Introduction to Computer Science

We live in a digital world, and to shape it, you need to understand the systems that power it. This course teaches you not just how computers work, but how they have–and will continue to—evolve. You'll get a taste for coding by building your own website, design AI-powered products, learn how to break down technical problems, and become a wiser digital citizen in the process.

Student smiling while sitting outside, using a laptop.
Syllabus

Course Topics

History of Computing and the Web

What do the apps we use rely upon? The World-Wide-Web was invented in 1989 and by 1994 — “the year of the web” — the web was being widely used and Internet usage was growing by leaps and bounds. The late 1990’s saw the web and Internet used increasingly to revolutionize how business was done. Companies like Amazon, Facebook and TikTok were founded and grew very rapidly.

Building a Website

There’s no better way to understand the workings of the web, internet and applications than by building something yourself! We build a simple website from scratch, customizing it to our own design and use case. No coding experience needed.

Fundamentals of Computer Science

Introduction to core concepts such as algorithms, data structures, and basic programming logic. Students will learn to think like a computer scientist and understand how to break down problems into solvable steps.

Emerging Technologies

The rise of disruptive new technologies such as 5G, quantum computing, cryptography, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping how societies and businesses use the internet and digital technology.

AI in Technology and Society

How AI is currently used in various technologies and industries, its potential future impact on the world and computing, and practical ways to interact with and utilize AI tools. This includes exploring AI applications in areas such as decision-making systems, as well as discussing the ethical considerations and societal implications of widespread AI adoption.

Course Level

100

Skills Covered

  • HyperText Markup Language (HTML)
  • Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Problem Solving
  • Code Review

Common Prerequisites

All courses listed may not be required. Discuss with your advisor to learn more.

  • None

Disclosure

This course is delivered online through an institution of the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC) that is different than your degree-granting institution that awards the academic credit for the course.