance understanding and retention.

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Use online tools or software to create diagrams, flowcharts, or mind maps.
Present your visual explanations to a friend, family member, or online community for feedback.

Project: Develop a Simple Website

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Apply your knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a functional website, demonstrating your understanding of web development concepts.

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Plan and design the website, including its layout and content.
Code the website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Test and debug the website to ensure it functions properly.
Deploy the website to a hosting platform.

Participate in Coding Competitions

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Challenge yourself in coding competitions to apply your skills, learn from others, and gain recognition for your problem-solving abilities.

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Identify online coding competition platforms that align with your skill level.
Practice solving coding problems regularly.
Participate in competitions and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Computer Science 101 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. They develop new theories and algorithms and design and implement new computer systems. This course provides a foundation in computer science, including the nature of computers and code and how computer hardware and software work. This knowledge can be helpful for Computer and Information Research Scientists who need to understand the underlying principles of computer science and how to apply them to new problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware components, such as processors, memory, and storage devices. They also work on the integration of hardware components into computer systems. This course provides a foundation in computer hardware, including how chips, CPUs, memory, and disk drives work. This knowledge can be helpful for Computer Hardware Engineers who need to understand the underlying hardware of the systems they design and develop.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers teach computer science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop and implement lesson plans, teach students about computer science concepts, and help students to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This course provides a foundation in computer science, including the nature of computers and code and how computer hardware and software work. This knowledge can be helpful for Computer Science Teachers who need to understand the underlying principles of computer science and how to teach them to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work on a variety of website projects, from small personal websites to large enterprise websites. This course provides a foundation in computer software, including how programs work and what "running" means. This knowledge can be helpful for Web Developers who need to understand the software development process and how to create efficient and reliable websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Software Engineer

Computer Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work on a variety of software projects, from small personal applications to large enterprise systems. This course provides a foundation in computer software, including how programs work and what "running" means. This knowledge can be helpful for Computer Software Engineers who need to understand the software development process and how to create efficient and reliable software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Software Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work on a variety of software projects, from small personal applications to large enterprise systems. This course provides a foundation in computer software, including how programs work and what "running" means. This knowledge can be helpful for Software Developers who need to understand the software development process and how to create efficient and reliable software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from data. This course provides a foundation in computer science, including how to work with structured data and how to use computer code to analyze data. This knowledge can be helpful for Data Scientists who need to understand the underlying principles of data science and how to apply them to business problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, implement, and manage information technology (IT) systems for organizations. They work with business leaders to understand their business needs and then design and implement systems that meet those needs. This course provides a foundation in computer systems, including how the internet works and how to secure computer systems. This knowledge can be helpful for IT Managers who need to understand the different components of IT systems and how to integrate them into a cohesive system.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design and implement systems that meet those needs. This course provides a foundation in computer systems, including how the internet works and how to secure computer systems. This knowledge can be helpful for Computer Systems Analysts who need to understand the different components of computer systems and how to integrate them into a cohesive system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and manage information systems for organizations. They work with business leaders to understand their business needs and then design and implement systems that meet those needs. This course provides a foundation in computer systems, including how the internet works and how to secure computer systems. This knowledge can be helpful for Information Systems Managers who need to understand the different components of computer systems and how to integrate them into a cohesive system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Manager

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are available, reliable, and secure. This course provides a foundation in computer networks, including how the internet works and how to configure and manage networks. This knowledge can be helpful for Network Administrators who need to understand the different components of networks and how to manage them effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. They also respond to security breaches and incidents. This course provides a foundation in computer security, including how to protect against viruses, trojans, and other threats. This knowledge can be helpful for Information Security Analysts who need to understand the different types of security threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, technical reports, and white papers. They work with engineers and other technical experts to gather information and then write clear and concise documentation that can be understood by non-technical readers. This course provides a foundation in computer science, including the nature of computers and code and how computer hardware and software work. This knowledge can be helpful for Technical Writers who need to understand the underlying principles of computer science and how to write about them clearly and concisely.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are available, reliable, and secure. This course provides a foundation in structured data, including how to create and manage databases. This knowledge can be helpful for Database Administrators who need to understand the different types of databases and how to manage them effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers design and evaluate user interfaces for websites, apps, and other products. They work with users to understand their needs and then design interfaces that are easy to use and navigate. This course provides a foundation in computer science, including how computer code works and how to create digital images. This knowledge can be helpful for UX Designers who need to understand the underlying principles of computer science and how to apply them to the design of user interfaces.

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Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Computer Science 101.

Introduction to the Theory of Computation

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This textbook provides a rigorous introduction to the theory of computation, covering topics such as automata, Turing machines, computability, and complexity. It foundational book for students interested in theoretical computer science.

Computer Science 101

What you'll learn

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Accessible computer science fundamentals for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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