The TheMagusCode Computer Science Curriculum provides a comprehensive, industry-aligned education in computer science. Unlike traditional university programs, it is:
- Self-paced: Learn at your own speed.
- Project-oriented: Build real-world projects for your portfolio.
- Community-driven: Learn from and with others in the community.
- Prerequisites: The curriculum is organized so that more advanced courses have prerequisites, which are clearly listed in each course table. Completing prerequisites before tackling advanced topics is highly recommended for a smoother learning experience.
- Recommended Learning Approach:
- Self-paced: Learn at your own speed. Each course includes an estimated weekly effort to help you plan.
- Hands-on Projects: Every course includes practical projects designed to build your portfolio.
- Seek help: Use the Discord community to ask questions, share progress, and get feedback.
The TheMagusCode curriculum is 100% free! All resources are open-source or publicly available, so you won’t need to spend a dime on expensive textbooks or courses.
- We rely on free, high-quality materials from trusted sources like MIT OpenCourseWare, FreeCodeCamp, and Coursera.
- Start at Year 1: If you're new to computer science, begin with the foundational courses in Year 1. Each course builds on the previous one to ensure you're ready for the next level.
- Work on Projects: Apply what you’ve learned through hands-on projects that you can add to your portfolio.
- Join the Community: Join our Discord server to get help, collaborate with peers, and share your progress.
- Customize Your Learning: As you progress through the curriculum, you’ll have the opportunity to choose electives and focus on topics that interest you most (e.g., AI, game development, etc).
Our Discord community is central to your learning journey. Join to ask questions, get feedback, and collaborate with peers.
- Join the Discussion:
- 💬 General Discussions: #general
- 📚 Programming Help: Visit the applicable channel under programming and dev tools & practices.
- 🧠 Algorithms & Data Structures: #algorithms
- 🌐 Web Development: #web-dev
The curriculum is organized into four years, each broken down by semesters. It places a special emphasis on hands-on experience, project-based learning, and mastery of core concepts. This helps you progress naturally, from beginner-level programming to advanced computer science concepts:
- Year 1: Foundations of computer science (programming, web development, discrete math).
- Year 2: Intermediate learning (data structures, algorithms, software engineering).
- Year 3: Specializations in emerging fields (machine learning, distributed systems, mobile development).
- Year 4: Mastery of advanced topics (blockchain, quantum computing, capstone project).
Description:
This semester covers the foundational principles of computer science, with a focus on programming, web development, and basic calculus. Students will also explore computer systems to understand the hardware-software interface.
Key Focus Areas:
- Programming fundamentals
- Basic web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Introduction to calculus
- Understanding computer systems architecture
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programming Fundamentals | None | 12 weeks | 10 hours/week | Variables, loops, functions | Build a calculator and text-based game |
| Web Development Fundamentals | None | 12 weeks | 8-12 hours/week | HTML, CSS, JavaScript basics | Create a personal portfolio website |
| Calculus 1 | None | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Limits, derivatives | Solve calculus problems |
| Introduction to Computer Systems | None | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | CPU, memory, OS fundamentals | Analyze a basic computer system |
Description:
Building on the foundations, this semester introduces mathematical reasoning through discrete mathematics and linear algebra. The focus also shifts to data management and data science basics.
Key Focus Areas:
- Discrete mathematics and logic
- Linear algebra for computer science
- Introduction to databases and SQL
- Data science basics, including data wrangling and visualization
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discrete Mathematics | None | 10 weeks | 6-8 hours/week | Set theory, logic, combinatorics | Solve algorithmic problems |
| Linear Algebra | None | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Matrices, vectors, linear transformations | Build matrix operations |
| Introduction to Databases | None | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | SQL, relational models | Create a database schema |
| Introduction to Data Science | None | 12 weeks | 10 hours/week | Data wrangling, visualization | Analyze datasets |
Let me fix that for you. Here is the corrected version of Year 2 - Semester 3 with the table fixed:
Description:
In this semester, you'll start diving deeper into data structures and algorithms, two essential areas for computer science. You’ll also be introduced to software engineering principles, where you'll learn about the software development lifecycle, testing, and Agile methodologies. Additionally, you'll continue your mathematical journey with Calculus 2.
Key Focus Areas:
- Data structures such as trees, graphs, and linked lists
- Algorithms including sorting, recursion, and dynamic programming
- Software engineering methodologies like Agile and testing frameworks
- Calculus 2 concepts such as integrals, sequences, and series
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Structures | Programming Fundamentals | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Trees, graphs, linked lists | Implement a binary tree and graph |
| Algorithms | Data Structures | 12 weeks | 8-12 hours/week | Sorting, recursion, dynamic programming | Implement sorting and search algorithms |
| Software Engineering | None | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | SDLC, testing, Agile | Build a team software project |
| Calculus 2 | Calculus 1 | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Integrals, sequences, series | Solve complex calculus problems |
Description:
The focus here is on more advanced programming concepts, operating systems, and database management. This semester also introduces statistics for computer science applications.
