Conceptual definition of symbolic computation, mathematical foundation of symbolic computation. Mappings and relationships, expression tree. The symbolic expression as a data structure. Canonical record of expressions and the concept of simplification. Overview of software tools for computer algebra. Mathematica, Matlab, Symbolic Toolbox. Symbolic programming paradigm. The concept of form. Programming based on rules. Example implementations of symbolic computation in the software Mathematica. Advantages of symbolic computation compared to traditional numerical computation. The application of symbolic computation and computer algebra.