Bachelor's degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering - Computer Science Curriculum (L-8) - Unicusano

Bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering – Computer Science Curriculum (L-8)

Study Programme Course L-8 – Computer Science Curriculum

 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering – the Course in Brief

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (L-8) is a three-year educational pathway oriented to provide highly qualifying technological knowledge and skills for the fields of Electronic and Computer Engineering. The course is designed to meet the growing demands of the world of work, both in industry and manufacturing, and in the operation of hardware or software systems and infrastructures for the provision of services in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) area.

The course of study includes a general education track that is completed through two alternative curricula. Each curriculum is geared toward the training of professional profiles congruent with the needs of modern industry and equipped with a general education capable of coping with the rapid evolution of technologies.

To this end, the general education track includes basic teachings in the physics-mathematics area, in addition to the teaching of English. These are supplemented by characterizing teachings in the areas proper to information engineering such as: electronics, electromagnetic fields, telecommunications, and information processing systems. The common education is consolidated by some related teachings in the fields of industrial engineering useful to complete the graduate’s cultural profile.

The curriculum presented here, oriented to the disciplines of computer engineering, completes the basic preparation in the field of computer science and deepens the topics related to information processing systems.

Finally, the curriculum is completed by two courses of the student’s choice, by other educational activities aimed at acquiring additional knowledge useful for entry into the world of work, and by the thesis, which can be carried out either within the University under the guidance of a lecturer, or at the many companies that have entered into an agreement with the University.

The degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering provides direct access to the Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineering (LM-29) and the Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering (LM-32), both of which are active at this Athenaeum and designed organically with the three-year course. At the same time, the three-year graduate in Computer Engineering will have, depending on the educational path chosen, numerous employment outlets to companies and firms that design, produce or supply electronic components and systems, software systems, computer and telecommunications equipment and services, from both public and private sectors.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Online

The three-year Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering online is the ideal solution for all students, making it possible to earn this university degree even for those who are unable to attend a traditional university because they are far from home or for professional reasons.

Through Unicusano’s e-learning platform, it will be possible to follow the lectures of the online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering in telematics mode, study on computer media from the comfort of your own home, at your own time, and then take the exams at the nearest location. Thanks to the quality of its teaching and locations throughout Italy, Unicusano is now the best choice for those who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering online.

Professional profile and expected employment and career outlets for computer engineering graduates

Entry-level information engineer in the field of “Computer Science”

Function in a work setting:

Information engineers with a training more devoted to aspects of computer science are involved in the design of electronic components and equipment, as well as the design and implementation of software and information processing systems. In addition, they have functions inherent in direct and instrumental surveys of technical parameters pertaining to information processing systems.

Skills associated with the function:

Information engineers with training more devoted to aspects of information technology are familiar with the main programming languages and are able to design the architecture of an information system.

They have expertise in database management systems and related technologies and are familiar with protocols and standards underlying telecommunications networks. They also know the fundamentals of electronics and can apply them in their areas of expertise, from hardware computing to telecommunications.

They have, finally, capacity for further self-study for the necessary updating, either in the context of specific training activities by the company/body, or to be able to adapt to technological developments.

Employment outlets:

The figure of the information engineer with dedicated training in information technology can find placements in the technical service facilities of various industries and enterprises, as well as in public administration. Some of the main placements include:

  • Companies operating in the areas of hardware and software production and professional firms;
  • Companies operating in the area of information systems and computer networks;
  • Companies operating information systems for business, health care, citizens and public administration.

Graduates in Computer Engineering, upon passing the State Examination, can register with the Order of Engineers, with the title of Information Engineer Junior.

The three-year course in Computer Engineering prepares for the profession of (ISTAT codings):

  • Programming Technicians – (3.1.2.1.0)
  • Web technicians – (3.1.2.3.0)
  • Network and telematics systems management technicians – (3.1.2.5.0)
  • Telecommunications technicians – (3.1.2.6.1)
  • Electronics technicians – (3.1.3.4.0)

Knowledge required for access

Access to the Bachelor’s Degree is granted to students who possess a high school diploma, as required by current regulations, or another qualification obtained abroad and recognized as suitable. The ability to reason logically and the knowledge and ability to use the main results of elementary mathematics and the fundamentals of the experimental sciences are also required.

Admission to the degree program is regulated through an entrance test, with a non-binding outcome, which is administered to all enrolled students in order to verify that they meet the requirements. The manner in which the test is given is defined in the didactic regulations of the course of study.

In case of a negative result, the student is assigned additional educational obligations that can be filled through attendance of remedial courses. In this regard, pre-courses in Mathematics and Physics have been prepared and are available and delivered in teleducation. For both pre-courses, there is an assessment test, after which the additional educational obligations are considered filled.

