Mathematics for Computer Science
Mathematics for Computer Science is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Mathematics. It is structured in 4 modules with 4 stated learning outcomes, over 9h 38m. Learners rate it 4.2/5 from 282 ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Mathematics courses collection, where we compare it against 14 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 9h 38m |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.2★ (282 reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
The Mathematics for Computer Science course provides foundational mathematical knowledge essential for working in computer science. This beginner-level course from Coursera is self-paced and designed to be completed in 9 hours and 38 minutes. It is taught in English, and learners can earn a certificate upon completion.
What the Course Covers
This course focuses on several key mathematical concepts. You will learn to transform numbers between different number bases and perform arithmetic operations within these bases. The curriculum also covers sequences and series, teaching you how to identify, describe, and compute their sums.
Furthermore, the course introduces methods for representing and describing space numerically using coordinates and graphs. You will also study, represent, and describe how quantities vary through functions and their graphical representations. The syllabus includes dedicated sections on Number bases and Sequences and series, each with continued parts to ensure thorough understanding.
Who This Course Suits
This course is well-suited for beginners who are starting their journey in computer science and need a solid mathematical foundation. It is ideal for individuals who want to understand core concepts such as number bases, sequences, series, coordinates, graphs, and functions as they apply to the field of computing. Since it is self-paced and relatively short (9 hours 38 minutes), it is also a good option for those looking for a quick yet comprehensive introduction to these topics.
You should consider skipping this course if you already have a strong grasp of these fundamental mathematical concepts or if you are looking for advanced topics in discrete mathematics. While it provides foundational knowledge, it may not be deep enough for learners seeking specialized or higher-level mathematical theories.
How It Compares with Alternatives
This "Mathematics for Computer Science" course is offered by Coursera, similar to the alternative, "Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science." Both courses are self-paced, beginner-level, and provide a certificate upon completion. However, there are key differences to consider.
The current course is significantly shorter, with a duration of 9 hours 38 minutes. In contrast, the "Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science" course has a longer duration of 3 months. This makes the "Mathematics for Computer Science" course a better choice if you need a quicker overview of general mathematical foundations for computer science.
The alternative, "Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science," has a higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3705 reviews, compared to this course's 4.2 stars from 282 reviews. This suggests the alternative is highly regarded by a larger number of learners. If your goal is a more in-depth study specifically focused on discrete mathematics, and you have the time commitment, the alternative might be more suitable. You can find more details about the alternative course here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What mathematical topics does this course cover?
This course covers foundational mathematical topics. You will learn to transform numbers between different bases and perform arithmetic. It also teaches how to identify and compute sequences and series. Additionally, the course introduces representing space with coordinates and graphs, and describing quantity variations using functions.
- What is the duration of the Mathematics for Computer Science course?
The Mathematics for Computer Science course has a duration of 9 hours and 38 minutes. It is a self-paced course, allowing learners to complete it at their own speed. This makes it suitable for individuals looking for a quick introduction to the subject.
- Is a certificate available upon completing this course?
Yes, a certificate is available upon successful completion of the Mathematics for Computer Science course. Earning the certificate can help demonstrate your understanding of the mathematical foundations needed for computer science.
- How does this course compare to "Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science"?
This course is much shorter at 9 hours 38 minutes and covers general mathematical foundations. The "Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science" course is longer, lasting 3 months, and focuses specifically on discrete mathematics. Both are beginner-level and self-paced.
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
4 modulesThe 4-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 9h 38m.
Module 1 · Number bases
Module 2 · Number bases - continued
Module 3 · Sequences and series
Module 4 · Sequences and series - continued
What learners rate it
Rated 4.2/5 by 282 learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics for Computer Science This |
 Coursera
|
4.2★ | Check price | 9h 38m | Quickest to finish (9h 38m) |
| Mathematics for Engineers |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | Check price | 3 months | Highest rated (4.8★ from 7.8K reviews) |
| English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | Check price | 34h 39m | Beginner-friendly · 34h 39m |
| Discrete Mathematics |
 Udemy
|
4.7★ | Free | Free — and still gives a certificate |
Where Mathematics leads
Roles we map to Mathematics on CoursesGlobal. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by Coursera.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for teachers.
Common questions
How much does Mathematics for Computer Science cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Mathematics for Computer Science come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Mathematics for Computer Science take?
Coursera lists it at 9h 38m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Mathematics for Computer Science suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does Mathematics for Computer Science cover?
It is organised into 4 modules, starting with Number bases and going on to Number bases - continued, Sequences and series, Sequences and series - continued. The full outline is on this page.