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Are you fascinated by the world of computers and eager to dive into the realm of coding, algorithms, and problem-solving? Look no further! Harvard University, one of the leading Ivy League institutions, offers a treasure trove of free online courses in the exciting field of computer science. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to build a strong foundation or a seasoned programmer aiming to expand your skills, these Harvard online courses in computer science for free provide a gateway to knowledge and expertise.
Moreover, these courses provide interactive exercises, practical projects, and real-world case studies. Thus, you can be confident that you will gain a hands-on learning experience that bridges theory and practice.
So, if you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of computer science, join us as we delve into the range of free online courses offered by Harvard University. Discover the perfect course that aligns with your goals, interests, and skill level.
Harvard Online Courses in Computer Science for Free: A Complete List
1. Understanding Technology
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): David J. Malan
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($249)
- Prerequisites: None
This course is designed for students who may not identify as computer-savvy. Through this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of technology. The lectures cover essential topics such as:
- Hardwares,
- The Internet,
- Multimedia,
- Security,
- Programming, and
- Web development.
The course uses simple language and explanations to make these concepts accessible to learners with little to no prior computer knowledge. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in technology and a clearer understanding of how computers and the Internet work.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
2. Introduction to Computer Science
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): Brian Yu, David J. Malan, Doug Lloyd
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($199)
- Prerequisites: None
This course is suitable for both majors and non-majors, regardless of prior programming experience. “Introduction to Computer Science” provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts in computer science. You will gain familiarity with various programming languages, including:
- C,
- Python,
- SQL, and
- JavaScript.
Additionally, the course covers essential topics such as:
- Algorithms,
- Data structures,
- Software engineering, and
- Web development.
Using simple terms and examples, you will learn the fundamental principles and techniques that underlie computer science.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
3. Introduction to Programming with Scratch
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): Brian Yu, David J. Malan
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($199)
- Prerequisites: None
“Introduction to Programming with Scratch” is a beginner-friendly course that empowers aspiring programmers to learn coding through a visual and interactive platform. Students can write code by simply dragging and dropping graphical blocks instead of typing out text. This approach eliminates the need for prior programming experience and makes it accessible to learners of all ages.
The course enables students to unleash their creativity by designing their own animations, games, interactive art, and stories. Through hands-on projects and step-by-step guidance, you will gain a solid foundation in programming logic and problem-solving skills.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
4. Introduction to Programming with Python
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): David J. Malan
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($299)
- Prerequisites: None
This course is designed for students with or without prior programming experience who want to learn the Python programming language. In particular, the course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of programming, teaching participants how to read and write code effectively.
You will gain skills in testing and debugging your program. With a focus on practicality, the course includes exercises that draw inspiration from real-world programming problems. By the end of the course, you will develop a strong foundation in Python programming, enabling you to tackle various programming tasks and explore the vast possibilities offered by this versatile language.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
5. Quantitative Methods for Biology
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): Michael Springer
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($129)
- Prerequisites: Introductory algebra
As the name suggests, “Quantitative Methods for Biology” is one of the Harvard online courses in computer science for free, specifically tailored for biologists, health workers, medical students, and programmers seeking a deeper understanding of the medical field. The course covers essential topics, including the basics of MATLAB programming and troubleshooting code.
You will learn how to apply these quantitative methods to basic biological and medical applications. By gaining proficiency in MATLAB and exploring its practical use in the context of biology and medicine, you will enhance your ability to analyze and interpret data, ultimately contributing to advancements in the field.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
6. Data Science: Machine Learning
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): Rafael Irizarry
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($109)
- Prerequisites: HarvardX Professional Certificate in Data Science
This course introduces the basics of machine learning in simple terms. You will learn essential concepts and techniques used in this field. The course covers topics such as understanding machine learning algorithms and how to implement them effectively.
Additionally, you will discover how to perform cross-validation to prevent overtraining, a common pitfall in machine learning. Overall, this course is an excellent opportunity for those interested in harnessing the power of machine learning and applying it to various domains, such as business, healthcare, and research.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
7. Fundamentals of TinyML
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): Laurence Moroney, Vijay Janapa Reddi
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($249)
- Prerequisites: Basic Scripting in Python
“Fundamentals of TinyML” is a course that covers the basics of machine learning and deep learning in straightforward manners. You will learn how to gather data specifically for machine learning purposes and explore the process of training and deploying machine learning models.
