Specific learning outcomes of the course and description of any training
The degree course aims to train professionals able to take part into analysis, design, implementation and system management activities in the areas of computer science, automation and management engineering. The program aims to provide a wide range of methodological and technical skills in the field of information engineering in order to create professionals with a high degree of flexibility and adaptation to market demands. It also gives a solid preparation in mathematics and physics, thereby providing the tools and scientific methodologies required to approach engineering problems in a rigorous way. The objectives of the course are therefore: on the one hand, to provide a solid, general scientific and methodological preparation and, on the other hand, to create a highly specialised professional. For this reason, general scientific and engineering methodologies are covered in greater depth (with a view to developing methodological skills in the analysis, modeling and formulation of complex engineering problems), whereas more technically advanced courses are offered to complete the student’s competences presenting methodologies, technical solutions and application in specific sectors. The core curriculum not only gives students a solid background in mathematics and physics, but also develops transferable skills in computer science, with extensive training in algorithm analysis and programming. In the field of information engineering, the modules provide a common foundation in electronics, signal analysis and transmission, modeling and control of dynamic systems, and computer architecture. These competencies are complemented by topics covering the methodologies for electric circuit analysis, basic knowledge of economics and business administration, and elements of numerical analysis. Furthermore, given that proficiency in English is nowadays essential for the professional engineer; another objective is that all graduates should be able to write and speak in English, especially on technical subjects. As for the more technical competencies, the advanced modules focus on information processing systems, addressing issues related to the theoretical and practical aspects of operating systems, the design and management of databases, and the design of software and computer networks. They also address design techniques and technologies of control systems, design of digital devices and related software, problems related to electronic measurements, design and analysis of analog and digital circuits, aspects of communication networks and telecommunication systems.
Expected learning results, expressed through the European Descriptors of Study Title
(DM 16/03/2007, art. 3, paragraph 7)
Knowledge and understanding
The Computer and Information Engineering graduate:
masters the fundamental methodologies of mathematical analysis, geometry, operational research, physics and chemistry, enabling him/her to be able to understand and describe the problems of interest in the characterizing subjects; has advanced skills in the areas of broad-spectrum computer engineering and, in part, management engineering and automation engineering; has specific knowledge in other fields of Information Engineering, such as electronics and telecommunications, industrial engineering and applied operational research.
These objectives will be achieved through basic and characterizing courses, especially the ones including formal and methodological contents, and will be verified through their exams.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The ICT Engineering graduate will be able to apply his/her knowledge to solve problems in the area of computer engineering. In particular, he/she will be able to independently conduct the analysis, design, implementation and management of medium complexity systems and successfully participate in those relating to great complexity systems. In particular, the application areas that are studied in this course are the state of the art computer systems, both software and hardware, and the information systems in the various area of the economic and production activities and of public administration. These objectives will be achieved through the courses and the project activities, including those carried out as part of the internship, and will be verified through the exams and the final graduation exam.
Graduates in ICT Engineering must be able to perform quantitative evaluations based on the methodological and technical acquired knowledge; he/she must be able to critically analyze data and measures, must be able to evaluate the approximation errors arising from the modeling of the engineering problems and then must be able to critically analyze the results from simulations and specific accomplishments. Judgment ability is formed through the continued application of the theoretical aspects foreseen in all the course and through the development of the graduation projec.
Communication skills
Graduates in ICT Engineering will be able to communicate and interact on issues of interest to specialists and non-specialists, according to their level of responsibility. This will be achieved through the exams and the final graduation exam. The examinations include written tests and oral dissertations in which the clear and concise expression ability constitutes a fundamental judgment element. Instead, the final graduation exam includes the preparation of a report and a summary (for presenting the results of the internship) to be presented in a public session and to special commission.
Learning skills
Graduates in ICT Engineering is able to: keep up to date on the methods, techniques and instruments used in the analysis of requirements, in modeling, design and optimization of systems and applications; follow the continued technological advances and recognize the need for further information and training pursue advanced studies in any area of information engineering with a high degree of independence. The inclusion of mathematical, physical and engineering methodologies in the curriculum provides the graduate with the learning skills required for the continuation of studies.
Knowledge required for entry (DM 270/04, art 6, paragraphs 1 and 2)
In order to access to the course the student mush have basic knowledge of mathematics and science at level comparable to the one obtained with a secondary schools diploma. In particular: - the mathematical requirements include trigonometry, elementary algebra, elementary functions, polynomials, equations and inequalities of first and second grade, elementary geometry of curves, areas and volumes; - the science requirements include the basic knowledge in the area of classical physics and classical chemistry (definition of physical measures and errors, arrows, mechanics of materials, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, atomic constitution of matter). The knowledge access will be verified with the procedures laid down in the study course Academic Regulation which will also set additional educational activities if the verification is negative.
Final exam (DM 270/04, Article 11, paragraph 3-d)
The final examination consists of the presentation of a written report (thesis) based on a project prepared by the student, developed during the internship or an equivalent project activity, under the supervision of an advisor (a Professor at the Faculty) and/or one or more co-presenters (eventually the company tutor). The final examination awards 3 ECTS. The examination committee proposes the grade associated with the final exam. The final GPA is calculated according to the criteria set out in the Academic Regulations.
Employment and career opportunities for graduates
The main career opportunities are represented by computer industries operating in the fields of software and hardware production, by the companies in the fields of information systems, computer networks and telecommunications, by the ICT divisions in public sector and service industries. In particular, possible job opportunities for an ICT Engineer can be: design and implementation of information systems, automation of services in public and private organizations, developing systems and multimedia applications and distributed in networks, with particular reference to Internet, implementation of computer systems.