Fundamentals of Computer Science
A.Y. 2024/2025
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 can be attended as a single course.
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
- Evaluation methods
- 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
- Evaluation methods
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:
- Lucidi presentati a lezione
- Paolo Ceravolo. Fondamenti di Informatica per le Scienze Umanistiche, Pearson, 2025.
Optional texts:
- Donatella Sciuto Giacomo Buonanno, Luca Mari. Introduzione ai sistemi informatici. Mac Graw Hill
- Chiara Frigeri, Fabio Maccaferri, Federico Rajola. ICT e società dell'Informazione. Mac Graw Hill
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
- Lucidi presentati a lezione
- Paolo Ceravolo. Fondamenti di Informatica per le Scienze Umanistiche, Pearson, 2025.
Optional texts:
- Donatella Sciuto Giacomo Buonanno, Luca Mari. Introduzione ai sistemi informatici. Mac Graw Hill
- Chiara Frigeri, Fabio Maccaferri, Federico Rajola. ICT e società dell'Informazione. Mac Graw Hill
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a compulsory oral test and an optional project.
Oral test: This test assesses the acquisition of the concepts presented during the course and the students' logical and argumentative skills.
To access the oral test, students must complete an exercise that the lecturer will post on Ariel 24 hours before the exam call. Correct exposition and understanding of the solution to the exercise is necessary to continue with the interview.
Optional project: This project gives students the opportunity to explore topics related to their training plan.
The final grade will be given in thirtieths.
Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be agreed with the lecturer, in collaboration with the appropriate office. International or Erasmus incoming students are urged to contact the incoming lecturer in a timely manner.
Oral test: This test assesses the acquisition of the concepts presented during the course and the students' logical and argumentative skills.
To access the oral test, students must complete an exercise that the lecturer will post on Ariel 24 hours before the exam call. Correct exposition and understanding of the solution to the exercise is necessary to continue with the interview.
Optional project: This project gives students the opportunity to explore topics related to their training plan.
The final grade will be given in thirtieths.
Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be agreed with the lecturer, in collaboration with the appropriate office. International or Erasmus incoming students are urged to contact the incoming lecturer in a timely manner.
Professor(s)