Harvard University is offering free online course on Introduction to Computer Science. Students who earn a satisfactory score on 9 problem sets (i.e., programming assignments) and a final project will receive a certificate from HarvardX.
In this course, students will learn concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. This is a self-paced course–students may take CS50x on their own schedule.
Course At A Glance
Effort: 9 problem sets (10 to 20 hours each), 1 final project
Subject: Computer Science
Institution: Harvard University and edX
Languages: English
Price: Free
Certificate Available: Yes. Add a Verified Certificate for $90
Session: Self-Paced
Providers' Details
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally.
This online platform edX provides online courses from the world's best universities. EdX courses are open to everyone. All applicant need is access to a computer with a current browser, an Internet connection, and, of course, a desire to learn.
Harvard University and HarvardX are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment in our program.
About this course
This is CS50x, Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience. An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Languages include C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML. Problem sets inspired by real-world domains of biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming. As of Fall 2015, the on-campus version of CS50x, CS50, was Harvard's largest course.
Why Take This Course?
Students who earn a satisfactory score on 9 problem sets (i.e., programming assignments) and a final project will receive a certificate from HarvardX.
Learning Outcomes
- A broad and robust understanding of computer science and programming
- How to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently
- Concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development
- Familiarity in a number of languages, including C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML
- How to engage with a vibrant community of like-minded learners from all levels of experience
- How to develop and present a final programming project to their peers
Instructors
David J. Malan
David is Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a Member of the Faculty of Education in the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.
Rob Bowden
Rob is a Doctoral Candidate in Computer Science at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University.
Zamyla Chan
Zamyla is a doctoral candidate in Chemistry and Chemical Biology at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.
Doug Lloyd
Doug is a Senior Preceptor in Computer Science in the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard University.
Requirements
None
How To Join This Course
- Go to the course website link
- Create an edX account to SignUp
- Choose “Register Now” to get started.
- EdX offers honor code certificates of achievement, verified certificates of achievement, and XSeries certificates of achievement. Currently, verified certificates are only available in some courses.
- Once applicant sign up for a course and activate their account, click on the Log In button on the edx.org homepage and type in their email address and edX password. This will take them to the dashboard, with access to each of their active courses. (Before a course begins, it will be listed on their dashboard but will not yet have a “view course” option.)