Category: University

  • Design of Computer Programs

    Design of Computer Programs

    Overview

    Understanding how to approach programming problems and devise a solution is an essential skill for any Python developer. In this course, you’ll learn new concepts, patterns, and methods that will expand your coding abilities from programming expert, Peter Norvig.

    Syllabus

    • Winning Poker Hands
      • Steps of the design process and developing for clarity and generality.,Arguments for program correctness and experimentation and simulation.,Design tradeoffs; Simplicity and Clarity. Decomposition and composability.
    • Back of the Envelope
      • Back of envelope calculations: When to use brute force and when to be clever.,The Zebra puzzle: Generator expressions, Permutations and combinations.,Cryptarithmetic; Recursive and wishful thinking; Longest palindrome substring algorithm.
    • Regular Expressions, other languages and interpreters
      • Defining the language of regular expressions and Interpreting the language.,Defining the set of strings matched by a regular expression,Other languages.
    • Dealing with complexity through search
      • Search: finding your way with a flashlight or boat.,Analyzing the efficiency of an algorithm.,Recurrence relations and Matching data types with algorithms.
    • Dealing with uncertainty through probability
      • Probability: the game of Pig.,Maximizing expected utility to optimize strategy.
    • Word Games
      • Managing complexity.,Large sets of words.,Appropriate data structures.
    • Conclusion
      • Interviews and practice exam.




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  • Statistics

    Statistics

    Overview

    NOTE: This course has been divided into two courses: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics. If you are new to statistics, we recommend taking these courses instead.

    We live in a time of unprecedented access to information…data. Whether researching the best school, job, or relationship, the Internet has thrown open the doors to vast pools of data. Statistics are simply objective and systematic methods for describing and interpreting information so that you may make the most informed decisions about life.

    Syllabus

    • Introduction to Statistics and Methods
      • Intro to statistical research methods,Frequency Distributions & Visualizing data
    • Describing Data
      • Central Tendency,Variability
    • Normal Distribution Analysis
      • Standardized Scores (z-scores),Probability and the Normal Distribution,Sampling Distributions
    • Foundations of Inferential Statistics
      • Estimation,Hypothesis Testing
    • Comparing Means
      • t-tests,One-way ANOVA
    • Correlation, Regression, and Non-Parametrics
      • Correlation,Regression,Chi-Squared Tests




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  • RICEx: Electricity and Magnetism, Part 1

    RICEx: Electricity and Magnetism, Part 1

    PHYS 102.1x serves as an introduction to charge, the electric field, the electric potential, current, resistance, and DC circuits with resistors and capacitors.

    PHYS 102.1x serves as an introduction to electricity and magnetism, following the standard second semester college physics sequence. Part 1 begins with electric charge in matter, the forces between charges, the electric field, Gauss’s Law, and the electric potential. Electric current and resistance are introduced, and then DC circuits are described, including time-dependent behavior with resistors and capacitors. PHYS 102.1x consists of 5 weekly learning sequences, each with ~1.5 hours of video lectures, conceptual lecture problems, and online homework questions. The course concludes with an online exam during the 6th week.

    What are the prerequisites?
    We will assume that you are familiar with vectors, that you know how to calculate integrals, and that you have had introductory mechanics. These topics will be briefly reviewed as needed, but not in a systematic way. If you have not had classes in these topics it may be possible to complete the course with extra study.

    What textbook is required?
    The course will not strictly follow or make assignments from a specific textbook. Any recent freshman physics textbook will suffice. Reading assignments will be given by topic, including links to several free online physics textbooks.




     

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  • StanfordOnline: How to Learn Math: For Students

    StanfordOnline: How to Learn Math: For Students

    How to Learn Math is a free self-paced class for learners of all levels of mathematics. It combines important information on the brain with new evidence on the best ways to approach math effectively. Many people have had negative experiences with math. This class will give learners of math the information to become powerful math learners, correct any misconceptions about what math is, and will teach them about their own potential to succeed.

