• University of Leeds
  • Click Start Logo
  • Institute of Coding logo

An Introduction to Logic for Computer Science

Hone your computer science skills and gain practical applications for solving complex problems with logic.

1,270 enrolled on this course

An Introduction to Logic for Computer Science: students gathered around computers and thinking.
  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Digital upgrade

    Free

Expand your digital skills with a foundation in propositional logic

Logic is a cornerstone in computer science. Without it, we’d struggle to organise information effectively or create streamlined algorithms, slowing progress in the tech sector.

On this two-week, introductory course from the University of Leeds, dive into computer-based logic and discover its practical applications in problem-solving, algorithm design, and the development of intelligent systems.

By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of propositional logic, the ability to use truth tables, and the critical thinking skills to apply logical reasoning to solve complex problems in computer science.

Get tech-savvy with computer logic

Begin this course by learning the basics of propositional logic, including what propositions are and how they can be used to represent real-world situations.

You’ll also be introduced to basic logical expressions and how to represent these using truth tables, preparing you to tackle more advanced logic applications.

Apply logic models in the real world

On the second week of this course, you’ll put theory to practice, utilising propositional logic to solve puzzles and derive solutions.

Through expert insights and hands-on exercises, you’ll develop practical skills to solve real-world problems using logical reasoning and propositional logic.

Learn with the University of Leeds’ computer science experts

Crafted by the University of Leeds’ School of Computing and developed as part of the Institute of Coding’s ClickStart programme, you’ll gain access to their team of experts and grow your digital network with other like-minded learners.

If you’re interested in exploring more technology and computer science, consider joining another online course from the [University of Leeds] (https://www.futurelearn.com/partners/university-of-leeds).

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Propositional logic

    • Group of IT professionals working in an office.

      Course Introduction

      Discover the world of logic and its real-world applications. Explore propositions, learn to describe situations with propositional logic, and create truth tables.

    • Two IT developers reviewing code.

      An introduction to propositoinal logic

      Explore propositional logic. Learn to combine statements using "and," "or," and "not." Create rules, optimise code, and prove correctness. Detect bugs and build AI systems with this essential toolkit.

    • Scientist looking at equations on a whiteboard.

      Using logical operators to create more complex expressions

      Learn about compound propositions. Explore how to combine propositions into complex logic expressions. Learn to describe disjunction, negation, and implication and analyse a truth table.

  • Week 2

    Modelling with logic

    • Team workers solving problems on a laptop.

      Using logic to solve puzzles

      Apply logic to solve puzzles. Engage in logical reasoning to sharpen thinking skills. Identify and model propositions. Use logical reasoning to solve a puzzle. Build truth tables and solve the mystery of the stolen cookies.

    • Sharing your detective skills

      Explain how to model and solve the puzzle to a friend or family member. Practise and reinforce your learning by teaching others to apply logic to solve puzzles.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • apply logical statements as propositions using logical connectives
  • describe a propositional formula using a truth table
  • produce a truth table for a propositional formula
  • describe real world problems as propositional formulas
  • apply propositional formulae to reason about real world problems.

Who is the course for?

This introductory course is designed for those who want to understand and apply basic computer science principles and applications – whether you want to refine your digital skills or are pursuing a career in tech.

This course is accessible to everyone and does not require any additional knowledge to complete.

Who will you learn with?

Sam Wilson

I am currently an Associate professor in the School of Computer Science, University of Leeds. Graduating with a PhD in theoretical computer science I am focused on computer science pedagogies.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

Click Start Logo

Click Start

This course is part of Click Start, a nationwide training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) , a national collaboration of universities, employers and charities and funded by Nominet – the public benefit company and guardians of the .UK namespace.

Institute of Coding logo

Institute of Coding

The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.

Endorsers and supporters

funded by

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What's included?

University of Leeds are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible
  • Learning on FutureLearn

    Your learning, your rules

    • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
    • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
    • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

    Join a global classroom

    • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
    • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
    • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

    Map your progress

    • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
    • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
    • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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