Free Online Courses from Berkeley, MIT, and Harvard - Certificate Earned on Completion
This was posted 9 months ago, and might be an out-dated deal
This could be useful for those seeking entry level employment in the IT industry, or those whom are self-taught and wanting a bit of paper to formalize their credentials.
Although the courses are introductory, the universities offering them are world class and will look good on any CV. At the very least, it shows some initiative and may distinguish you (at least initially) from your peers.
Who can take edX courses? Will there be an admissions process?
EdX will be available to anyone in the world with an internet connection, and in general, there will not be an admissions process.
Will certificates be awarded?
Yes. Online learners who demonstrate mastery of subjects can earn a certificate of completion. Certificates will be issued by edX under the name of the underlying "X University" from where the course originated, i.e. HarvardX, MITx or BerkeleyX. For the courses in Fall 2012, those certificates will be free. There is a plan to charge a modest fee for certificates in the future.
What will the scope of the online courses be? How many? Which faculty?
Our goal is to offer a wide variety of courses across disciplines. There are currently seven courses offered for Fall 2012.
Courses for Fall 2012:
Berkeley - CS169.1 - Software as a Service
CS169.1x teaches the fundamentals for engineering long–lasting software using highly–productive Agile techniques to develop Software as a Service (SaaS) using Ruby on Rails.
Classes Start Sep 24, 2012
Estimated Effort 12 hours/week
Berkeley - CS188.1x: Artificial Intelligence
CS188.1x is a new online adaptation of the first half of UC Berkeley’s CS188: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.
It will introduce the basic ideas and techniques underlying the design of intelligent computer systems. A specific emphasis will be on the statistical and decision–theoretic modeling paradigm. By the end of this course, you will have built autonomous agents that efficiently make decisions in stochastic and in adversarial settings. CS188.2x (to follow CS188.1x, precise date to be determined) will cover Reasoning and Learning. With this additional machinery your agents will be able to draw inferences in uncertain environments and optimize actions for arbitrary reward structures. Your machine learning algorithms will classify handwritten digits and photographs. The techniques you learn in CS188x apply to a wide variety of artificial intelligence problems and will serve as the foundation for further study in any application area you choose to pursue.
Classes Start Sep 24, 2012
Estimated Effort 15 hours/week
Harvard - PH207x: Health in Numbers: Quantitative Methods in Clinical &
Public Health Research
Classes Start Oct 15, 2012
Estimated Effort 10 hours/week
Harvard - CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science
CS50x is Harvard College's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for computer science majors and non-majors alike. An entry-level course taught by Harvard Senior Lecturer David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, encapsulation, data structures, databases, memory management, security, software development, virtualization, and websites. Languages include C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML. Problem sets explore the real-world domains of cryptography, finance, forensics, gaming, and beyond.
Classes Start Oct 15, 2012
Estimated Effort 9 problem sets (15 - 20 hours each), 2 quizzes, 1 final project.
MIT - 3.091x: Introduction to Solid State Chemistry
3.091x is a first-year course where chemical principles are explained by examination of the properties of materials. The electronic structure and chemical bonding of materials is related to applications and engineering systems throughout the course. The on-campus version of the course has been taught for over thirty five years and is one of the largest classes at MIT. The class will cover the relationship between electronic structure, chemical bonding, and atomic order, and characterization of atomic arrangements in crystalline and amorphous solids: metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers (including proteins). There will be topical coverage of organic chemistry, solution chemistry, acid-base equilibria, electrochemistry, biochemistry, chemical kinetics, diffusion, and phase diagrams. Examples will be drawn from industrial practice (including the environmental impact of chemical processes), from energy generation and storage (e.g. batteries and fuel cells), and from emerging technologies (e.g. photonic and biomedical devices).
Classes Start Oct 15, 2012
Estimated Effort 12 hours/week
MIT - 6.00x: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
6.00x is an introduction to using computation to solve real problems. The course is aimed at students with little or no prior programming experience who have a desire (or at least a need) to understand computational approaches to problem solving. Some of the people taking the course will use it as a stepping stone to more advanced computer science courses, but for many, it will be their first and last computer science course.
Classes Start Oct 01, 2012
Estimated Effort 12 hours/week
MIT - 6.002x: Circuits and Electronics
The course introduces engineering in the context of the lumped circuit abstraction. Topics covered include: resistive elements and networks; independent and dependent sources; switches and MOS transistors; digital abstraction; amplifiers; energy storage elements; dynamics of first- and second-order networks; design in the time and frequency domains; and analog and digital circuits and applications. Design and lab exercises are also significant components of the course.
Classes Start Sep 05, 2012
Estimated Effort 12 hours/week
Comments (Closed)
Can someone please explain how the course content is delivered? Videos, PDFs, etc?
Do you need to keep up week by week or can you skip a couple and catch up later?
