FIRST DEGREE COURSE in COMPUTER SCIENCE
In industrialized countries there is an ever increasing need for a professional figure who is not only capable of manipulating abstract scientific, technical or economic models but who is also oriented towards problem-solving and has the necessary computer skills for deriving efficient solutions. It is estimated that in Italy there is a shortage of at least 200,000 experts in the field of information and communication technology, with this problem being particularly evident in Southern Italy. It was this demand for adequately trained professionals which activated local policies that were aimed at developing education and research in information technology, leading therefore to the establishment of the Computer Science Degree Course at the University of Calabria in 2001.
The Computer Science research group at the University of Calabria is internationally renowned for its contributions in the areas of artificial intelligence, databases and knowledge management. The group is a member of several international research projects funded by the European Commission and is the coordinator of the European project INFOMIX IST-2002-33570 and, as the organiser of the International Computer Science Conferences JELIA'02 and AGP'03, brought top-level computer scientists from around the world together, in Calabria.
Qualifications Awarded First Degree in Computer Science
Admission Requirements Candidates are expected to have acquired adequate mathematical competencies from their high school education and will be allowed to follow undergraduate computer science courses after either passing the Basic Mathematics Placement Test or after following the Pre-Entrance Preparatory Mathematics Course (see the General Information of the Faculty (section 2.2.1) for more details).
Educational and Professional Goals The main objective of the First Degree in Computer Science is the creation of a professional figure who is versed in problem-solving, possesses solid computational skills, is knowledgeable of computer systems and has a sound background in mathematics. Graduates should be able to understand and use mathematical models designed for scientific, technological or economic purposes and be capable of developing and administering advanced software programmes within an industrial setting.
The programme in this Degree Course emphasises innovative technologies such as that of Artificial Intelligence, and advanced information systems, like Knowledge-Management, Data-Warehousing and Data-Mining, as well as systems related to the Internet environment. Therefore, the Computer Science curriculum contains courses which introduce students to the principles, structure and use of relational databases and the methods and techniques for developing and implementing computer systems. The curriculum also incorporates external activities designed to offer students stages in industries, public administrations or laboratories as well as the possibility for short-term studies at other Italian or foreign universities. This training prepares Computer Science graduates for a wide range of professional activities ranging from organization, maintenance and research, to the development of computer systems. Employment possibilities range from pursuing careers in companies specialised in the production, implementation or administration of computer systems and networks to those in corporate administrations and laboratories which utilise complex computer technologies.
Access to Further Studies Advanced Degrees in Computer Science
Course Structure Diagram (click here)
Final Test The Final Test consists out of an oral discussion, before a Degree Course Committee, of a written report of work accomplished during an off-campus stage or a Final Research Project related to a topic covered in the curriculum and carried out under the supervision of a Faculty member of the Degree Course. The Final Project is worth 10 credits and the topic is usually defined at the beginning of the third year of study and pursued intensively during the last trimester.
Examination and Assessment Regulations A first year student must obtain at least 25 credits by July 31 in order to be admitted into the second year and a second year student needs a cumulative total of 50 credits by July 31 of their second academic year for admittance into the third year.
Attendance is obligatory. The examination mode of each course is variable (see Individual Course Descriptions) and may be only or a combination of written exams, orals exams, or laboratory experimentations. Full time students must accrue at least 60 credits per year, with a minimum grade of 18/30, with the possibility of receiving "30 e lode" for exceptional work and performance throughout the course. The First Degree is rewarded upon completion of 180 credits of coursework and the successful discussion of the Final Research Project. Students receiving the First Degree in Computer Sciences graduate with a final numerical grade out of 110 (see the Faculty Assessment and Examination Regulations, section 2.2.2). However, the examination committee may grant the student honours with a final graduating grade of “110 e lode” for exceptional work accomplished within the three-year schedule and a sound Final Project.
ECTS Contact Person – Degree Course in Computer Science Professor John Van Bon e-mail: vanbon[AT]mat.unical.it