What is discrete mathematics?

Discrete mathematics refers to a group of mathematics branches that deal with discrete objects instead of continuous objects. In discrete mathematics, objects have distinct, separate values represented by integers, unlike real numbers used in continuous mathematics. Discrete mathematics includes combinatorics, set theory, graph theory, number theory, and probability. It is integral to computer science and plays a role in the field of data science.

Why learn discrete mathematics?

You may consider learning discrete mathematics if you want to study computer science or work in a data science field. Discrete mathematics is a foundation of computer science, and programmers often use principles of set theory, probability, and combinations to analyze algorithms when writing programs and applications. Learning discrete mathematics can also help boost other useful skills like logic, reasoning, and problem-solving, making you a more marketable job candidate.

What are typical careers that use discrete mathematics?

Typical careers that use discrete mathematics are in the computer science field, such as software development, programming, and cryptography. Data scientists and data analysts may use their knowledge of discrete mathematics in their work. Other careers that can incorporate discrete mathematics include electrical and mechanical engineers in addition to data analysts, business analysts, and market researchers. Discrete mathematics also influences the work of urban planners, epidemiologists, and social scientists who collect and analyze large amounts of data.

How can online courses help me learn discrete mathematics?

Online courses can introduce you to core concepts of discrete mathematics, such as sets, relations, and functions. Lessons include topics like partial orders, enumerative combinatorics, and the binomial coefficient, and you have opportunities to apply the concepts to real-world applications. You may choose courses that cover specific subjects like graph theory or probability to increase your knowledge of these disciplines. Alternatively, you may decide to take courses that explore the application of discrete mathematics in specific fields like data science, computer science, or machine learning.

What are the benefits of taking an online Discrete Mathematics course?

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

What Discrete Mathematics courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Discrete Math, 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 .

Top Discrete Mathematics Courses - Learn Discrete Mathematics Online

Explore the Discrete Mathematics Course Catalog

University of Colorado Boulder
Probability Theory: Foundation for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Probability, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Statistics, Bayesian Statistics, Data Science, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Inference
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
252 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Algebra: Elementary to Advanced - Equations & Inequalities
Skills you'll gain: Algebra, Arithmetic, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Graphing, Probability & Statistics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
583 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The University of Sydney
Introduction to Calculus
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Integral Calculus, Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Trigonometry, Arithmetic, Derivatives, Mathematical Modeling, Graphing, Estimation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.8K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Pennsylvania
Calculus: Single Variable Part 1 - Functions
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Derivatives
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Minnesota
Matrix Methods
Skills you'll gain: Dimensionality Reduction, NumPy, Linear Algebra, Machine Learning Methods, Data Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Applied Machine Learning, Data Manipulation, Exploratory Data Analysis, Algorithms, Python Programming
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
243 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Mathematical Thinking in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Deductive Reasoning, Computational Thinking, Theoretical Computer Science, Algorithms, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Program Development
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Differential Equations Part I Basic Theory
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Vibrations, Mechanics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Pennsylvania
English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Skills you'll gain: Research, Vocabulary, Literacy, English Language, Language Learning, Scientific Methods, Environmental Science, Grammar, Emerging Technologies, Innovation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Introduction to Graph Theory
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Combinatorics, Network Analysis, Data Structures, Network Routing, Algorithms, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Theoretical Computer Science, Program Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Differential Calculus through Data and Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Data Modeling, Estimation, Graphing, Mathematical Modeling, Numerical Analysis, Algebra, Trigonometry, Cost Estimation, Linear Algebra, Operations Research, Data Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Software, Analysis, Derivatives, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Geometry, Trend Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
346 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Multiple educators
Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Unsupervised Learning, Supervised Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Jupyter, Data Ethics, Decision Tree Learning, Tensorflow, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Artificial Intelligence, NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Random Forest Algorithm, Feature Engineering
Build toward a degree
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
33K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Precalculus through Data and Modelling
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Graphing, Trigonometry, Analytical Skills, R Programming, General Mathematics, Statistics, Algebra, Systems Of Measurement, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis, Calculus, Geometry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
303 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months