What about the ones at http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/77974 - are they the same kind of thing?
Thanks!
+1 votegreenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 09:28 ¶I've taken the SaaS course and it is pretty good. However don't have the impression that the certificate is anything official. It's just a certificate of completion with your grade. It takes up a bit of time. You can see that 10-12 hours per week has to be allocated.
+5 votesput it this way
at UNSW say you do postgrad
say there's a class that is an elective
say it is open to postgrad and undergrad, ie it's the same class but has 2 class numbers. you do the same work, same tests, same grading
if you did that elective and paid postgrad fee, you get credit
if you did that elective and paid undergrad fee, you do NOT get creditbased on that, do you think anything you didn't pay your uni for would count towards anything?
- +2 votesgreenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 10:01 ¶
There's another reason. The Unis listed have no way of verifying that you are who you claim to be online. For all they know, you might have paid your smart cousin to do the course for you. So that's why the certificate is not official. When they do figure out the authentication issue, they have a big market.
+11 votesPart of my job is to approve advanced standing for our courses. Our rules state that a signed original copy of the transcript from the granting institution must be sighted before credit can be given. We also recognise RPL - 2 years work experience in a related area may equal one unit of study. To my knowledge we have not discussed MOOCs as yet and given the pace of uni bureaucracy it will take a while before we do.
At the moment I think that the courses on offer are genuine and certainly the one I attempted last year was bloody hard work but I worry that if we start granting credit a whole heap of dodgy operators will pop up. Then it will be impossible or very time-consuming to determine if the course is genuine. The other issue as greenpossum stated is how can we be certain that a student claiming the credit has actually done the work. There are already allegations of plagiarism in some of the online courses.
Of course if just one Australian uni starts granting credit then every other uni will probably jump on the bandwagon!
No idea whether TAFE would give credit. They appear to be more generous in granting RPL and we are required to give 8 units credit for a TAFE diploma, more for an advanced diploma and for one advanced diploma in particular with give 16 units of advanced standing (24 units is a bachelors degree).
Anyway if you plan to study one of these online units with a view to getting credit for a degree I would suggest that you contact the uni you intend to get a degree from first and check whether they will give credit.
Jonaseymour on 22/08/2012 - 09:37 ¶Cool, signed up for the 6.00x MIT course. Always wanted to do a programming course, hopefully I can make it through.
CarbonTwelve on 23/08/2012 - 21:17 ¶I'd say about 80% of Computer Science is programming. Any intro Comp Sci class will include programming.
- +2 votesgreenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 10:11 ¶
Been taking over the world real soon now for the last 50 years. :)
allegiance86 on 23/08/2012 - 22:08 ¶Duuuuuuuude I have to thank you for that link, it is utterly brilliant! ! think of all this stuff so often hahaha
- CarbonTwelve on 23/08/2012 - 22:36 ¶
It's a fairly pointless article to be honest. The entire thing is presuming no development in technology and whether computers/robotics as they are could instantly turn on us and kill us all. If computers/robots were to take over the world, it would start with AI very different to anything existing atm - it would be AI modelled after a natural brain with the capacity to think and learn as we do; hate to break it to you, but none of the algorithms/structures you'll learn in an AI course actually mimic human thought. Even neural networks which are based on neurons are still very simple structures and have no 'thought'. Once a computer system can think for itself, it could be unleashed onto the internet where it could potentially access automated CAD machines & circuit board factories that might potentially allow it to lead to a Schwarzenegger look-alike trying to kill anyone and everyone.
I suspect this is beyond the discussion for whether this is a deal or not though :) (is the potential for destruction of humanity worthy of a neg?)
- +1 vote
What's so special about Harvard though?
Even Natalie Portman attended there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8e6-IeQ0aw&t=1m37s
- +2 votesgreenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 10:41 ¶
As many as you want. But if you are serious, you do need to allocate quality time to do the course.
- +1 voteStarviolet on 22/08/2012 - 10:44 ¶
thank you for the answer~
how do they assess the completion of the course? quizs or assignments?
I find one course has assessment information, but others dont.- +1 voteStarviolet on 22/08/2012 - 10:54 ¶
Thanks~
I'm interested in several courses~ I gonna make a plan~
Some courses finish in Oct, some start in Oct.
So I think it wont make me too busy~
+10 votesI did the 6.002x last time it was on, when it was just MIT. Super hard, VERY heavy in advanced maths, but I scraped through, and got a C! Very good quality course, but be prepared to put in the time, its more like a real course with deadlines and lectures, and less like a real online "do it when you have time" course.
- +1 votegreenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 12:05 ¶
No they are not real certificates in that sense, just a PDF saying that someone or something who claimed to be Macgyver logged in and completed all the coursework achieving such and such a score.
- +1 votegreenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 12:12 ¶
You might be able to use it to claim a waiver from prerequisite in a real Uni course. Other than that yes, it's really for your own education. And for them to test out Internet education while they work out how to authenticate and charge.
- greenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 12:22 ¶
If I did, it would be under Interests and not Qualifications, clearly stating that this is a certificate of completion. If I were an employer I'd be dubious about someone who feels the need to claim this as a qualification.
itzinfinite on 22/08/2012 - 14:21 ¶Thanks OP
Signed up to CS50X and 6.00X. Should keep my summer busy :)
tonester on 22/08/2012 - 15:12 Comment score below threshold (-6).- tonester on 22/08/2012 - 15:35 Comment score below threshold (0).
+1 votephobaphobic on 22/08/2012 - 15:17 ¶This is so awesome. Best deal ever. I'm looking forward to my intro to computer science classes :)
+1 voteSigned up for CS50x as well! A decent workload but a good six months to do it. Looking to start a very similar course domestically next year so this is a great intro. And yes, while it's technically not a bargain, I would have never seen it if it wasn't posted here. So thanks, mshannon! :D
+1 voteAnd yes, while it's technically not a bargain, I would have never seen it if it wasn't posted here.
in that case, do you know about itunes u?
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/76144
+1 voteThe bargain is a free certificate and has not previously been posted.
The difference between iTunes U or other Open Course Ware (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenCourseWare) is that you actually get something tangible in return.
I personally think that all Open Course Ware is a bargain as you get access to university lectures for free.sorry but you seem to have missed the point
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/help:deal_posting_guideline...
NO Freeware or Free Websites.
+9 votesKnowingNothing on 22/08/2012 - 16:47 ¶For a second I thought one of the courses was 'Introduction to Solid State Drives' and I thought - "Finally, a course for Ozbargainers"
MadTacoWarrior on 22/08/2012 - 19:08 ¶Free? And, open to all?
Oh, my …
My parents had to find over U$100,000 (plus living costs) for the privileges (and four years of sleep deprivation). I had to ace every subject in year 10-12 and SAT I/II while working on extracurricular activities (for impressive achievements) for a slim chance of admission.What a bargain!
- CarbonTwelve on 23/08/2012 - 21:23 ¶
There were 256 when I voted. Seems more fitting for computing courses.
- greenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 23:17 ¶
Generally you take quizzes and exams online. I can only speak about software assignments, but I imagine it would be similar for other disciplines: You upload your work and an automatic grader runs through it, or you run a grader they supply on your computer and it works out your grade (with an accompanying hash signature so that the grade cannot be forged) and you submit that.
As you can appreciate, with tens of thousands of students, all of the grading has to be done by computer. Also assignments have deadlines, after which you get half credit or perhaps none. So there is a pace you must follow.
If you drop out during the course, you will either get a poor grade, or if you haven't done the minimum, you get no grade. No human will care whether you completed or not.
Also there are online forums for you to discuss with your fellow students or bring issues to the attention of teaching staff.
- greenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 23:22 ¶
I think you will be able to access them after you have registered and the course has started.
As an aside, I predict you will drop out of some of those courses. Taking just one course for me was like taking on an extra workday per week.
i joined
CS169.1x Software as a Service
CS188.1x Artificial Intelligence
CS50x Introduction to Computer Science I
6.002x Circuits and Electronics
6.00x Introduction to Computer Science and ProgrammingHope to see everyone of ozbargainers signed up at the big GRADUATE CEREMONY. *if there is one LOL
- +1 votegreenpossum on 22/08/2012 - 23:37 ¶
I predict that you will have to decide within a week or two of courses starting which one or two to continue when you find that 5 assignments are due the next Tuesday. :P
+1 voteparisienne on 23/08/2012 - 10:18 ¶Thanks for the heads up mshannon.I am actually REALLY excited to have enrolled in the "health in numbers " course (which will actually be of use to me,as i'm a nurse and this can assist with my gaining a qualification to assist my goal of working in community health ).I look forward to seeing some of the people on this threads results as time goes on (kspec…like 5 COURSES,like WOW.I REALLY look forward to your results.)
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
I'm currently studying IT at TAFE and was wondering whether it's worth going to uni after completion, paying fortune to get a bachelor degree. At least, this online course will give me an idea what it would be like to study at uni.
I've just enrolled cs50x-Introduction to Computer Science. XD
O-o Ummmm which one of these would be beneficial to say programming for android? Harvard - CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science?
Really interested in this, just wonder if I'd be able to juggle this with my degree now. EDIT: BLARRRGGG Ended up enrolling for CS50x since it's work at your own pace. I'd probably try doing it at the end of the year after finals
22
Good stuff!
I've done most of the MIT - 6.00x: Intro to Comp. Science class through iTunesU. And be clear on the fact that these are the real classes that they teach at these universities (videos included). So with that understanding be prepared to put in quite a bit of work if you want a certificate. It is not an "easy" intro class by any standards, but well worth your time if you're interested.