onlincourse

Mathematics for Computer Science: Essential Skills

Gain confidence in key mathematics skills needed to study computer science, including Venn diagrams, linear and quadratic equations, and set theory notation, on this course from the University of Hull

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

3 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

Learn more

Established

1927

World ranking

Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

Gain confidence in mathematics to kickstart your career in computer science

If you are approaching or considering degree-level study in computer science, you may wish to strengthen your understanding of key mathematical techniques.

This course from the University of Hull is designed to refresh or equip you with knowledge of the foundational concepts of mathematics for computer science

It assumes no prior mathematical knowledge, so provides a gentle introduction to potentially daunting mathematical skills. Irrespective of academic background or prior attainment, this mathematics bridging course can help you realise your ambition of studying computer science.

Gain confidence in foundational mathematics for computer science

This course will cover some of the key mathematical concepts needed for computer science.

Topics covered include drawing and interpreting Venn diagrams of set relations and operations, algebra techniques, using set theory notation to find subsets and complements, and more.

Equipped with these skills, you’ll be capable of approaching your degree or equivalent study in computer science with assurance.

Week 1
Week 1 Venn Diagrams & Set Theory
- Introduction to the course
  An overview of what we'll be looking at in this course.
- Introduction to Venn Diagrams & Set Theory
  John Venn was a mathematician born in Hull. He is famous for inventing the Venn diagram, used in set theory, probability, logic and computer science. Here at the University of Hull we have the Venn building named in his honour.
- Set theory and Venn diagrams
  Set theory is a useful tool for formalising and reasoning about computation and the objects of computation. Set Theory is indivisible from Logic where Computer Science has its roots.
- Summary
  A review of the week
Week 2
Week 2 Algebra Techniques
- Introduction to the week
  An introduction to the week, introducing the core concepts of algebra.
- Introduction to algebra
  Algebra is used in computer science in the development of algorithms and software for working with mathematical objects. It is used to design formulas that are used in numerical programs and for complete scientific computations.
- Simultaneous linear equations
  Simultaneous linear equations
- Quadratic equations
  Quadratic equations
Week 3
Week 3 Vectors & Matrices
- Introduction
  This week we'll be looking at vectors and matrices.
- Working with vectors
  Vectors are essential in graphics programming. They can also be used as a data structure to store values or as functions to map one value to another.
- Matrices
  Matrices are used in Computer Science for 3-D computer graphics, transforming points so you know where to place them on a screen. They can also be used to provide quick approximations of complex calculations.
- Inverting matrices
  Inverting matrices
- Quiz
  A quick quiz to test your understanding of the last 3 weeks