EdX

How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation (edX)

How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation (edX)

Explore the fundamentals of computing: computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits & more. On this course, you’ll gain an understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You'll explore system architecture, along with how computers use binary and logic. Once you’ve examined the von Neumann model of computer architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle, you'll learn to build a range of simple circuits for maths, and then simulate various logic gates.
Ultimately you’ll complete the course with an understanding of the processes that underpin every modern computer – from supercomputers to smartphones, and everything in between.

What you'll learn
Over the following four weeks, you will:

  • Explain how transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates
  • Produce truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
  • Explain how computers use binary arithmetic
  • Describe how logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
  • Describe Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle

Syllabus

This course will cover:

  • How computers use binary arithmetic
  • How transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates
  • Creating truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
  • How logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
  • Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Teaching with Physical Computing: Introduction to Project-Based Learning (edX) EdX
Arm Education,ArmEducationX

Teaching with Physical Computing: Introduction to Project-Based Learning (edX)

This course introduces the fundamental concepts underpinning Project-Based Learning, and how you can apply it with programmable devices to bring STEM & Computing to life in the classroom. Arm’s first professional development course introduces you to the core elements of physical computing. This includes common Arm-based hardware platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi and micro:bit, as well as the learning theories and concepts that underpin a Project-Based Learning pedagogy. The course helps you transform your approach to teaching Computer Science in the classroom, sharing best practice and practical guides to give all learners the opportunity to develop and practice a broad range of STEM skills.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Computing in Python II: Control Structures (edX) EdX
Georgia Institute of Technology,GTx

Computing in Python II: Control Structures (edX)

Learn about control structures, one of the most powerful parts of programming. This course covers conditionals, loops, functions, and error handling, specifically in Python but with broader applicability to other languages as well. Building on your prior knowledge of variables and operators, this course gets into the meat of programming. Organized into five chapters, this course starts by covering the fundamentals of what control structures are and what they do, then moves on to four common control structures in Python.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (edX) EdX
Tokyo Institute of Technology,TokyoTechX

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (edX)

The term “Computation” refers to the action performed by a computer. A computation can be a basic operation and it can also be a sophisticated computer simultation requiring a large amount of data and substantial resources. This course aims at introducing learners with no prior knowledge to basics and key concepts of computer science. By following the lectures and exercises of this course you will have an understanding of algorithms and you will get a real experience of programming using the language Ruby.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Computing: Art, Magic, Science (edX) EdX
ETH Zurich,ETHx

Computing: Art, Magic, Science (edX)

Learn the basics of Information Technology and how to write quality programs in this introductory computer science course. Information Technology (IT) is everywhere. Every aspect of human activity depends on it. All IT processes, whether they drive mobile phones, the Internet, transportation systems, enterprise systems, publishing, social networks or any other application, rely on software.

No sessions available
4 Weeks
Hardware and Operating Systems (edX) EdX
IBM

Hardware and Operating Systems (edX)

This course will help you develop the skills to install and set up an operating system and gain expertise on hardware components, including motherboard, CPU, hard drives and more. If you’re ready to enter the world of Information Technology (IT), you need job-ready skills. Understanding the fundamentals of computer hardware and operating systems is critical to any technology related job role like Technical Support or Software Development.

Self Paced
Self-Paced