    About this course

    How to Learn Math is a free self-paced class for learners of all levels of mathematics. It combines really important information on the brain and learning with new evidence on the best ways to approach and learn math effectively. Many people have had negative experiences with math, and end up disliking math or failing. This class will give learners of math the information they need to become powerful math learners, it will correct any misconceptions they have about what math is, and it will teach them about their own potential to succeed and the strategies needed to approach math effectively. If you have had past negative experiences with math this will help change your relationship to one that is positive and powerful. The course will feature Jo and a team of undergraduates, as well as videos of math in action – in dance, juggling, snowflakes, soccer and many other applications. It is designed with a pedagogy of active engagement. The course is planned to remain available indefinitely.




     

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  • GeorgetownX: Globalization’s Winners and Losers: Challenges for Developed and Developing Countries

    GeorgetownX: Globalization’s Winners and Losers: Challenges for Developed and Developing Countries

    Who are the winners and losers of globalization? What should be done to improve outcomes for all?

    This course will examine how the spread of trade, investment, and technology across borders affects firms, workers, and communities in developed and developing countries. It investigates who gains from globalization and who is hurt or disadvantaged by globalization. Global experts from public and private sectors share insights on current trends and challenges. Course participants will develop their global acumen and will learn about issues faced by leaders in today’s international business and public policy environment.

    What you’ll learn
    Skip What you’ll learn
    The course will explore difficult questions such as:

    How can developing countries avoid the “resource curse”?
    What are some possible methods to deal with possible “sweatshop” abuses?
    How can emerging market economies take advantage of supply chains from local firms into developed country markets?
    How might globalization contribute to wage inequality in developed countries?
    Should developed countries protect or promote manufacturing jobs?
    Is China becoming an economic “superpower”?
    Is the United States in economic decline?
    The course concludes by allowing the participant to decide how to resolve the US budget deficit, and reform Social Security, so as to keep the United States competitive in the world economy.




     

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  • GeorgetownX: Introduction to Bioethics

    GeorgetownX: Introduction to Bioethics

    Should we clone humans? What should we think of the coming genetic revolution? How much control should we have over how and when we die? When does medical treatment turn into medical enhancement — and should we care? Is rationing health care good, bad, necessary — or all of the above?

    This course will explore fundamental moral issues that arise in medicine, health, and biotechnology. Some are as old as life itself: the vulnerability of illness, the fact of death. Some are new, brought on by a dizzying pace of technology that can unsettle our core ideas about human nature and our place in the world. And nearly all intersect with issues of racial and gender equality, as well as policies affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations.

    Designed to introduce students to the range of issues that define bioethics, together with core concepts and skills, this course should be of interest to undergraduates, health care professionals, policy makers, and anyone interested in philosophy or ethics.

    Before your course starts, try the new edX Demo where you can explore the fun, interactive learning environment and virtual labs. Learn more.

    Note :Please be aware that the content in this Bioethics course has not been updated since Summer 2017. New developments in the field of bioethics and in law have occurredbut are not reflected in the course.




     

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  • Solar Energy

    Solar Energy

    Overview
    This course has been retired and transitioned into the _ Professional Certificate in Solar Energy _

    ===

    In the third edition of Solar Energy, you will learn to design a complete photovoltaic system. This course introduces the technology that converts solar energy into electricity, heat and solar fuels with a main focus on electricity generation. Photovoltaic (PV) devices are presented as advanced semiconductor devices that deliver electricity directly from sunlight. The emphasis is on understanding the working principle of a solar cell, fabrication of solar cells, PV module construction and the design of a PV system. You will gain a greater understanding of the principles of the photovoltaic conversion— the conversion of light into electricity. This course explores the advantages, limitations and challenges of different solar cell technologies, such as crystalline silicon solar cell technology, thin film solar cell technologies and the latest novel solar cell concepts as studied on lab-scale. We will discuss the specifications of solar modules and demonstrate how to design a complete solar system for any particular application.

