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MITx: Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science

6.00.2x is an introduction to using computation to understand real-world phenomena.

Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
9 weeks
14–16 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
Free
Optional upgrade available

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Started Oct 16
Ends Dec 18
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Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science

About this course

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6.00.2x will teach you how to use computation to accomplish a variety of goals and provides you with a brief introduction to a variety of topics in computational problem solving . This course is aimed at students with some prior programming experience in Python and a rudimentary knowledge of computational complexity. You will spend a considerable amount of time writing programs to implement the concepts covered in the course. For example, you will write a program that will simulate a robot vacuum cleaning a room or will model the population dynamics of viruses replicating and drug treatments in a patient's body.

Topics covered include:

  • Advanced programming in Python 3
  • Knapsack problem, Graphs and graph optimization
  • Dynamic programming
  • Plotting with the pylab package
  • Random walks
  • Probability, Distributions
  • Monte Carlo simulations
  • Curve fitting
  • Statistical fallacies

At a glance

  • Institution: MITx
  • Subject: Computer Science
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites:

    6.00.1x or equivalent (some prior programming experience in Python and a rudimentary knowledge of computational complexity)

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Problem Solving, Data Science, Population Dynamics, Python (Programming Language), Viruses, Computational Thinking

What you'll learn

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  • Plotting with the pylab package
  • Stochastic programming and statistical thinking
  • Monte Carlo simulations

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What type of computing environment do I need for this course?
    • You need to have a computer running one of the following operating systems:
    • Microsoft Windows, version XP or greater (XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7)
    • Apple OSX, version 10.2 or greater
    • Linux - most distributions that have been released within the past two years should work
    • In addition, you will need the ability to download, install, and run software on your computer.
  • Is there a course textbook?
  • What browser should I use?
    • We strongly recommend that you use the Chrome browser while visiting the edX site. This site is optimized for viewing in Chrome.
    • If you cannot use Chrome, you should use the Firefox browser. Be advised you may have trouble with site functionality if you choose to use an alternate browser.
  • What programming language(s) will this course use?
    • 6.00x will be using the Python programming language, version 3.5.
    • You are not expected to have any prior programming knowledge - this course is intended for students who have little to no experience with any programming language.
  • What is the format of the class?
    • The class will consist of lecture videos, which are broken into small chunks, usually between eight and twelve minutes each. Some of these may contain integrated "check-yourself" questions.
    • There will also be programming assignments and standalone exams/quizzes, which are not part of the video lectures.
  • Will the text of the lectures be available?
    • Yes, transcripts of the course will be made available.
  • Do I need to watch the lectures live?
    • No. You can watch the lectures at your leisure - you do not need to watch the lectures at any set time.
  • How much does it cost to take the course?
    • Nothing: the course is free.

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

This course is part of Computational Thinking using Python XSeries Program

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Expert instruction
2 high-quality courses
Instructor-led
Assignments and exams have specific due dates
5 months
14 - 16 hours per week

Ways to take this course

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Certificate

Free

Price

$149 USD

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Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on Dec 18

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Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

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