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    • Computational Science

    Computational Science Courses Online

    Understand computational science for solving complex scientific problems. Learn to use computational tools and simulations in various scientific disciplines.

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    Explore the Computational Science Course Catalog

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      Computational Social Science

      Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Data Wrangling, Natural Language Processing, Web Scraping, Social Sciences, Data Ethics, Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Simulations, Big Data, Systems Thinking, Data Science, Research Methodologies, Machine Learning, Data Collection, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Agentic systems

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Computational Thinking for Problem Solving

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Python Programming, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Analysis, Debugging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Washington

      Computational Neuroscience

      Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Network Model, Matlab, Machine Learning Algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks, Neurology, Computer Science, Reinforcement Learning, Computational Thinking, Mathematical Modeling, Biology, Linear Algebra, Probability & Statistics

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • R

      Rice University

      Fundamentals of Computing

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Event-Driven Programming, Algorithms, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Probability, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Program Development, Big Data, Python Programming, Mathematical Software, Data Analysis, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      P

      Princeton University

      Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose

      Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Debugging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      I

      IBM

      IBM Data Engineering

      Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Data Warehousing, Apache Hadoop, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, SQL, IBM Cognos Analytics, MySQL, Apache Spark, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Data Store, Jupyter, Generative AI, Professional Networking

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      58K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      I

      IBM

      IBM Data Analyst

      Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Plotly, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, Generative AI, SQL, Interactive Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Big Data, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, Excel Formulas, Professional Networking

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      92K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Python for Data Science, AI & Development

      Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Automation, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Data Processing, Data Collection, Application Programming Interface (API), Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      41K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      I

      IBM

      IBM Data Science

      Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, SQL, Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Jupyter, Data Literacy, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Mining, Data Cleansing, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI, Pandas (Python Package), Professional Networking

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      143K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science

      Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Logical Reasoning, Combinatorics, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Cryptography, Probability, Key Management, Computational Thinking, Encryption, Network Analysis, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Python Programming, Data Structures, Cybersecurity, Arithmetic, Computer Programming, Mathematical Modeling

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Genomic Data Science

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Unix Commands, Biostatistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Unix, Data Science, Data Management, Statistical Methods, Molecular Biology, Command-Line Interface, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Linux Commands, Data Analysis Software, Statistical Modeling, Data Structures, Data Analysis, R Programming, Computational Thinking, Jupyter

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.6K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • S

      Stanford University

      Algorithms

      Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Theoretical Computer Science, Network Model, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Analysis, Programming Principles, Probability & Statistics, Network Routing, Probability, Operations Research, Design Strategies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.9K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular computational science courses

    • Computational Social Science: University of California, Davis
    • Computational Thinking for Problem Solving: University of Pennsylvania
    • Computational Neuroscience: University of Washington
    • Fundamentals of Computing: Rice University
    • Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University
    • IBM Data Engineering: IBM
    • IBM Data Analyst: IBM
    • Python for Data Science, AI & Development: IBM
    • IBM Data Science: IBM
    • Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science: University of California San Diego

    Frequently Asked Questions about Computational Science

    Computational science is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes computer modeling, simulation, and data analysis to solve complex problems across various scientific disciplines. It involves the application of computational techniques, algorithms, and mathematical models to study natural phenomena, analyze large datasets, and simulate complex systems. Computational science plays a crucial role in advancing scientific research, improving predictions, and facilitating scientific discovery across disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and more.‎

    To excel in computational science, you need to develop the following skills:

    • Programming: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB to implement algorithms, perform data analysis, and develop computational models.
    • Mathematical Modeling: Understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques used in computational science, such as calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and numerical methods.
    • Scientific Computing: Knowledge of computational techniques, including numerical integration, optimization, finite element methods, and numerical simulation.
    • Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing and interpreting complex datasets using statistical methods, data visualization, and machine learning techniques.
    • High-Performance Computing: Familiarity with parallel computing, distributed computing, and utilizing computational resources efficiently for large-scale simulations.
    • Computational Modeling: Ability to develop and implement computational models to simulate and study complex systems, phenomena, or processes.
    • Problem-Solving: Aptitude for formulating scientific problems in computational terms, designing algorithms, and solving them using computational tools.
    • Data Management: Proficiency in handling and processing large datasets, data storage, and data organization for efficient analysis and retrieval.
    • Scientific Visualization: Ability to effectively present and visualize scientific data, simulation results, and complex models for analysis and communication.
    • Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Skills: Capacity to work in multidisciplinary teams, communicate with domain experts, and integrate computational methods into scientific research.‎

    With computational science skills, you can pursue various job opportunities, including:

    • Computational Scientist
    • Research Scientist
    • Data Scientist
    • Simulation Engineer
    • Software Developer (specializing in scientific applications)
    • Computational Physicist
    • Computational Chemist
    • Bioinformatics Specialist
    • Computational Biologist
    • Research Analyst

    These roles involve utilizing computational techniques, developing and implementing models and simulations, analyzing scientific data, and contributing to scientific research in academia, government labs, research institutions, or industries.‎

    Computational science is well-suited for individuals who possess the following qualities:

    • Analytical and Mathematical Aptitude: Ability to analyze complex scientific problems, apply mathematical techniques, and derive meaningful insights using computational methods.
    • Programming Proficiency: Experience or willingness to learn programming languages and tools used in scientific computing, simulation, and data analysis.
    • Curiosity and Critical Thinking: A passion for scientific exploration, asking research questions, and devising innovative approaches to solving complex problems.
    • Interdisciplinary Interest: Eagerness to work across scientific disciplines, collaborate with domain experts, and apply computational methods to various scientific domains.
    • Problem-Solving Orientation: Aptitude for formulating and solving scientific problems, designing algorithms, and interpreting computational results in a scientific context.
    • Detail-Oriented: Meticulousness in handling and analyzing scientific data, ensuring accuracy in computational models, and interpreting simulation results.
    • Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts, present research findings, and collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds.
    • Continuous Learners: Willingness to stay updated with the latest research in computational science, emerging computational methodologies, and scientific domains.‎

    Several topics are related to computational science that you can study to enhance your skills and knowledge, including:

    • Numerical Methods and Algorithms
    • Mathematical Modeling and Simulation
    • Parallel and Distributed Computing
    • Scientific Data Analysis and Visualization
    • High-Performance Computing
    • Computational Physics
    • Computational Chemistry
    • Computational Biology
    • Computational Engineering
    • Machine Learning for Scientific Applications

    Exploring these topics through online courses, academic programs, research papers, and practical projects will provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and techniques used in computational science, enabling you to apply them effectively in scientific research and problem-solving.‎

    Online Computational Science courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Computational Science skills. Choose from a wide range of Computational Science courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Computational Science, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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