Key Focus Areas:
- Advanced object-oriented programming
- Operating systems: processes, memory management, file systems
- Database management and query optimization
- Probability, distributions, and hypothesis testing
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Programming | Programming Fundamentals | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | OOP, design patterns, concurrency | Build an OOP-based application |
| Operating Systems | Introduction to Computer Systems | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | Processes, memory management, file systems | Create an OS simulator |
| Database Management | Introduction to Databases | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Indexing, query optimization | Design a complex database system |
| Statistics | Calculus 2 | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Probability, distributions, hypothesis | Analyze statistical data |
Description:
This semester is all about specialization, diving deep into advanced topics like machine learning, distributed systems, cloud computing, and mobile app development. Each course is designed to provide a practical understanding of these high-demand fields.
Key Focus Areas:
- Machine learning fundamentals
- Distributed systems and fault tolerance
- Cloud computing architectures and serverless applications
- Mobile application development for iOS and Android
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Learning | Algorithms | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | Supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks | Build a predictive model |
| Distributed Systems | Operating Systems | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | Fault tolerance, replication, distributed databases | Create a distributed key-value store |
| Cloud Computing | None | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Cloud architecture, virtualization, serverless computing | Deploy a cloud-based application |
| Mobile App Development | Advanced Programming | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | iOS/Android app development, mobile frameworks | Build and deploy a mobile app |
Description:
The second semester of Year 3 builds on your knowledge of machine learning and cloud computing, diving deeper into specialized areas such as deep learning, cybersecurity, and big data analytics. This semester is designed to expand your technical toolbox with real-world applications.
Key Focus Areas:
- Deep learning models and neural networks
- Cybersecurity principles and ethical hacking
- Big data analytics with Hadoop and Spark
- Multivariable calculus for advanced problem-solving
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Learning | Machine Learning | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | Neural networks, backpropagation, CNNs, RNNs | Implement a neural network model |
| Cybersecurity | None | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Security protocols, encryption, ethical hacking | Conduct a security audit |
| Big Data Analytics | Data Science | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Hadoop, Spark, data processing frameworks | Analyze big data and generate insights |
| Calculus 3 | Calculus 2 | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Multivariable calculus, vectors, gradients | Solve advanced calculus problems |
Description:
Year 4 focuses on mastering advanced computer science topics and working on a comprehensive capstone project. You'll explore cutting-edge fields like blockchain technology, AI ethics, and advanced software engineering, preparing you for real-world job applications and projects.
Key Focus Areas:
- Capstone project development and management
- Blockchain technology and decentralized applications
- Ethical implications of AI and responsible AI practices
- Advanced software engineering for scalability and CI/CD pipelines
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capstone Project | Completion of prior courses | 16 weeks | 12-16 hours/week | Project management, advanced software design | Develop an end-to-end software solution |
| Blockchain Technology | Advanced Programming | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Cryptography, decentralized applications (DApps) | Build a blockchain-based application |
| AI Ethics | Machine Learning | 10 weeks | 6-8 hours/week | Ethical AI, bias in AI, responsible AI | Analyze the ethical implications of an AI model |
| Advanced Software Engineering | Software Engineering | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | Microservices, scalability, CI/CD | Develop a large-scale software system |
Description:
The final semester of the curriculum dives into advanced topics like quantum computing, cybersecurity, and DevOps. Students will wrap up their studies with real-world applications that push the boundaries of their technical knowledge and prepare them for the workforce.
Key Focus Areas:
- Quantum computing and quantum algorithms
- Advanced cybersecurity and penetration testing
- Data mining and advanced data analytics
- DevOps, continuous integration, and continuous deployment (CI/CD)
| Course | Prerequisites | Length | Effort | Key Topics | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Computing | None | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Qubits, quantum gates, quantum algorithms | Simulate quantum algorithms |
| Advanced Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | Penetration testing, secure coding practices | Conduct a penetration test on a system |
| Data Mining | Big Data Analytics | 12 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | Data patterns, clustering, association rules | Analyze large datasets to find patterns |
| DevOps and CI/CD | Software Engineering | 12 weeks | 10-12 hours/week | Continuous integration, automation, deployment | Implement a full CI/CD pipeline |
Throughout the curriculum, you’ll build projects that demonstrate your knowledge:
- Year 1: Personal portfolio, web app, programming challenges.
- Year 2: Full-stack application, database design, collaborative software projects.
- Year 3: Machine learning models, mobile apps, cloud-deployed systems.
- Year 4: Capstone project showcasing your mastery of a specialized area (e.g., blockchain, quantum computing).
By following this curriculum, you're on your way to becoming a computer science expert! Keep going, build your portfolio, and join the TheMagusCode community to share your progress and get help along the way. You’ve got this!