How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation

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Explore the fundamentals of computing: computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits & more. Supported by Google.

Understand computation, the basis of every computer system

On this course, you’ll gain an understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level.

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.

Duration: 4 weeks 
Weekly study: 2 hours