Best Free CS: Theory Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

VLSI CAD Part I: Logic (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Embark on a journey through the intricate world of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuit design, focusing specifically on logic components in Part I of this Coursera course. Gain expertise in employing cutting-edge Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to transform abstract concepts into functional integrated circuits, mastering the art and science behind modern chip creation.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

Programming Algorithms Logic

Coursera

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

VLSI CAD Part II: Layout (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Dive into the intricate world of modern VLSI chip design with 'VLSI CAD Part II: Layout'. This course unravels the complexities involved in creating advanced integrated circuits, focusing on layout techniques and the use of sophisticated CAD tools. Master the art of transforming abstract descriptions into detailed chip designs.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

Programming Algorithms ASIC

Coursera

University of Washington

Computational Neuroscience (Coursera)

Robotics & Computer Vision

Dive into the fascinating world of Computational Neuroscience with our introductory course designed for those curious about how the brain works at a computational level. Learn about representation in spiking neurons, neural network processing, and adaptive algorithms that underpin various aspects of vision, sensory-motor control, learning, and memory.

Sep 14th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Neuroscience MATLAB Brain

Coursera

Peking University

Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods 生物信息学: 导论与方法 (Coursera)

Sci: Biology & Life Sciences CS: Theory

Welcome to 'Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods', a Coursera course offered by Peking University. This MOOC is designed to introduce you to the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics, where biology meets computer science. You'll explore key concepts and learn practical computational methods that are crucial for analyzing biological data. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about how technology can be applied in biology, this course will equip you with valuable knowledge and skills.

Sep 14th 2026

13-24 Weeks

Science Bioinformatics Computational Methods

Coursera

Princeton University

Algorithms, Part II (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Dive deep into the world of advanced algorithms and data structures with 'Algorithms, Part II' on Coursera. This course is designed for serious programmers who want to understand complex applications and improve their scientific performance analysis skills, particularly through Java implementations. From graph processing to string algorithms, this course will equip you with essential knowledge to tackle sophisticated programming challenges.

Sep 14th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Java Algorithms Data Structures

Coursera

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1 (Coursera)

CS: Theory CS: Information & Technology

Dive into the core concepts that power today's cloud computing systems. This introductory course covers essential techniques, algorithms, and design philosophies for building scalable and efficient cloud solutions. From understanding clouds to mastering MapReduce and exploring NoSQL stores, this course is designed for those eager to grasp the fundamentals of distributed systems.

Sep 14th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Programming Cloud Algorithms

Coursera

Peking University

离散数学概论 Discrete Mathematics Generality (Coursera)

CS: Theory Sci: Mathematics

本课程为非计算机软件专业本科生及相关IT行业从业者设计，旨在提供一个全面而深入的离散数学概论。通过学习，本门课程将帮助您掌握计算机科学和信息技术领域的基本概念与思想方法，从基础到高级都有系统的讲解。

Sep 14th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Discrete Structures Computer Science Discrete Mathematics

Coursera

University of California, San Diego

Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Dive into the fascinating world where biology meets programming with 'Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners.' This course is designed to introduce you to the basics of bioinformatics, teaching you how to apply programming (specifically Python) to solve complex biological problems. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about the intersection of science and coding, this course will equip you with essential skills in algorithm implementation and problem-solving within a biological context.

Sep 14th 2026

4 Weeks

Health Biology Programming

Coursera

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course) (Coursera)

CS: Software Engineering CS: Theory

Embark on an exciting journey to construct a fully functioning general-purpose computer in six engaging projects. This hands-on course breaks down the complexities of computer systems into understandable steps, allowing you to build from basic logic gates all the way up to a modern computer. Discover how computers work and are designed through practical application.

Sep 14th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Assembly Hardware Description Language Memory