In particular, the course focuses on the concept of TinyML, which involves running machine learning models on resource-constrained devices. By understanding the fundamentals of TinyML, you will gain the skills to build efficient and lightweight models that can be deployed on devices with limited computational power.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
8. Applications of TinyML
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
- Instructor(s): Laurence Moroney, Vijay Janapa Reddi
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($249)
- Prerequisites: Fundamentals of TinyML
This course explores the practical implementation of TinyML technology in various real-world industry applications. You will delve into the code behind some of the most widely used applications of TinyML.
Furthermore, the course focuses on two key principles: Keyword Spotting and Visual Wake Words. You will learn how to design and develop TinyML models for detecting specific keywords in audio data and identifying specific objects or events in visual data.
However, it’s important to note that this course is currently unavailable to students residing in Iran, Cuba, and Ukraine due to certain restrictions.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
9. Deploying TinyML
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
- Instructor(s): Pete Warden, Vijay Janapa Reddi
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($249)
- Prerequisites: Applications of TinyML, Basic Programming in C/C++, TinyML Course Kit
Simply put, “Deploying TinyML” is one of the Harvard online courses in computer science for free that provides learners with the knowledge and skills to deploy TinyML models on microcontroller-based devices. The course covers various aspects, including understanding the hardware of microcontroller-based devices and reviewing the software required for their operation.
You will learn how to program their own TinyML device, enabling them to integrate machine learning capabilities into resource-constrained devices.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
10. Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
- Instructor(s): Brian Yu, David J. Malan
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($199)
- Prerequisites: Prior programming experience in any language
Focusing on teaching the essentials of building web applications using Python and JavaScript, this course enables students to write and utilize APIs, allowing seamless integration of various services and data sources. You will learn about database design, scalability, security, and user experience, all crucial aspects of web development.
Additionally, you will gain the skills to create interactive user interfaces that enhance user engagement. Leveraging cloud services such as GitHub and Heroku, you will understand how to deploy your web applications and make them accessible to users worldwide.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
11. Computer Science for Business Professionals
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): David J. Malan
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($199)
- Prerequisites: None
Designed to provide business professionals with a solid understanding of key computer science concepts, this course offers a bridge between computer science and business. The course covers topics such as:
- Computational thinking,
- Programming languages,
- Internet technologies,
- Web development,
- Technology stacks, and
- Cloud computing.
Through simplified explanations and practical examples, you will gain insights into how computer science principles can be applied in a business context. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and vocabulary to effectively communicate with technical teams.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
12. Computer Science for Lawyers
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): David J. Malan, Doug Lloyd
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($299)
- Prerequisites: None
The next computer science course is designed specifically for lawyers and law students. It takes a top-down approach, focusing on the mastery of high-level concepts and design decisions in computer science relevant to the legal profession.
You will explore a range of topics including:
- Algorithms,
- Cloud computing,
- Databases,
- Networking,
- Privacy,
- Programming,
- Scalability, and
- Security
By gaining an understanding of these concepts, lawyers will be equipped to navigate technology-related legal issues and make informed decisions for their clients.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
13. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
- Duration: 7 weeks
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner
- Instructor(s): Brian Yu, David J. Malan
- Certificate: Available upon completion ($249)
- Prerequisites: Prior programming experience in Python
Lastly, “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python” is a course that offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the Python programming language.
The course covers various topics, including adversarial search, Bayesian networks, Markov models, machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and more.
In particular, you will gain a fundamental understanding of these AI concepts and learn how to apply them through hands-on programming exercises. Overall, the course opens up possibilities for leveraging AI in various domains, such as data analysis, robotics, and intelligent systems.
Click here to explore further or apply now.
Final Words
In summary, these Harvard online courses in computer science for free cover various topics and provide an opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the relevant field.
While these courses are free to enroll in, it’s important to note that there are additional fees if you wish to obtain a certificate upon completion. Despite this, these Harvard online courses in computer science for free are beneficial to a wide range of individuals, including aspiring programmers, professionals looking to enhance their skills, or individuals seeking to explore the field of computer science.
So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skill set in computer science. Take the next step and explore the wealth of Harvard online courses in computer science for free, and for those seeking financial assistance, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of scholarships in computer science.
