Course

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This course serves as an introduction to computer science and programming, specifically tailored for students with minimal or no programming experience. It aims to:

  • Enhance understanding of computation's role in problem-solving.
  • Build confidence in writing small programs to achieve practical goals.
  • Utilize the Python programming language for hands-on learning.

Throughout the course, students will explore various topics from basic concepts to more advanced programming principles, ensuring a comprehensive foundation in computer science.

Course Lectures
  • The first module sets the stage for the course by outlining its goals and introducing key concepts in computation. Students will explore:

    • What computation entails.
    • Basic data types, including integers and strings.
    • The significance of operators and variables in programming.

    This foundational knowledge prepares students for more complex programming concepts.

  • Operators and Operands
    Eric Grimsom

    This module delves into the fundamental components of programming, focusing on:

    • Understanding operators and operands.
    • Creating statements to control program flow.
    • Implementing branching and conditionals for decision-making.
    • Utilizing iteration to execute repetitive tasks.

    By mastering these concepts, students will develop the ability to write functional programs.

  • Common Code Patterns
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on common coding patterns, particularly iterative programs. Students will learn how to:

    • Implement loops to repeat actions.
    • Recognize and apply iterative solutions to problems.
    • Differentiate between various iterative techniques.

    These skills are crucial for efficient programming and problem-solving.

  • This module introduces the concepts of decomposition and abstraction through functions. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the purpose of functions in programming.
    • Creating reusable code through abstraction.
    • Exploring recursion as a method of solving problems.

    Students will gain insights into organizing code effectively for better readability and maintainability.

  • Floating Point Numbers
    Eric Grimsom

    This module covers floating-point numbers and their applications in programming. Students will learn about:

    • The representation of floating-point numbers in Python.
    • Techniques for successive refinement in calculations.
    • Methods for finding roots of equations.

    Understanding floating-point arithmetic is essential for accurate computations in various programming scenarios.

  • Bisection Methods
    Eric Grimsom

    This module introduces students to bisection methods and Newton/Raphson techniques for solving equations. Additionally, students will explore:

    • Basic concepts of lists in Python.
    • The importance of lists for organizing data.
    • Practical applications of bisection methods in programming.

    These methods are vital for numerical analysis and problem-solving in programming.

  • Lists and Mutability
    Eric Grimsom

    This module explores lists and their mutability in Python. Key concepts include:

    • Understanding the mutability of lists and their implications.
    • Introduction to dictionaries and their applications.
    • Basic pseudocode for planning programming tasks.
    • Introduction to efficiency in algorithms.

    Students will learn how to utilize these data structures effectively in their programming projects.

  • Complexity
    Eric Grimsom

    This module covers algorithm complexity, focusing on:

    • Understanding different classes of algorithms: log, linear, quadratic, and exponential.
    • Analyzing the efficiency of algorithms based on their complexity.
    • Identifying the best approach for specific problems.

    Students will gain insights into algorithm performance and its significance in programming.

  • Binary Search
    Eric Grimsom

    This module introduces binary search and sorting algorithms, specifically:

    • The principles of binary search for efficient data retrieval.
    • Implementing bubble sort and selection sort algorithms.
    • Comparing the efficiency of different sorting techniques.

    Understanding these algorithms is crucial for optimizing data processing in programming.

  • This module examines divide and conquer methods in programming. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the divide and conquer strategy.
    • Implementing merge sort for efficient sorting.
    • Handling exceptions in programming for robust code.

    Students will learn how to apply these techniques to solve complex problems effectively.

  • Testing and Debugging
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on testing and debugging practices in programming. Students will learn:

    • The importance of testing code for reliability.
    • Techniques for identifying and fixing bugs in programs.
    • Best practices for maintaining code quality.

    These skills are essential for writing robust and error-free code.

  • Knapsack Problem
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on the knapsack problem, a classic optimization problem. Topics include:

    • Understanding the knapsack problem and its applications.
    • Strategies for debugging algorithms related to this problem.
    • An introduction to dynamic programming as a solution approach.

    Students will learn to apply dynamic programming techniques to solve complex optimization issues.

  • Dynamic Programming
    Eric Grimsom

    This module dives deeper into dynamic programming, focusing on:

    • The concepts of overlapping subproblems and optimal substructure.
    • Strategies for applying dynamic programming to various problems.
    • Real-world applications of dynamic programming techniques.

    Students will gain a thorough understanding of how to approach problems using this powerful method.

  • This module introduces object-oriented programming (OOP) principles. Key topics include:

    • The analysis of the knapsack problem from an OOP perspective.
    • The basics of classes and objects in programming.
    • Understanding encapsulation and its importance in OOP.

    Students will learn how to design and implement programs using OOP techniques.

  • This module delves into abstract data types, classes, and methods. Students will explore:

    • The definition and significance of abstract data types.
    • How to create and use classes and methods in Python.
    • Practical applications of these concepts in programming.

    By understanding these principles, students will be better equipped to design complex data structures.

  • Encapsulation
    Eric Grimsom

    This module focuses on encapsulation, inheritance, and shadowing in object-oriented programming. Key topics include:

    • The concept of encapsulation and its role in data protection.
    • Understanding inheritance and how it promotes code reuse.
    • Exploring shadowing and its implications in programming.

    Students will learn how these principles enhance the design and functionality of their programs.

  • Computational Models
    Eric Grimsom

    This module explores computational models, focusing on random walk simulations. Key topics include:

    • The concept of random walks and their applications in simulation.
    • How to implement random walk simulations in Python.
    • Analyzing the results and implications of the simulations.

    Students will gain practical experience in modeling complex systems through simulations.

  • This module focuses on presenting simulation results using Pylab and plotting techniques. Key topics include:

    • Understanding how to visualize simulation data effectively.
    • Using Pylab for creating plots and graphs.
    • Interpreting simulation results through visual representation.

    Students will learn to communicate their findings clearly using graphical techniques.

  • This module offers an introduction to digital communication within the context of computer science. Key topics include:

    • Overview of the course and its objectives.
    • Discussion of the various roles and responsibilities of computer scientists.
    • Understanding the importance of communication in technology.

    Students will gain insights into the evolving field of digital communication and its implications.

  • Biased Random Walks
    Eric Grimsom

    This module examines biased random walks and their relation to distributions. Key topics include:

    • Understanding biased random walks and their characteristics.
    • Exploring different types of distributions related to random walks.
    • Analyzing the implications of these concepts in various fields.

    Students will learn to model and analyze biased random walks effectively.

  • This module introduces Monte Carlo simulations, focusing on estimating values such as pi. Key topics include:

    • The principles of Monte Carlo simulations and their applications.
    • How to implement Monte Carlo methods in Python.
    • Interpreting results and understanding their significance.

    Students will gain hands-on experience in using Monte Carlo techniques for estimation and simulation.

  • This module focuses on validating simulation results through techniques such as curve fitting and linear regression. Key topics include:

    • The importance of validating simulation outcomes for accuracy.
    • Understanding curve fitting and its applications in data analysis.
    • Implementing linear regression to model relationships between variables.

    Students will learn how to assess and improve their simulation results effectively.

  • This module covers normal, uniform, and exponential distributions, focusing on:

    • The characteristics of different statistical distributions.
    • Common misuses of statistics and their implications.
    • Applications of these distributions in real-world scenarios.

    Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of statistical principles relevant to programming.

  • This module presents a simulation of the stock market, focusing on:

    • The dynamics of stock market behavior through simulation.
    • Implementing algorithms to model stock price movements.
    • Analyzing the results and implications for investment strategies.

    Students will learn to apply programming skills to simulate complex financial systems.