    Education Method

    The class will consist of a collection of eight to twelve minute lecture videos, exercises, assignments and exams. Specified assignments and the three exams will determine the final grade. The new textbook on “Solar Energy, basics, technology and systems” from the Delft University of Technology will be available for the students on-line and free of charge. Your course staff will encourage and challenge you to learn from, and interact with, your fellow students by helping each other and sharing ideas and best practices, in the course forum. We were happy to see the incredible number of interesting student videos on solar energy systems from all over the world in the previous edition of this course.

    Professor Smets was the first ever recipient of the edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions to Online Teaching and Learning. His previous online courses attracted over 150,000 students worldwide, who were inspired to take their first steps in the transition to renewable energy.

    Syllabus
    Week 1
    Introduction to Solar Energy (Assignment 1)

    Week 2
    Working Principle of a Semiconductor based Solar Cell (Assignment 2)

    Week 3
    Solar Cell Operation, Performance and Design Rules (Exam 1)

    Week 4
    PV technology Based on Crystalline Silicon Wafers (Assignment 3)

    Week 5
    Thin-Film PV technologies (Assignment 4)

    Week 6
    Third Generation PV and Other Ways to Utilize Solar Energy (Exam 2)

    Week 7
    PV Systems-Components and Concepts (Assignment 5)

    Week 8
    PV Systems- Application and Design (Exam 3)




     

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  • Computer Graphics

    Computer Graphics

    Today, computer graphics is a central part of our lives, in movies, games, computer-aided design, virtual simulators, visualization and even imaging products and cameras. This course teaches the basics of computer graphics that apply to all of these domains.

    Students will learn to create computer-generated images of 3D scenes, including flybys of objects, make a real-time scene viewer, and create very realistic images with raytracing. We will start with a simple example of viewing a teapot from anywhere in space, understanding the basic mathematics of virtual camera placement. Next, you will learn how to use real-time graphics programming languages like OpenGL and GLSL to create your own scene viewer, enabling you to fly around and manipulate 3D scenes. Finally, we will teach you to create highly realistic images with reflections and shadows using raytracing.CSE167x teaches the foundations of computer graphics.

    This course runs for 6 weeks and consists of four segments. Each segment includes an individual programming assignment:

    Overview and Basic Math (Homework 0: 10% of grade)
    Transformations (Homework 1: 20% of grade)
    OpenGL and Lighting (Homework 2: 35% of grade)
    Raytracing (Homework 3: 35% of grade)
    This term, students who earn a total score of 50% or greater will have passed the course and may obtain a certificate from UC San DiegoX.

    FAQ

    What is the format of the class?

    The class will consist of lecture videos, brief exercises, and homework assignments. Each of the four segments of the course will have 2-3 lectures. Each lecture includes 3-5 lecture videos, which last between 10 and 20 minutes. There will be a brief exercise after each lecture video to help you test your understanding of the material.

    Your score will be determined entirely by programming assignments for which you will receive immediate autograder feedback. You may submit your assignment to the autograder multiple times; only your last submission will count.

    Programming projects are to be implemented individually without copying code from other students, largely identical online resources, or previous instances of the class. However, short of posting or sharing actual explicit code, you are encouraged to collaborate and discuss problems in the discussion forums.

    Will the text of the lectures be available?

    Yes. All of our lectures will have transcripts synced to the videos.

    Do I need to watch the lectures live?

    No. You can watch the lectures at your leisure. You can “work ahead” if you want to move faster than the due dates. Conversely, you can progress at a slower pace. Please note that certificates will only be awarded to students who obtain the requisite score by turning in assignments by the established deadlines.

    How much does it cost to take the course?

    Nothing: the course is free. If you expect to be doing a lot of graphics programming in the future, we would recommend the OpenGL and GLSL programming guides, but it is by no means required to purchase them. There are many free online resources for these topics, and we will be posting links to them.

    What computer system do I need for the course?

    The course material involves C++/OpenGL/GLSL programming that is portable. We provide skeleton code for all major platforms (Windows, Mac OS, Linux). This is a modern course involving programmable shaders, but any machine built in the last few years should be adequate. We provide many compilation hints and tips, and Homework 0 is to ensure you can compile and work with the autograder. You do need some kind of C++ development environment; we provide several resources to get you started for Homework 0. In the highly unlikely event you cannot get your machine to work, you will hopefully have adequate time to find another system.

