AI: Neural Networks About the Course Neural networks use learning algorithms that are inspired by our understanding of how the brain learns, but they are evaluated by how well they work for practical applications such as speech recognition, object recognition, image retrieval and the ability to recommend products that a user will like. As computers become more powerful, Neural Networks are gradually taking over from simpler Machine Learning methods. This YouTube video gives examples of the kind of material that will be in the course, but the course will present this material at a much gentler rate and with more examples. Recommended Background Programming proficiency in Matlab, Octave or Python. Course Format The class will consist of lecture videos, which are between 5 and 15 minutes in length.
Logic 101 Logic 101 These lectures cover introductory sentential logic, a method used to draw inferences based off of an argument's premises. Logic is ubiquitous--individuals thinking of pursuing a career in law, computer science, mathematics, or social science must have a firm understanding of basic logic to succeed. Even someone who occasionally programs in Microsoft Excel would benefit greatly. Lectures Prerequisites Logic 101 is the ground floor--there are no prerequisites other than being willing to think through problems. Syllabus This class will cover eight topics: Simple Sentences and OperationsTruth TablesReplacement RulesRules of InferenceProofsConditional ProofsProof by ContradictionFormal Fallacies Additional information Teacher qualifications I am a PhD Candidate at the University of Rochester.
Introduction to Psychology Syllabus Professor Paul Bloom, Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology Description What do your dreams mean? Texts Gray, Peter. Requirements Exams: There is a mid-term and a final. Reading Responses: Starting on the third week of class, you will submit a short reading response every week. Book Review: You will write one book review. Experimental participation: All Introductory Psychology students serve as subjects in experiments. Grading Reading responses: 15%Book review: 20%Midterm examination: 30%Final examination: 35% Join a Study Group Through a pilot arrangement with Open Yale Courses, OpenStudy offers tools to participate in online study groups for a selection of Open Yale Courses, including PSYC 110. View study group OpenStudy is not affiliated with Yale University.
Applied Cryptography and Encryption When does the course begin? This class is self paced. You can begin whenever you like and then follow your own pace. How long will the course be available? This class will always be available! How do I know if this course is for me? Take a look at the “Class Summary,” “What Should I Know,” and “What Will I Learn” sections above. Can I skip individual videos? Yes! How much does this cost? It’s completely free! What are the rules on collaboration? Collaboration is a great way to learn. Why are there so many questions? Udacity classes are a little different from traditional courses. What should I do while I’m watching the videos? Learn actively!
Creative Problem Solving About the Course This course will help you understand the role of creativity, innovation, and problem solving in your own life and across disciplines. It will challenge you to move outside of your existing comfort zone and to recognize the value of that exploration. What makes an idea creative, anyway? The principal learning activity in the course is a series of "differents" where you will be challenged to identify and change your own cultural, habitual, and normal patterns of behavior. Course Syllabus Introduction: including creativity as an area of study, course methods, and doing something different. Recommended Background No background required, all learners are welcome. In-course Textbooks As a student enrolled in this course, you will have free access to selected chapters and content for the duration of the course. Suggested Readings Johnson, Steven. Lehrer, Jonah. Berger, Warren. Course Format Will I get a Statement of Accomplishment after completing this class?
Introduction to Mathematical Thinking About the Course NOTE: For the Fall 2015 session, the course website will go live at 10:00 AM US-PST on Saturday September 19, two days before the course begins, so you have time to familiarize yourself with the website structure, watch some short introductory videos, and look at some preliminary material. The goal of the course is to help you develop a valuable mental ability – a powerful way of thinking that our ancestors have developed over three thousand years. Mathematical thinking is not the same as doing mathematics – at least not as mathematics is typically presented in our school system. The course is offered in two versions. Course Syllabus Instructor’s welcome and introduction 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Recommended Background High school mathematics. Suggested Readings There is one reading assignment at the start, providing some motivational background. There is a supplemental reading unit describing elementary set theory for students who are not familiar with the material.
Logic: Language and Information 1 About the Course Information is everywhere: in our words and our world, our thoughts and our theories, our devices and our databases. Logic is the study of that information: the features it has, how it’s represented, and how we can manipulate it. Does this hypothesis clash with the evidence we have or is it consistent with the evidence? If you take this subject, you will learn how to use the core tools in logic: the idea of a formal language, which gives us a way to talk about logical structure; and we'll introduce and explain the central logical concepts such as consistency and validity; models; and proofs. Course Syllabus Week 1. Week 2. Weeks 3–5. Electronic Engineering — simplifying digital circuitsPhilosophy — vagueness and borderline casesComputer Science — databases, resolution and propositional PrologLinguistics — meaning: implication vs implicature Recommended Background This subject presumes no specialist background knowledge. Suggested Readings Course Format
Critical Thinking Course Summary This MOOC is an introduction in Critical Thinking, with an emphasis on using reason in our daily communication. Its main topics cover the structure and analysis of arguments, the study of inductive reasoning as basis for scientific knowledge and as key ingredient in how we understand reality. Next we will focus on fallacies (like loaded question or hasty generalization) and on guidelines for structuring a presentation, an argumentative essay or a debate. Furthermore, the course gives you an overview of cognitive biases (a fashionable topic nowadays), and on the use of emotional tools in persuasion. The teaching is accompanied by tons of documented experiments and fun examples, guided practice, quizzes, links to additional materials (like TED talks) and short homework. What do I learn? After taking this course you will have the tools to analyze the truth of all kinds of statements, from opinion articles to court verdicts and investment proposals. What do I need to know?
DQ 101: Introduction to Decision Quality Uncertainty and endless debate can inhibit our ability to make good decisions. Many of us squander our best opportunities to create value through better decisions. What if we could judge the quality of our decisions at the time we make them, rather than waiting for their outcome? What if we could turn uncertainty to our advantage? Decision Quality has proven to be an invaluable business tool for some of the largest corporations in the world. Now you can learn to make smarter decisions. Understand the six requirements of Decision Quality Recognize the quality of a decision before you make it (not just in hindsight) Identify gaps in Decision Quality and focus your attention where it matters Reach DQ in significant decisions in a timely and efficient way Gain awareness of strategic Decision Quality, decision "power tools," and the role of decision professionals. Workload: Expect to spend between 2-4 hours per week on the course over the five-week period. Course Design: Course Content: « Less
Practical Ethics About the Course In this course you will be encouraged to think about some of the ethical issues that we all face in our daily lives, and as concerned, global citizens. The course will focus on the following topics: Brain death and persistent vegetative state When is a person dead? In many countries death is now defined as “brain death,” but is this way of understanding death justified? Abortion and the moral status of embryos and fetus Most people would argue that it is always wrong to intentionally take the life of an innocent human being. Making end of life decisions How do you distinguish wrongful killing from acts that are not regarded as wrong? Effective altruism We all spend money on items that are not necessities. Climate change On what principles should nations agree on the extent of their emissions of greenhouse gasses? Animals It is common to draw a sharp line between how we are allowed to treat human beings and what we are allowed to do to animals. Why act ethically?