Specific educational objectives of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering and description of the course of study

The Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering (L-8) aims to train graduates with a broad technical-scientific background in the disciplines specific to Information Engineering. The course of study is oriented toward the training of professional profiles congruent with the technical needs of the modern information society but does not neglect the development of solid transversal skills and learning abilities, considered indispensable in a professional sector characterized by rapid and continuous technological evolution.

The preparation of a figure flexible to modern professional needs is pursued through the definition of an educational path oriented to the field of Computer Science that aims at the development of an engineer with skills in the design and implementation of software and information systems.

The degree program includes a common general education pathway consisting of 120 credits and is aimed at providing a solid general education, both in the basic physical-mathematical and computer science disciplines and in the engineering disciplines. This course is organized as follows:

  • Lectures in basic physics-mathematics and computer science (in the areas FIS/01, MAT/03, MAT/05, MAT/06, INF/01 and ING-INF/05);
  • Teachings in disciplines characterizing information engineering (in the fields ING-INF/01, ING-INF/02, INGINF/03, ING-INF/05 and ING-IND/35);
  • Related teachings useful for completing the graduate’s cultural profile (in the fields INGIND/08, INGIND/33, INGIND/31, INGIND/12).

The educational activities that characterize this curriculum correspond to 33 credits, complete the basic preparation in the field of computer science and delve into topics specific to the ING-INF/05 sector.

The training is completed by the teaching of English language, two teachings of the student’s free choice, other training activities aimed at acquiring additional knowledge useful for entering the world of work, and the dissertation, for a total of 27 credits. The other training activities and the thesis can be carried out either within the University under the guidance of a lecturer or at the many companies that have entered into an agreement with the University.

In summary, the three-year training is organized into the following macro-areas:

  • Training in the basic disciplines of physics, mathematics and computer science. The purpose of this training area is to deal rigorously with the fundamentals and operational methodologies of these disciplines, with particular reference to the aspects of most direct interest to information engineering.
  • Broad-spectrum engineering training in the disciplines specific to information engineering. The purpose of this training area is to provide the student-independent of the chosen curriculum-with an overview of the technical and scientific aspects pertaining to an information engineer.
  • Specific training in electronics and telecommunications or computer science. This training area, whose educational activities differ depending on the curriculum chosen by the student, provides the student with advanced skills and abilities inherent in the chosen cultural area.
  • Training in related disciplines, to stimulate the aptitude for approaching problems with a critical and interdisciplinary approach.

The expected learning outcomes mainly concern: (1) the methodological-operational aspects of mathematics and other basic sciences that enable the interpretation, description and modeling of engineering problems; (2) the methodological-operational aspects of the disciplines of the areas characterizing the two curricula (electronics and telecommunications, computer science), in order to use the most appropriate techniques and tools for the design of hardware and software components and the development of information processing and transmission systems; (3) the ability to conduct simulations and experiments, critically analysing and interpreting their results in terms of both physical consistency and engineering feasibility; (4) the ability to communicate advanced technical content specific to Information Engineering in a clear and unambiguous manner.

The balance of the training provided for the Bachelor’s degree enables the development of a learning capacity useful both for undertaking further studies (Master’s degree) and for ready entry into the world of work.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding skills

Physical-Mathematical Area

The course of study in Computer Engineering is set up in such a way as to enable the student to know adequately the methodological-operational aspects of mathematics and other basic sciences, and to be able to use this knowledge to interpret and describe problems typical of Information Engineering. The transmission of such knowledge is mainly entrusted to the first-year teachings belonging to the areas of: Geometry, Mathematical Analysis, Probability and Statistics, General Chemistry and Experimental Physics (SSD: MAT/03, MAT/05, MAT/06, CHIM/03, FIS/01).

Information Engineering Area

The course of study in Computer Engineering is set up to enable the student to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding skills in the basic scientific subjects of Computer Engineering. The goal is to enable the graduate to interpret, analyse, and solve problems typical of Information Engineering, with special emphasis on electronics, telecommunications, and computer science (SSD: INF/01, ING-INF/01, ING-INF/02, ING-INF/03, ING-INF/05).

These skills will be further extended with a prevalence of knowledge related to the world of electronics and telecommunications or computer science, depending on the curriculum chosen by the student, in order to create a professional figure capable of analysing and understanding the different industrial contexts in which he or she will have to work.

Industrial – Economic Area

In this area, basic knowledge will be provided in order to complete the student’s education, so that he or she will have a thorough knowledge of the methodological-operational aspects of the engineering sciences, both in general and in depth with regard to specific areas of industrial engineering. The graduate will be able to understand the impact of engineering solutions in the social and physical-environmental context, as well as to know business contexts and business culture in its economic, managerial and organizational aspects.

