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Many of us were taught growing up that having an education was a privilege, and that's true. But times are changing, and with the increased use of technology, there is a growing need for professionals with these unique technical skills.
If you are interested in the world of technology but are hesitant to jump in because you are not sure if it is right for you, then this blog is for you. Here is a list of free courses that will help you gain basic knowledge in computer science.
Computer Science: Programming with a purpose
Link: Computer Science: Programming with a purpose
Over the last millennium, the foundations of education have shifted from “read, write, calculate” to “read, write, compute.” Learning how to program is an important part of education, so beginners need to understand the essentials of computer science.
In this course, in 4 weeks, you will learn the first half of our book “Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach” (you will learn the second half in our Coursera course “Computer Science: Algorithms, Theories, Machines”). The course starts by introducing basic programming elements like variables, conditionals, loops, arrays, and I/O, then explains functions, and introduces important concepts like recursion, modular programming, and code reuse. And that's not all – you'll go a little deeper into object-oriented programming and learn to solve computational problems using the Java programming language.
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theories, Machines
Link: Computer Science: Algorithms, Theories, Machines
Once you have mastered the basics, your next goal is to gain a deeper understanding of algorithms and their theory, and machines as a whole. This course consists of 11 modules, where you will learn classical algorithms, along with the scientific method for evaluating performance, and classical theoretical models that can answer fundamental questions about computation (computability, universality, intractability, etc.). Finally, once you understand these modules, you will learn machine architecture (including how it relates to machine programming and coding in Java) and logic design (including a complete CPU design built from scratch).
Data Science Mathematical Skills
Link: Data Science Math Skills
When it comes to Computer Science, many people underestimate the need to learn Math. Some say it's a must, others say it's not necessary. Personally, I don't think it hurts to learn something to improve your understanding. But the fact is that Data Science does include Math. In this course, you will learn the basic Math you need to be a successful Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Software Engineer.
You will learn set theory, including Venn diagrams, properties of the real line, interval notation, algebra with inequalities, and the use of sum and sigma notation. You will also delve into probability theory, including exponential, logarithmic, and natural logarithm functions, and Bayes' Theorem.
Learn to Program: The Basics
Link: Learn to Program: The Basics
Learning a programming language means literally learning a new language. This may sound very daunting, but not if you are learning Python. Python is one of the most popular programming languages due to its simplicity. So, why not start by learning Python?
This course will teach you everything about Python, from variables and functions to tuples and dictionaries. This course will teach you the basic building blocks of programming in a fun and informative way. You will become a beginner Python specialist in under 4 weeks.
summary
Learning shouldn't be so expensive, especially if you're a beginner. With so many free resources out there, it can be very difficult to decide which one to choose. This is where KDnuggets comes to the rescue. We provide you with great learning resources to help you succeed in your learning journey and land your dream job.
Nisha Arya Nisha is a Data Scientist, Freelance Technical Writer, Editor & Community Manager at KDnuggets. She is particularly interested in providing data science career advice, tutorials and theory-based knowledge on data science. Nisha covers a wide range of topics and loves to explore the different ways in which artificial intelligence can help extend human lifespan. An avid learner, Nisha hopes to mentor others while expanding her technical knowledge and writing skills.