Computer engineering (Academic Year 2015/2016) - Computer Engineering

The Degree Course in Computer Engineering aims at training a professional profile possessing working skills in Information Engineering, who is able to operate in the design, production, management and use of applications and computer systems, computer networks, electronic calculators and databases, deep learning and artificial intelligence.

Graduates of this class will possess knowledge suitable to carry on professional activities in different areas, including participating in activities such as design, production, management and organization, assistance of technical-commercial structures, with the necessary attention to risk analysis, safety management in the prevention and response phase, both as free-lance professionals and in manufacturing or service companies, as well as in public administrations. In particular, the professionalism of graduates can be defined in relation to the different application areas typical of this degree class.

In order to achieve these objectives, and in order to privilege an interdisciplinary approach, the educational path aims at providing methodological and technical skills in the field of information engineering in order to create a professional figure with a high degree of flexibility and adaptation to market demands. It also provides a solid basic training in the subjects of mathematics and physics to provide the tools and scientific methodologies that ensure the graduate the ability to address, analyze and formalize engineering problems in an accurate manner in classical areas as well as of the new frontiers of machine learning and neural networks. 

The objective of the training path is therefore to meet opposing needs that on the one hand require a cross-field scientific and methodological preparation, on the other hand must provide for the creation of professional profiles with a high level of specialized technical expertise. For this reason, an in-depth study of basic and characterizing cross-field subjects is foreseen (providing a methodological training to analyze and model engineering problems, even complex ones), as well as more specialized course offer that allow the Computer Engineering graduate to be characterized by presenting methodologies and technical and applicative solutions in specific sectors. The aim is to enable the student to become acquainted not only with more traditional computer tools, but also to be able to quickly get started in the changing world of the latest applications of deep-learning, intelligent systems, man-machine interactions, etc. In addition to the in-depth study of mathematics and physics, the training course provides cross-curricular computer skills with the study of algorithm analysis and programming. A common knowledge base in the field of Information Engineering is provided concerning electronics, the study of signals, modeling and control of dynamic systems, and the architecture of processing systems. These are complemented by related subjects that provide methodologies peculiar to electrical engineering and basics in business economics and organization. In addition, since knowledge of the English language is now essential for the role of the engineer, it is an educational goal for all graduates to be able to write and speak in English, especially on topics in the technical field.

As far as specialized knowledge is concerned, the aspects of information processing systems are deepened by providing topics on theoretical and practical aspects of computer architecture, operating systems, design and management of databases, design and implementation of software and computer networks;  design techniques and system technologies, design of digital devices and related software; problems related to electronic measurements, design and analysis criteria of analog and digital electronic circuits; aspects concerning network and signal management technologies; new tools for massive data analysis in complex systems and the development of neural networks and applications of artificial intelligence. As part of the course of study, it will also be possible to provide internships and company visits for students willing to carry out face-to-face activities. It will also be possible to provide for seminars, organized at a distance thanks to the computer technologies made available by the University. Finally, the thesis work will represent a summarizing work in which the student, under the supervision of one or more faculty members of the Faculty, will develop a work resulting from the knowledge acquired throughout the course of study. This work may be both theoretical and experimental in nature and may also take place at companies and research centers affiliated with the University. Finally, the thesis work will represent an opportunity for summing up things in which the student, under the supervision of one or more faculty members, will develop a work resulting from the knowledge acquired throughout the course of study. This work can be theoretical, realizable or experimental and can eventually take place in companies and research centers affiliated with the University.
The study program includes three paths:

• Computer Engineering – Processing systems and networks
• Computer Engineering – Intelligent systems
• Information and communication technologies engineering (with Helwan University)

Employment opportunities

The main employment opportunities are represented by information companies operating in the fields of software and hardware production, of artificial intelligence applications, of computer networks and telecommunications, by organizations dealing with information systems in public administrations and services companies as well as in the businesses ‘IT divisions in general, in companies dealing with data analysis, data mining and consulting. In particular, possible job opportunities for an ICT Engineer (ISTAT code 2.2.1.4.) can be the following:

• design and implementation of company information systems;
• automation of services in public and private organizations;
• development of application packages, including multimedia and web-based ones;
• implementation of the processing systems;
• management of the processing systems;
• management of the IT departments in small and medium enterprises;
• free-lance profession as consultant.