Fundamentals of Computer Science
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing the students with the basics related to the computer and information science. In particular: i) formal definition of information; ii) semiotic models of communication; iii) database modelling; iv) network architecture (client - server); v) internet and world wide web: protocols and standard; vi) markup languages (html). Starting from the basics, the course presents advanced topics such as information retrieval and graph theory. Finally, AI is introduced specifying its scope and applications so to framing the current debate on the related topics.
Expected learning outcomes
Formal definition of information
Communication Model (Shannon Weaver)
ER model and relational model
Relational algebra and SQL
Client server architecture
TCP-IP and HTTP protocols
Basics of HTML
Adserving workflow
Basics of web analytics
Basics of Information Retrieval
Graph Theory
Search engine
Social Network Analysis
AI and Machine Learning basics
Skills.
Ability to analyze the digital communication and advertising.
Communication Model (Shannon Weaver)
ER model and relational model
Relational algebra and SQL
Client server architecture
TCP-IP and HTTP protocols
Basics of HTML
Adserving workflow
Basics of web analytics
Basics of Information Retrieval
Graph Theory
Search engine
Social Network Analysis
AI and Machine Learning basics
Skills.
Ability to analyze the digital communication and advertising.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course aims at providing the students with the basics related to the computer and information science. In particular:
i) formal definition of information;
ii) models of communication;
iii) database modelling;
iv) network architecture (client - server);
v) internet and world wide web: protocols and standard;
vi) markup languages (HTML / XML).
Starting from the basics, the course presents advanced topics such as
a) information retrieval
b) graph theory
c) social network analysis
d) privacy: technical issues
e) the digital communication and advertising
f) basics of AI and ML (focus on GenAI and LLM).
The program for not attending students is the same.
Optional activities will be provided for the evaluation.
i) formal definition of information;
ii) models of communication;
iii) database modelling;
iv) network architecture (client - server);
v) internet and world wide web: protocols and standard;
vi) markup languages (HTML / XML).
Starting from the basics, the course presents advanced topics such as
a) information retrieval
b) graph theory
c) social network analysis
d) privacy: technical issues
e) the digital communication and advertising
f) basics of AI and ML (focus on GenAI and LLM).
The program for not attending students is the same.
Optional activities will be provided for the evaluation.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
The lessons will be held in class and can be followed synchronously based on the timetable.
The Microsoft Teams platform will be used for exceptional cases.
The Microsoft Teams platform will be used for exceptional cases.
Teaching Resources
Lecture Notes
S. Castano, A. Ferrara, S. Montanelli, Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson, Milano 2009
http://www.cs.cornell.edu/home/kleinber/networks-book/ chap1, 2, 13, 14
S. Castano, A. Ferrara, S. Montanelli, Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson, Milano 2009
http://www.cs.cornell.edu/home/kleinber/networks-book/ chap1, 2, 13, 14
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will be oral expressed out of 30.
During the course, non mandatory exercises will be held and can influence the final evaluation.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course.
Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
During the course, non mandatory exercises will be held and can influence the final evaluation.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course.
Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Marcante Andrea