A First Byte of Computer Science

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Computing is Everywhere!

From fridges to bridges, from stoves to gloves - today's devices are all interconnected and use their resources to help us thrive in an information-driven society. CPS 101 is an introductory course - you do not need any prerequisites, other than an inquisitive mindset, a computer with Internet access, and the Chrome browser installed.

In this course, you will become familiar with the programmable world around you with a variety of examples and exercises that follow the scientific method and are based on sensing the environment, processing sampled data, and drawing conclusions through programming the Micro:Bit device (we use v2 for twice the fun).

The STEM fields all include more and more computing-centric tasks, and this course will show you some of the many advantages of using high level programming in your future discipline as well as the limitations that arise from observing natural phenomenon and their subsequent processing. Are you more the artsy type? How about embedding some interactive tasks in your next art design or bringing your fashion designs to life?

No matter where your future journey will lead you, chances are that you will not escape some form of computing in your education and future career. This course will prepare you for what's ahead.

Course Details

Course Outline

A gentle introduction into general and scientific computing.

(While having fun doing unscientific things!)

Visual Programming

Visually design your programs using drag & drop.

Scientific Method

Learn how to use programs to test your hypotheses!

Interpret Data

See if the data you get is the data you need!

Plug and Play

Connect your device and yourself to other students and the world!

Online

This course is online!

Grades

Hands-on parts 60%
Quizzes/exams 40%

Week 1

Introduction to CS and the Scientific Method

This initial course module will introduce you to the scientific method and how computing has permeated dfiferent disciplines today.

Week 2-3

Input/Computing/Output

We continue from the first high-level view to a more detailed one, with a focus on getting to know how input is processed and output generated with the help of the MicroBit.

Week 4-5

Boundaries of granularity and impacts on performance of individual systems

For computing in a scientific context, it is important to have an understanding of data is gathered and how that process impacts our results. Who is ready to test an hypothesis with experiments?

Week 6-7

From individual to networked systems, introduction to wired/wireless communications, the Internet

Computing devices by themselves are lonely. We have a 10,000 feet view on how they communicate with one another and how the Internet is formed. We also will see how to do that with our own devices.

Week 8-9

The World Wide Web

While we use it all the time (hey, you are by looking at this site!), the www is a part of the Internet. We will ahve a glance at connecting our computing devices to the 'web.

Week 10-13

The Internet of Everything

Aahh. Machine overlords brewing fresh coffee. Or tea, who are we to judge. But, maybe we just look at connecting the next 12 billion devices to make everyday smart.

Week 14-15

Project work: build a distributed system

All your prior training led you here. Build your own system showing everything you learned. Time for insporational quotes. Or just: "This is the way."

Anything else?

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