University of London

Essential Mathematics for Computer Science Specialization

University of London

Essential Mathematics for Computer Science Specialization

Build Mathematical Skills for Computing Success. Build core maths skills to design algorithms, analyse complexity, and apply logic in computing

Omar Karakchi

Instructor: Omar Karakchi

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Apply sets, number systems, functions, and relations to model data structures and computational problems in computer science.

  • Use algebra, vectors, combinatorics, and probability to analyse patterns, model systems, and support algorithmic reasoning.

  • Employ trigonometry, graphing, and calculus to model motion, analyse change, and solve optimisation problems in computing.

  • Develop logical reasoning, proof strategies, and algorithm analysis skills to evaluate correctness and computational efficiency.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

February 2026

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Specialization - 5 course series

What you'll learn

  • Develop a strong understanding of sets, subsets, and set operations, applying them to data representation and computational modelling.

  • Convert numbers across decimal, binary, and hexadecimal systems, and apply base conversions to programming and computer architecture.

  • Analyse and interpret functions and their properties, including mappings and inverses, to understand their role in algorithms and computing.

  • Explore relations and their properties, using them to describe structured connections and dependencies in computational systems.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Advanced Mathematics
Category: Applied Mathematics
Category: Algorithms
Category: Theoretical Computer Science
Category: Programming Principles
Category: Database Theory
Category: Data Structures
Category: Logical Reasoning
Category: Business Mathematics
Category: Computational Thinking
Category: Computer Science
Category: Problem Solving
Category: General Mathematics
Category: Computational Logic
Category: Mathematical Modeling

What you'll learn

  • Apply algebra, vectors, and matrices to represent data, model transformations, and solve computational problems.

  • Work with sequences and series, understanding convergence and applying summation techniques in computing contexts.

  • Use combinatorial methods, including permutations and combinations, to analyse arrangements, counts, and algorithm behaviour.

  • Apply probability and statistical reasoning to interpret data, model uncertainty, and support computational decision-making.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Applied Mathematics
Category: Linear Algebra
Category: Analysis
Category: Probability
Category: Probability & Statistics
Category: Combinatorics
Category: Algorithms
Category: Advanced Mathematics
Category: Statistics
Category: Statistical Analysis
Category: Data Analysis
Category: Algebra
Category: Mathematical Theory & Analysis
Category: Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling

What you'll learn

  • Solve geometric and trigonometric problems involving angles, lines, and triangles, applying them to computing contexts.

  • Sketch and interpret graphs of functions and apply kinematics to describe displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

  • Work with exponential and logarithmic functions, exploring their rules, graphs, and applications in computational systems.

  • Understand limits and apply differentiation to calculate gradients, sketch curves, and solve optimisation problems.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Functional Requirement
Category: Mechanics
Category: Mathematical Modeling
Category: Physics
Category: Derivatives
Category: Graphing
Category: Trigonometry
Category: Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling
Category: Applied Mathematics
Category: Mathematical Theory & Analysis
Category: Computer Graphics
Category: Graphic Design
Category: Geometry
Category: Calculus
Category: Computer Science
Category: Graph Theory

What you'll learn

  • Represent and evaluate statements with formal logic, building accuracy and rigour in reasoning for computing challenges.

  • Apply Boolean algebra to simplify logical expressions and connect symbolic reasoning to digital systems and algorithms.

  • Construct and verify mathematical proofs using direct proof, contradiction, and induction to confirm correctness.

  • Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills to analyse, structure, and solve complex computational tasks.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Theoretical Computer Science
Category: Logical Reasoning
Category: Problem Solving
Category: Deductive Reasoning
Category: Algorithms
Category: Computer Science
Category: Business Logic
Category: Computational Thinking
Category: Critical Thinking
Category: Mathematical Modeling
Category: Computational Logic
Category: Strategic Communication
Algorithms and Complexity

Algorithms and Complexity

Course 5 19 hours

What you'll learn

  • Design finite automata and explain how deterministic and non-deterministic machines recognise and process formal languages.

  • Implement, compare, and evaluate searching and sorting algorithms, analysing their performance and correctness in different contexts.

  • Create recursive and iterative algorithms, identifying scenarios where each approach provides clarity, efficiency, or scalability.

  • Analyse algorithms with asymptotic notation, explain complexity classes like P and NP, and interpret NP-completeness in computing.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Programming Principles
Category: Computational Logic
Category: Data Structures
Category: Algorithms
Category: Computer Science
Category: Logical Reasoning
Category: Complex Problem Solving
Category: Performance Testing
Category: Graph Theory
Category: Game Theory
Category: Computational Thinking
Category: Theoretical Computer Science
Category: Critical Thinking
Category: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Category: Analysis

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Instructor

Omar Karakchi
University of London
7 Courses 46,575 learners

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