What is scientific computing?

Scientific computing is the high-powered, research-focused application of computing theories and methodologies to solve scientific problems. Another way to view scientific computing is that it is the intersection point between computer science, numerical mathematics, and modeling. In scientific computing, there are a variety of tools, techniques, and theories used to analyze science, engineering, and mathematical computer models of problems. This field of study is also known as computational science. With either definition, it is an area of science that encompasses many different disciplines while using advanced computing capabilities to understand and solve problems with natural systems.

Why is it important to learn scientific computing?

Scientific computing is valuable to learn as many of the concepts explored in this area deal with futuristic ways to use computers. One of these ways is due to the increased power of supercomputers in recent years. As a result, it has become easier for computer scientists to use scientific computing to create complex simulations that were previously unimaginable, such as particle physics. Someone who has learned computing through networking, computer hardware, programming, databases, or algorithms could have the right mix of skills and insights to learn scientific computing

What are typical career opportunities that can arise from learning scientific computing?

Typical career opportunities that can arise from learning scientific computing include working as a data scientist, cloud operations specialist, scientific programmer/modeler, data engineer, or DevOps engineer. Additional roles are in data acquisition, ingestion, and research integration as a computational scientist. Other roles involve creating user interfaces and back-end services to automate the scientific output of multi-institutional science research projects.

How can taking online courses help me learn scientific computing?

When you take online courses about scientific computing, you can learn the fundamentals of science research and the mathematical methodologies involved in this scientific approach. You may also be exposed to data analysis as it relates to mathematical modeling, along with related knowledge originally developed within mathematics. Today, this set of mathematical techniques and theories is a major part of scientific computing known as numerical analysis. Taking online courses can help you learn more about these data-rich fields, as well as newer, advanced technologies like Databricks and Apache Spark that scientific computing experts use in large research projects.

What are the benefits of taking an online Scientific Computing course?

Online Scientific Computing courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Scientific Computing skills. Choose from a wide range of Scientific Computing courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Scientific Computing courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Scientific Computing, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Scientific Computing Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Scientific Computing Course Catalog

Status: New
Status: Preview
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Python for Scientific Computing
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Visualization, NumPy, Data Visualization, Debugging, Matplotlib, Numerical Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Integrated Development Environments, Computational Thinking, Engineering Analysis, Programming Principles, Jupyter, Data Analysis, Computer Programming
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
MATLAB Programming for Engineers and Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Image Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Matlab, Algorithms, Machine Learning Methods, User Interface (UI), Applied Machine Learning, ChatGPT, Scatter Plots, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Dimensionality Reduction, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Computer Programming, Histogram, AI Personalization, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Programming Principles, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to High-Performance and Parallel Computing
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Scalability, Distributed Computing, Big Data, Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, File Systems, Linux, Scripting, Command-Line Interface, OS Process Management, Artificial Intelligence
Build toward a degree
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
146 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
École Polytechnique
How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Project-Centered Course)
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Journals, Scientific Methods, Research, Research Design, Proofreading, Research Methodologies, Editing, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
GPU Programming
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Neural Networks, Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, Scalability, Deep Learning, Software Development, Machine Learning Methods, Performance Tuning, C and C++, System Programming, Linear Algebra, Computer Graphics, Distributed Computing, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Vision, Programming Principles, Data Processing, OS Process Management, Data Structures, Machine Learning
Build toward a degree
2.8
Rating, 2.8 out of 5 stars
174 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Introduction to Cloud Computing
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Services, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Hosting, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Computing, Cloud Solutions, Cloud Development, Cloud Storage, Emerging Technologies, Cloud-Native Computing, Cloud Management, Hybrid Cloud Computing, IBM Cloud, Virtual Machines, Serverless Computing, Technical Services, DevOps
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Differential Calculus through Data and Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Data Modeling, Estimation, Graphing, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Cost Estimation, Mathematical Software, Engineering Calculations, Linear Algebra, Trigonometry, Operations Research, Data Analysis, Derivatives, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Geometry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
375 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Dataflow, Java Programming, Java, Middleware, Scala Programming, Data Structures, System Programming, Programming Principles, Servers, Application Frameworks, Debugging, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Network Protocols, Computer Science
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of London
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Debugging, Development Environment, Computer Systems, Web Applications, Arithmetic, Computer Literacy, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Program Development, Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, Problem Management, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Problem Solving
Build toward a degree
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Cloud Computing
Skills you'll gain: Distributed Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Services, Big Data, Apache Spark, Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Cloud Platforms, Network Architecture, Data Storage Technologies, Computer Networking, File Systems, Apache Hadoop, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Applications, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Middleware, Containerization, Software-Defined Networking, NoSQL
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Pearson
Skill Up with Python: Web Development Recipes
Skills you'll gain: Full-Stack Web Development, Flask (Web Framework), Web Applications, Real Time Data, Web Development, Restful API, Application Development, Application Programming Interface (API), Back-End Web Development, API Design, Python Programming, Server Side, JSON
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
High-Performance and Parallel Computing
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Distributed Computing, Scalability, Software Architecture, Big Data, Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, File Systems, Cloud Development, Scripting, Command-Line Interface, C and C++, Linux, Data Sharing, OS Process Management, Communication Systems, Artificial Intelligence
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
149 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months