EdX

How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation (edX)

How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation (edX)

Explore the fundamentals of computing: computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits & more. On this course, you’ll gain an understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level.

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

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.

What you'll learn
Over the following four weeks, you will:

  • Explain how transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates
  • Produce truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
  • Explain how computers use binary arithmetic
  • Describe how logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
  • Describe Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle

Syllabus

This course will cover:

  • How computers use binary arithmetic
  • How transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates
  • Creating truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
  • How logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
  • Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Software, Programming, and Database Basics (edX) EdX
IBM

Software, Programming, and Database Basics (edX)

This course introduces the fundamentals of software, programming languages, web browsers, cloud computing and database concepts. Maintaining and updating software is an important activity for a Technical Support role. There are many types of software, and understanding software can be overpowering. This course introduces the fundamentals of software and how to manage software from an information technology (IT) perspective.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Redes de computadores (edX) EdX
Universidad del Rosario,URosarioX

Redes de computadores (edX)

Aprende los fundamentos de las redes de computadores, incluyendo su arquitectura, protocolos y los aspectos a considerar para hacerlas seguras. Las redes de computadores, o renombradas hoy en día como Networks of Things , son esenciales para soportar los servicios de Internet que usamos a diario, dado que soportan la transformación digital de las empresas y apalancan de manera directa la revolución 4.0 que vivimos hoy en día.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Computing for Data Analysis (edX) EdX
Georgia Institute of Technology,GTx

Computing for Data Analysis (edX)

A hands-on introduction to basic programming principles and practice relevant to modern data analysis, data mining, and machine learning. The modern data analysis pipeline involves collection, preprocessing, storage, analysis, and interactive visualization of data. In the course, you’ll see how computing and mathematics come together.

Aug 24th 2026
13-24 Weeks
Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computation (edX) EdX
University of California, Berkeley,BerkeleyX

Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computation (edX)

A simple conceptual introduction to quantum mechanics and quantum computation. Quantum computation is a remarkable subject building on the great computational discovery that computers based on quantum mechanics are exponentially powerful. This course aims to make this cutting-edge material broadly accessible to undergraduate students, including computer science majors who do not have any prior exposure to quantum mechanics.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (edX) EdX
Tokyo Institute of Technology,TokyoTechX

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (edX)

The term “Computation” refers to the action performed by a computer. A computation can be a basic operation and it can also be a sophisticated computer simultation requiring a large amount of data and substantial resources. This course aims at introducing learners with no prior knowledge to basics and key concepts of computer science. By following the lectures and exercises of this course you will have an understanding of algorithms and you will get a real experience of programming using the language Ruby.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Computing in Python IV: Objects & Algorithms (edX) EdX
Georgia Institute of Technology,GTx

Computing in Python IV: Objects & Algorithms (edX)

Learn about recursion, search and sort algorithms, and object-oriented programming in Python. Complete your introductory knowledge of computer science with this final course on objects and algorithms. Now that you've learned about complex control structures and data structures, learn to develop programs that more intuitively leverage your natural understanding of problems through object-oriented programming. Then, learn to analyze the complexity and efficiency of these programs through algorithms. In addition, certify your broader knowledge of Introduction to Computing with a comprehensive exam.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications (edX) EdX
MIT,MITx

Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications (edX)

A hands-on introduction to the interplay between statistics and computation for the analysis of real data. -- Part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science. Data science requires multi-disciplinary skills ranging from mathematics, statistics, machine learning, problem solving to programming, visualization, and communication skills. In this course, learners will combine these foundational and practical skills with domain knowledge to ask and answer questions using real data.

May 13th 2024
13-24 Weeks
Get Started Teaching Computing in Primary Schools: Preparing to teach 5 - 11 year olds (edX) EdX
Raspberry Pi Foundation

Get Started Teaching Computing in Primary Schools: Preparing to teach 5 - 11 year olds (edX)

Explore a range of strategies for teaching computing to primary school pupils (aged 5 to 11 years old). During this course, you will investigate the rationale for teaching computing to primary school pupils, looking at how computing has shaped the world we live in and how computers influence all of our lives.

Self Paced
Self-Paced