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The term Computer Science is both simple and self-explanatory (the study of computation), and multi-faceted and vast. Because Computer Science deals in both theory and practice, there are many ways to approach and understand the subject. At Udacity, guided by the principles encapsulated in our “Be In Demand” slogan, we take a career-centric approach that focuses explicitly on mastering skills and concepts which directly apply to launching a career in technology.

As Udacity instructor Dave Evans says of our Intro to Computer Science course:

This course is a first step into the world of computer science, and whether you want to become a software engineer, or collaborate with software engineers, this course is for you.

What he doesn’t mention, is that this course is free! Making this an incredible opportunity for anyone who wants to learn what Dave notes are “foundational concepts in computer science.”

To gain an understanding of Computer Science’s breadth and scope, consider these different definitions and explanations:

According to The University of Maryland:
“Computer scientists deal mostly with software and software systems; this includes their theory, design, development, and application.”

Whereas at Boston University:
“Computer Science is the systematic study of the feasibility, structure, expression, and mechanization of the methodical processes (or algorithms) that underlie the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication of, and access to information.”

George Washington University has a slightly different take:
“Computer Science is the science of using computers to solve problems.”

And on Wikipedia we can find “an alternate, more succinct definition” of what exactly Computer Science is:
“Computer science is the study of automating algorithmic processes that scale.”

From all this we can certainly take away the simple fact that Computer Science is all about using software to build new—and ideally better—things. And that’s exactly how we approach it at Udacity. We’re believers in learning by doing, and when you learn with us, you learn by building real projects. No matter where your career ultimately takes you, if it has anything to do with computers and technology, you’re going to need to know your Computer Science fundamentals, and through building these kinds of projects, you’ll master those fundamentals. This includes learning the widely-used programming language Python.

Did I mention what you actually get to build? A search engine, and a social network! That’s right, you actually build them yourself!

So, let’s see. I mentioned free. I mentioned Python. I mentioned the search engine and social network. What am I missing? Oh yes! This, from Dave’s Prerequisites & Requirements:

There is no prior computer programming knowledge needed for this course. Beginners are welcome!

Welcome to Computer Science!

Christopher Watkins
Christopher Watkins
Christopher Watkins is Senior Writer and Chief Words Officer at Udacity. He types on a MacBook or iPad by day, and either an Underwood, Remington, or Royal by night. He carries a Moleskine everywhere.