Methods for Solving Problems (Coursera)

Methods for Solving Problems (Coursera)

In this course, we will explore different types of problems, the boundaries of what makes a problem solvable, and the different algorithms, rules, and heuristics we can implement to solve these problems.

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

What You Will Learn

  • Ascribe human and computational problems to various definitions of difficulty and problem solving techniques.
  • Use problem solving strategies to break down problems.
  • Describe the effects of various sources of bias in judgement and decision making.
  • Analyze and apply heuristic models and probability modeling to a variety of decision making scenarios.

Course 2 of 4 in the Mind and Machine Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Problems for Minds and Machines
This week we will begin our discussions by defining the boundaries and limitations of problems and their solutions.

WEEK 2
Computers and Logic
This week we will explore adapting problem-solving approaches into computational methods.

WEEK 3
Humans and Heuristics
This week we will discuss judgment and decision making as a different kind of problem-solving and explore how heuristics are used for these tasks.

WEEK 4
Course Assessment & Wrap-Up Discussion
In this module, you will test your knowledge on methods for solving problems.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Behavioral Finance (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Behavioral Finance (Coursera)

We make thousands of decisions every day. Do I cross the road now, or wait for the oncoming truck to pass? Should I eat fries or a salad for lunch? How much should I tip the cab driver? We usually make these decisions with almost no thought, using what psychologists call “heuristics” – rules of thumb that enable us to navigate our lives. Without these mental shortcuts, we would be paralyzed by the multitude of daily choices.

Sep 14th 2026
3 Weeks
Analítica de Procesos: Optimización desde los Datos (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de los Andes

Analítica de Procesos: Optimización desde los Datos (Coursera)

El entorno empresarial y de innovación requiere y requerirá cada vez más profesionales capaces de conectar los datos con el análisis de procesos. Esta habilidad posibilita formas inteligentes de entender y mejorar continuamente la cambiante operación de las empresas: las mantiene vivas y competitivas. La analítica de procesos proporciona información acerca de la eficiencia de los procesos de negocio, lo cual cambia el enfoque a los líderes de proceso para tomar decisiones sobre cómo hacer evolucionar el comportamiento y métricas del proceso basados en datos y no solo intuición.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
Start Your Lifelong Learning (Coursera) Coursera
Accenture

Start Your Lifelong Learning (Coursera)

This course is designed to provide you with techniques to assist you in adopting a growth mindset, dealing effectively with others, and thinking through decisions. It will also help you resolve everyday challenges in the workplace and in your daily life. The course is divided into four modules: Lifelong Learning, Emotional Intelligence, Solving Problems, and Critical Thinking.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
América Latina en los cambios internacionales: amenazas y oportunidades. (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de Chile

América Latina en los cambios internacionales: amenazas y oportunidades. (Coursera)

El curso busca que comprendas y analices la mayor participación de América Latina en la política internacional. Además, te ayudará a conocer el entorno macro-estratégico en el cual se desarrolla la región, incluyendo la dimensión política, económica, cultural, social, además de las nuevas amenazas y oportunidades. El curso entrega un mapa general de las diferencias entre las distintas regiones de América Latina y sus contribuciones en sus políticas exteriores con los centros de poder mundial.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
AI-Driven Attribution Testing (Coursera) Coursera
Board Infinity

AI-Driven Attribution Testing (Coursera)

Welcome to AI-Driven Attribution Testing course an engaging and comprehensive course designed to guide you through the fundamental concepts and practical applications of attribution testing powered by artificial intelligence. This course is most suitable for marketers, data analysts, data scientists, and business leaders who aim to leverage data-driven insights for decision-making. It's also beneficial for students and professionals with a keen interest in the convergence of AI, data analysis, and marketing.

Sep 21st 2026
2 Weeks
Success with Integrity: Business Ethics Foundation (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

Success with Integrity: Business Ethics Foundation (Coursera)

Businesses around the world are reckoning with the impact of their ethical, or unethical, behavior on their bottom line as consumers seek to align their customs with businesses sharing their ethical outlook. This is a stimulating course designed for beginner or intermediate learners who wish to deeply consider the role of ethics in the modern business environment.

Sep 21st 2026
1 Week
Value and Individual Decision Making (Coursera) Coursera
Yunus Social Business Fund Bengaluru

Value and Individual Decision Making (Coursera)

This course is part of a Specialization titled “Strategy and Finance for a Lifecycle of a Social Business”. It is an introduction to time value of money and will help the learner understand the basics of finance with the ultimate goal of valuing a company from a societal lens. The beauty of the modern decision-making framework is that it can be used to understand value creation at any level – the individual, the corporate or nonprofit entity level and from the point of view of society. The applications however become increasingly complex as your lens expands from the individual to the corporate/nonprofit to the global society.

Sep 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Statistical Thinking for Industrial Problem Solving, presented by JMP (Coursera) Coursera
SAS

Statistical Thinking for Industrial Problem Solving, presented by JMP (Coursera)

Statistical Thinking for Industrial Problem Solving is an applied statistics course for scientists and engineers offered by JMP, a division of SAS. By completing this course, students will understand the importance of statistical thinking, and will be able to use data and basic statistical methods to solve many real-world problems.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Basic Modeling for Discrete Optimization (Coursera) Coursera
University of Melbourne,The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Basic Modeling for Discrete Optimization (Coursera)

Optimization is a common form of decision making, and is ubiquitous in our society. Its applications range from solving Sudoku puzzles to arranging seating in a wedding banquet. The same technology can schedule planes and their crews, coordinate the production of steel, and organize the transportation of iron ore from the mines to the ports. Good decisions in manpower and material resources management also allow corporations to improve profit by millions of dollars.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Business Analytics with Excel: Elementary to Advanced (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Business Analytics with Excel: Elementary to Advanced (Coursera)

A leader in a data driven world requires the knowledge of both data-related (statistical) methods and of appropriate models to use that data. This Business Analytics class focuses on the latter: it introduces students to analytical frameworks used for decision making though Excel modeling. These include Linear and Integer Optimization, Decision Analysis, and Risk modeling. For each methodology students are first exposed to the basic mechanics, and then apply the methodology to real-world business problems using Excel.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks