Understanding Information Theory - Revised
Learn about the evolution of language and information, with this free online information theory course.
Description
Language allows you to break down a thought or a mental object into a series of conceptual chunks. This series of conceptual chunks can be externalized by a series of signals or symbols. This course begins by discussing the origins of written language and the alphabet. You will study pictograms and learn their importance in the evolution of writing. The course will also cover ideograms and the hieroglyphic writing system which was used in ancient Egypt.
Next, you will study the Phoenician writing system which was based on the principle of one sign representing one consonant, and was the source of the Greek and Roman alphabets. The course will then discuss Morse code, which uses dots and dashes to transmit information over long distances. You will also study symbol rate and channel capacity, the Voltaic pile, and the Markov chains. Finally, you will learn how information is measured.
By the end of this course, you will have a much better understanding of information theory, the history of written language, the evolution of electrical communication systems, and recent radical changes to the transmission of information. This is fascinating knowledge, and also crucial information for understanding the modern systems of communication that we so easily take for granted. So, check out the course today, and learn something really interesting in just a few short hours.
Modules
Understanding Information Theory
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Understanding Information Theory Learning Outcomes
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What is Information Theory?
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Origins of Written Language
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History of the Alphabet
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Source Encoding
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Visual Telegraphs
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History of Static Electricity
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Morse Code and The Information Age
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The Battery and Electromagnetism
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Symbol Rate
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Intro to Channel Capacity
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How do we measure Information
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Markov Chains
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A Mathematical Theory of Communication
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Understanding Information Theory Lesson Summary
Course assessment
Learning Outcomes
Having completed this course the learner will be able to:
- Describe the origins of written language and the alphabet.
- Describe how to Morse code works. Describe symbol rate and channel capacity.
- Describe Markov chains. Describe how information is measured.
Certification
All Alison courses are free to enrol, study and complete. To successfully complete this Certificate course and become an Alison Graduate, you need to achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment. Once you have completed this Certificate course, you have the option to acquire an official Certificate, which is a great way to share your achievement with the world. Your Alison Certificate is:
Ideal for sharing with potential employers - include it in your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications
An indication of your commitment to continuously learn, upskill and achieve high results
An incentive for you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning
Alison offers 3 types of Certificates for completed Certificate courses:
Digital Certificate - a downloadable Certificate in PDF format, immediately available to you when you complete your purchase
Certificate - a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Certificate, posted to you with FREE shipping
Framed Certificate - a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Certificate in a stylish frame, posted to you with FREE shipping
All Certificates are available to purchase through the Alison Shop. For more information on purchasing Alison Certificates, please visit our FAQs. If you decide not to purchase your Alison Certificate, you can still demonstrate your achievement by sharing your Learner Record or Learner Achievement Verification, both of which are accessible from your Dashboard. For more details on our Certificate pricing, please visit our Pricing Page.