Learning Computers online

This is CS50, Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience. An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50 teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Languages include C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML. Problem sets inspired by real-world domains of biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming. As of Fall 2014, the on-campus version of CS50 was Harvard's largest course.

David Malan received his bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in computer science from Harvard University, where his research focused on the detection of patterns in large datasets. He teaches Harvard College's introductory computer science course and holds an appointment as the Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He was awarded the Petra T. Shattuck Excellence in Teaching Award in 2007. He also serves as chief information officer for Mindset Media.

While in graduate school, he founded two startups: Crimson Tutors and Diskaster. Malan also worked part-time for the Middlesex District Attorney's Office as a forensic investigator. And, on the side, he volunteered as an EMT-B for MIT-EMS. He continues to volunteer as an EMT-B for the American Red Cross.