    Will I learn Maya/DirectX/3D Studio Max etc.?

    This is a course on the foundations of computer graphics and covers concepts, not the intricacies of a particular software package. That said, you will be able to write complex interactive and offline 3D graphics programs at the end of the course in C++, OpenGL and GLSL.

    Can I contact the Instructor or Teaching Assistants?

    Yes, but not directly. The discussion forums are the appropriate venue for questions about the course. The instructors will monitor the discussion forums and try to respond to the most important questions; in many cases response from other students and peers will be adequate and faster.

    I have a disability (visual/hearing etc.) Can I take the course?

    In most cases, yes. We provide transcripts for all lectures. Many leading computer graphics researchers have had visual impairments like color-blindness. However, this being a computer graphics course that relies on visual image comparisons, we probably cannot provide adequate support for those who are legally blind.

    I have a busy schedule this fall. Can I still take the course?

    The course does require about 12 hours per week of work, and the assignments (where you are given two weeks) require the time. Certificates of achievement require a passing score. Of course, you are welcome to just go through the lectures or attempt some of the assignments if you are not interested in a certificate; we hope to provide something for everyone.




     

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  • Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life

    Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life

    Read fully to understand the verified-certificate option. Join Professor Eric Lander and the MITx Biology team in an exciting learning experience available for free to all enrolled learners. The 7.00x Introductory Biology course materials are available for exploration and completion by registering as an auditor or verified-track learner, including videos, test yourself questions, and interactive problem sets. We strongly encourage you to work through the activities, towards a goal of learning biology.

    We have optimized the course settings for learning: instant correctness feedback after trying formative assessment problems and all content available at all times for self-paced progress. We offer a thorough and robust means of certifying learners in their mastery of the MITx introductory biology content, through the MITx 7.00x Introduction to Biology Competency Exam. This challenging option is available only to those who register for the verified-certificate track, and successful completion of this exam is the major assessment that counts toward a certificate.

    We recommend preparing for the Competency Exam certification using current course materials and MIT OpenCourseWare problems. The Competency Exam is offered during the last week of every course run.

    7.00x is an introductory level biology course hosted by professor Eric Lander, who was one of the leaders of the Human Genome Project. The course content reflects the topics taught in the MIT introductory biology courses and many biology courses across the world. As a learner, you will first focus on the structure and function of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

    You will discover how changes in the structure of some of these macromolecules alter their functions and what the implications of such changes have on human health. As you continue in the course, you will apply an understanding of heredity and information flow within cells to human health and disease and will learn about molecular biological techniques and their potential to impact our changing world.

    After you complete this course, you will have a foundation in biology that will allow you to understand the remarkable medical revolution going on today.

    MITx 7.00x: Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life will let you explore the mysteries of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology and genomics, and rational medicine. Good luck in your journey!




     

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  • The Ancient Greek Hero

    The Ancient Greek Hero

    Explore what it means to be human today by studying what it meant to be a hero in ancient Greek times.

    In this introduction to ancient Greek culture and literature, learners will experience, in English translation, some of the most beautiful works of ancient Greek literature and song-making spanning over a thousand years from the 8th century BCE through the 3rd century CE: the Homeric Iliad and Odyssey ; tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides; songs of Sappho and Pindar; dialogues of Plato, and On Heroes by Philostratus. All of the resources are free and designed to be equally accessible and transformative for a wide audience.

    You will gain access to a supportive learning community led by Professor Gregory Nagy and his Board of Readers, who model techniques for “reading out” of ancient texts. This approach allows readers with little or even no experience in the subject matter to begin seeing this literature as an exquisite, perfected system of communication.

    No previous knowledge of Greek history, literature, or language is required. This is a project for students of any age, culture, and geographic location, and its profoundly humanistic message can be easily received without previous acquaintance with Western Classical literature.




     

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