Computational Thinking, Programming and Social Sciences

2.10.2025 - 31.1.2026

5 cr

Face-to-face

Advanced studies

Course serves as an introduction to basic programming. We start by learning to approach problems like a computer, and mastering basic structures of required to solve problems: variables, if and for-structures. Following this, we learn how to address more complex problems with the help of data structures, such as lists and key-value structures. We also examine the O-notation and back-of-the-envelope methods to understand how long it would take to solve a problem. Finally, we learn how to use software libraries and read their documentation, making it possible to benefit from code other people have produced and focus on real-world problem solving.

Contains

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No active implementations at present.

Additional information and registration

Price and registration period

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Additional information:

Fields

Social sciences

Scope

5 cr

Code

COS-D430

By the end of the course students can

produce high-level problem solving strategies for real-world social science problems
use variables and list their potential role in problem solving
use control structures to solve problems
use data structures to help in more complex problem solving
use software library documentation and use software libraries
understand the basic idea of computational complexity and the limits it sets to problem solving

Completion methods (general description)

Completion of assigned exercises examining the learning outcomes.

Assessment practices and criteria

Course is evaluated by assigned exercises.

Learning activities and methods

There are weekly exercise sessions where students can work on the assignments.

Target groups

COS students (including exchange students)

SOST/PYAM PhD students

continuous learning (3 places)

Teaching period when the course will be offered

Recommended time or stage of studies for completion

First year

Study modulesCOS-R400
Expiry of studies

Please see the instructions on expiry of studies(Opens in a new tab).

Languages of instruction

English

EQF levelMaster's/EQF level 7

Organiser

Helsingin yliopisto

Contact details

avoin-student@helsinki.fi

Belongs to themes:

Change management and analytics