Computer Vision Basics (Coursera)

Computer Vision Basics (Coursera)

By the end of this course, learners will understand what computer vision is, as well as its mission of making computers see and interpret the world as humans do, by learning core concepts of the field and receiving an introduction to human vision capabilities. They are equipped to identify some key application areas of computer vision and understand the digital imaging process. The course covers crucial elements that enable computer vision: digital signal processing, neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Topics include color, light and image formation; early, mid- and high-level vision; and mathematics essential for computer vision. Learners will be able to apply mathematical techniques to complete computer vision tasks.
This course is ideal for anyone curious about or interested in exploring the concepts of computer vision. It is also useful for those who desire a refresher course in mathematical concepts of computer vision. Learners should have basic programming skills and experience (understanding of for loops, if/else statements), specifically in MATLAB.
Material includes online lectures, videos, demos, hands-on exercises, project work, readings and discussions. Learners gain experience writing computer vision programs through online labs using MATLAB* and supporting toolboxes.

  • A free license to install MATLAB for the duration of the course is available from MathWorks.

What You Will Learn

  • Understand what computer vision is and its goals
  • Identify some of the key application areas of computer vision
  • Understand the digital imaging process
  • Apply mathematical techniques to complete computer vision tasks

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Computer Vision Overview
In this module, we will discuss what computer vision is, the fields related to it, the history and key milestones of it, and some of its applications.

WEEK 2
Color, Light, & Image Formation
In this module, we will discuss color, light sources, pinhole and digital cameras, and image formation.

WEEK 3
Low-, Mid- & High-Level Vision
In this module, we will discuss the three-level paradigm of computer vision that was proposed by David Marr. We will also discuss low, mid, and high level vision.

WEEK 4
Mathematics for Computer Vision
In this lecture, we will discuss the Mathematics used in Computer Vision, which includes linear algebra, calculus, probability, and much more.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Modern Robotics, Course 6: Capstone Project, Mobile Manipulation (Coursera) Coursera
Northwestern University

Modern Robotics, Course 6: Capstone Project, Mobile Manipulation (Coursera)

The capstone project of the Modern Robotics specialization is on mobile manipulation: simultaneously controlling the motion of a wheeled mobile base and its robot arm to achieve a manipulation task. This project integrates several topics from the specialization, including trajectory planning, odometry for mobile robots, and feedback control. Beginning from the Modern Robotics software library provided to you (written in Python, Mathematica, and MATLAB), and software you have written for previous courses, you will develop software to plan and control the motion of a mobile manipulator to perform a pick and place task.

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
Parallel programming (Scala 2 version) (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Parallel programming (Scala 2 version) (Coursera)

With every smartphone and computer now boasting multiple processors, the use of functional ideas to facilitate parallel programming is becoming increasingly widespread. In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of parallel programming, from task parallelism to data parallelism. In particular, you'll see how many familiar ideas from functional programming map perfectly to to the data parallel paradigm. We'll start the nuts and bolts how to effectively parallelize familiar collections operations, and we'll build up to parallel collections, a production-ready data parallel collections library available in the Scala standard library.

Aug 10th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning (Coursera) Coursera
Edge Impulse

Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning (Coursera)

Machine learning allows us to teach computers to make predictions and decisions based on data and learn from experiences. In recent years, incredible optimizations have been made to machine learning algorithms, software frameworks, and embedded hardware. Thanks to this, running deep neural networks and other complex machine learning algorithms is possible on low-power devices like microcontrollers. This course will give you a broad overview of how machine learning works, how to train neural networks, and how to deploy those networks to microcontrollers.

Aug 16th 2026
3 Weeks
Introduction to Deep Learning for Computer Vision (Coursera) Coursera
MathWorks

Introduction to Deep Learning for Computer Vision (Coursera)

Starting with zero deep learning knowledge, this foundational course will guide you to effectively train cutting-edge models for image classification purposes. From analyzing medical images to recognizing traffic signs, classification is important for many applications. Classification models also serve as the backbone for more complicated object detection models.

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
Probabilistic Graphical Models 1: Representation (Coursera) Coursera
Stanford University

Probabilistic Graphical Models 1: Representation (Coursera)

Probabilistic graphical models (PGMs) are a rich framework for encoding probability distributions over complex domains: joint (multivariate) distributions over large numbers of random variables that interact with each other. These representations sit at the intersection of statistics and computer science, relying on concepts from probability theory, graph algorithms, machine learning, and more. They are the basis for the state-of-the-art methods in a wide variety of applications, such as medical diagnosis, image understanding, speech recognition, natural language processing, and many, many more. They are also a foundational tool in formulating many machine learning problems.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Computational Neuroscience (Coursera) Coursera
University of Washington

Computational Neuroscience (Coursera)

This course provides an introduction to basic computational methods for understanding what nervous systems do and for determining how they function. We will explore the computational principles governing various aspects of vision, sensory-motor control, learning, and memory. Specific topics that will be covered include representation of information by spiking neurons, processing of information in neural networks, and algorithms for adaptation and learning.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Image Processing (Coursera) Coursera
MathWorks

Introduction to Image Processing (Coursera)

In this introduction to image processing, you'll take your first steps in accessing and adjusting digital images for analysis and processing. You will load, save, and adjust image size and orientation while also understanding how digital images are recognized. You will then perform basic segmentation and quantitative analysis. Lastly, you will enhance the contrast of images to make objects of interest easier to identify.

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
Data Analysis and Visualization (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Data Analysis and Visualization (Coursera)

By the end of this course, learners are provided a high-level overview of data analysis and visualization tools, and are prepared to discuss best practices and develop an ensuing action plan that addresses key discoveries. It begins with common hurdles that obstruct adoption of a data-driven culture before introducing data analysis tools (R software, Minitab, MATLAB, and Python). Deeper examination is spent on statistical process control (SPC), which is a method for studying variation over time. The course also addresses do’s and don’ts of presenting data visually, visualization software (Tableau, Excel, Power BI), and creating a data story.

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
Python Scripting: Dates, Classes and Collections (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Python Scripting: Dates, Classes and Collections (Coursera)

This course is the second course in a series that aims to prepare you for a role working as a programmer. In this course, you will be introduced to the four main concepts in programming: Advanced String Operations and Dates, Modeling Classes, Development of Classes and Collections. Labs will allow the students to apply the material in the lectures in simple computer programs designed to re-enforce the material in the lesson.

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks