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

Udacity

Intro to Theoretical Computer Science

via Udacity

Overview

This class teaches you about basic concepts in theoretical computer science -- such as NP-completeness -- and what they imply for solving tough algorithmic problems.

Syllabus

  • Challenging Problems
    • An introduction to tough problems and their analysis.
  • Understanding Hardness
    • What we mean when a problem is "hard" and the concept of NP-completeness.
  • Showing Hardness
    • Tools to let you recognize and prove that a problem is hard.
  • Intelligent Force
    • Smart techniques to solve problems that should – theoretically – be impossible to solve.
  • Sloppy Solutions
    • Gaining speed by accepting approximate solutions.
  • Poking Around
    • Why randomness can be of help – sometimes. An introduction to complexity classes.
  • Ultimate Limits
    • Problems that no computer can ever solve. In theory.

Taught by

Sebastian Wernicke

Reviews

3.0 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Intro to Theoretical Computer Science

  • A good introduction to computational complexity, with some subtle theoretical concepts presented in a clear and amenable way. Stressing the importance of good theoretical foundations and the analysis of algorithms.
  • Anonymous
    Pacing of this course is all off. If you're gonna be doing this be prepared for a lot of frustrated evenings and hair-pulling frustration trying to get a grasp on what the lecturer is even trying to tell you.

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.