The transmission of this knowledge is mainly entrusted to the teachings in the areas of Economic-Managerial Engineering, Fluid Machines, Electrical Systems for Energy, Electrotechnics, and Mechanical and Thermal Measurements (ING-IND/08, ING-IND/33, ING-IND/31, ING-IND/12).

Linguistic Area.

In the linguistic area, knowledge related to English vocabulary and grammar will be provided in order to develop comprehension skills appropriate to the exchange of information in technical and scientific fields.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

Physical-Mathematics Area

In the development of the training process, the student will acquire the ability to apply the tools of mathematical analysis, analytic geometry and linear algebra for the formalization and solution of problems typical of classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electrostatics and magnetostatics). The student will also be able to apply the tools and methodologies of physics, chemistry, and mathematics to the study of the other disciplines that characterize Information Engineering.

Information Engineering Area.

In the development of the educational process, the student will acquire:

  • ability to apply his or her knowledge and understanding to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems using up-to-date methods in the areas of electronics, telecommunications, and computer science;
  • ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to analyse information engineering products, processes, and methods;
  • ability to select and apply analytical and modeling methods appropriate to the problem being analysed.

These skills, depending on the curriculum chosen by the student, will be most applied to electronic and telecommunications systems or information systems.

Industrial-Economic Area.

The graduate will be able to implement strategic technical solutions to improve a product, service or process, achieving the best use of equipment, human resources, technologies, materials and procedures. He/she will also be able to analyse the organization of enterprises and companies and the strategic choices for their operation.

Linguistic Area

The graduate will be able to communicate effectively, in written and oral form, in English as well as in Italian. He/she will also be able to keep up to date independently by consulting literature, articles, and texts of a technical nature, including those written in English, concerning Information Engineering issues. He/she will also be able to write technical/scientific reports on these areas in both Italian and English.

Making judgment

The preparation of the Computer Engineer, will enable the graduate to exercise autonomy of judgment at different levels. The graduate will have the ability to select, process and interpret technical and bibliographical data and information, and will have the knowledge to make the methodological and technological choices necessary to solve design and management problems of medium difficulty in the field of Information Engineering. He/she will be able to evaluate the cost and performance parameters of an electronic/informatics system and industrial process and to assess the achievable results in relation to the choices made.

The techniques necessary for sizing and instrument selection, evaluation and verification, and techno-economic analysis are taught primarily in the characterizing courses and consolidated through the related courses that are partly distinguished in the two curricula. Autonomy of judgment will be particularly stimulated through situational learning tools such as e-activities, exercises and laboratory activities. Other specific training activities and preparation for the final exam provide the student with the opportunity to independently develop his or her decision-making and judgment skills.

Communication skills

Graduates in Computer Engineering are required to have the ability to organize the results of their work in a communicatively effective form. This objective involves the maturation of technical-scientific writing and oral expository skills, including through modern presentation technologies. The ability to formulate technical-scientific content, including complex content, in forms suitable for dissemination is also stimulated, with particular attention to corporate and social communication. The ability to express oneself correctly in Italian, both written and oral, is taken as acquired at university entrance, while knowledge related to English vocabulary and grammar will be provided so that the student is able to communicate effectively, in written and oral form, in at least one other language of the European Union. Additional skills are achieved and tested in the context of teaching, employing appropriate interaction techniques especially during examinations (oral, written, report, e-tivity, etc.).

Learning skills

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program is organized and structured to provide the student with the training necessary to enter the world of work after obtaining the bachelor’s degree and sufficient learning ability to undertake higher level studies (master’s degree and possibly PhD). The curriculum is organized in such a way as to enable the graduate in Computer Engineering to solve engineering problems of medium complexity, both through the methodological rigor characteristic of the basic subjects and through the study of engineering problems and the use of methodologies and techniques in the characterizing subjects. The course of study is structured in such a way as to enable the student to develop learning skills in stages and in a gradual manner, starting from the development of a logical reasoning hypothesis-thesis, from the setting and solving of a generic problem in mathematics, computer science, physics and chemistry, to the preparation of technical reports and engineering papers and the solving of problems of a technical and organizational nature, directly applicable in the practice of engineering. Fundamental to the attainment of this skill is the thesis paper for the final examination, in which the student is measured by new problems, which require the learning of knowledge not necessarily provided by the lecturers.

Final Proof

The bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering is obtained after passing a final examination consisting of the preparation and presentation of an original thesis that may be theoretical, design, experimental or with mixed characteristics.

The manner of discussion is defined in the didactic regulations of the course of study.