Skip to content

University of Pennsylvania — Susan Davidson

Computational Thinking for Problem Solving

Explore Penn’s computational-thinking course on problem decomposition, algorithms, computer operations and practical applications using Python.

PaidBeginner10+ hoursEnglishCertificateComputer Science Foundations
Go to course

Opens on the provider’s site. Check current access and certificate terms there.

Course overview

Penn introduces the habits used to turn a loosely stated problem into a procedure a computer can follow. Algorithm expression and analysis connect with computer operations and Python examples. It suits beginners who want to understand the reasoning that comes before choosing a language feature or writing a large program.

What you will learn

  • Break a problem into computational steps.
  • Express and analyze an algorithm.
  • Apply computational thinking using Python.

Who this suits

Beginners exploring computational problem solving; preview the programming activities to plan practice time.

Before you enroll

Allow time to solve exercises independently rather than only following explanations. Software versions and setup instructions can change; compare them with current documentation. Mathematical and programming foundations develop through repeated practice, and completing an introductory course does not demonstrate expertise in every computing field.

Coursera offers paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for assessment and certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. Provider access terms can change; review them before paying.

Put it into practice

Describe a repetitive everyday task as precise steps, identify ambiguous instructions, and implement a small part with testable inputs and outputs.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on . It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

How YellowCourse describes and checks learning resources.

At a glance

Provider
Coursera
Learning format
Course
Price
Paid
Level
Beginner
Study time (approx.)
10+ hours
Language
English
Certificate
Available; check provider terms
Created by
University of Pennsylvania — Susan Davidson
Page updated
12 Oct 2026