Fundamentals of Computer Science
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a basic introduction of the disciplines of computer science in a humanistic way. For this reason, alongside elements of presentation of the fundamentals of information systems theory, computability theory, algorithm theory, distributed systems theory, the evolution of the discipline will be examined from historical and anthropological perspectives. The theoretical tools acquired in the course should also be used to stimulate competence in object design and communication tools as well as provide the ability to interact profitably with IT professionals. For this reason, the course offers elements of methodological knowledge, terminology and design skills for databases and human machine interaction, as well as a monographic theme covered annually.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- present the basic notions of algorithm theory and about information coding processes;
- identify the main computer architectures, distributed architectures and information architecture;
- recognize the main approaches for modeling databases;
- exemplify human-machine interactions;
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- critically analyze an IT project;
- use IT tools for project analysis;
- know how to orient themselves in the use of database consultation techniques;
- argue using the basic terminology of the discipline;
- produce texts and multimedia contents with digital tools;
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- present the basic notions of algorithm theory and about information coding processes;
- identify the main computer architectures, distributed architectures and information architecture;
- recognize the main approaches for modeling databases;
- exemplify human-machine interactions;
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- critically analyze an IT project;
- use IT tools for project analysis;
- know how to orient themselves in the use of database consultation techniques;
- argue using the basic terminology of the discipline;
- produce texts and multimedia contents with digital tools;
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
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to computer science
- Encoding and measuring information
- The notion of algorithm
Introduction to hardware and software architectures
- Computer architecture
- Network architectures
- Software and programming languages
- The WWW standards
Introduction to databases and data conceptualisation
- Conceptual and logical design of a database
- Conceptualisation processes
- Relational model
- Graph model
Aspects of technology acceptance
- Human-machine interaction
- Information architecture and usability
- Communication dynamics in distributed networks
Artificial intelligence
- Artificial intelligence methods
- Machine learning
- Knowledge updating
- Encoding and measuring information
- The notion of algorithm
Introduction to hardware and software architectures
- Computer architecture
- Network architectures
- Software and programming languages
- The WWW standards
Introduction to databases and data conceptualisation
- Conceptual and logical design of a database
- Conceptualisation processes
- Relational model
- Graph model
Aspects of technology acceptance
- Human-machine interaction
- Information architecture and usability
- Communication dynamics in distributed networks
Artificial intelligence
- Artificial intelligence methods
- Machine learning
- Knowledge updating
Prerequisites for admission
Mathematical notions acquired in any secondary school program.
Teaching methods
The topics of the course will be addressed through lectures, with the help of transparencies and teaching materials that the teacher will make available from time to time on the Ariel platform. During the lessons exercises and demonstrations will also be carried out to help the student's learning path. A lesson will be dedicated to exam simulation.
Teaching Resources
Mandatory texts:
- Slides and notes presented in class
- Lazzari Marco, Informatica umanistica, McGraw-Hill (first 5 chapters, the others may be useful for addressing specific topic of interest for the individual training plan of the student)
Optional texts:
- Castano Silvana, Ferrara Alfio, Montanelli Stefano. Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
- Castano Silvana, Ferrara Alfio, Montanelli Stefano. Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
- Chiara Frigeri, Fabio Maccaferri, Federico Rajola. ICT e società dell'Informazione Mac Graw Hill
- Slides and notes presented in class
- Lazzari Marco, Informatica umanistica, McGraw-Hill (first 5 chapters, the others may be useful for addressing specific topic of interest for the individual training plan of the student)
Optional texts:
- Castano Silvana, Ferrara Alfio, Montanelli Stefano. Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
- Castano Silvana, Ferrara Alfio, Montanelli Stefano. Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
- Chiara Frigeri, Fabio Maccaferri, Federico Rajola. ICT e società dell'Informazione Mac Graw Hill
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination procedure consists of a compulsory oral exam and an optional project that can complement the exam.
The oral exam verifies the acquisition of the concepts presented during the course and the logical argumentative abilities of the students. The optional project allows the student to deepen a topic related to his training plan. The vote will be expressed in thirtieths.
In order to access the oral exam, it will be necessary to prepare an exercise that the teacher will publish through Ariel 24 hours before the call. The correct exposition and understanding of the solution of the exercise is a necessary condition to continue the oral exam.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher and the competent Office. International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the course teacher in a timely manner.
The oral exam verifies the acquisition of the concepts presented during the course and the logical argumentative abilities of the students. The optional project allows the student to deepen a topic related to his training plan. The vote will be expressed in thirtieths.
In order to access the oral exam, it will be necessary to prepare an exercise that the teacher will publish through Ariel 24 hours before the call. The correct exposition and understanding of the solution of the exercise is a necessary condition to continue the oral exam.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher and the competent Office. International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the course teacher in a timely manner.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)