OVERVIEW

This course sets the ground for using computers in technical and scientific fields.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

A student who has completed the course will be able to: describe the structure of a computer and understand some of its technical characteristics; use the main "office" programs to organize data in tabular form, analyse them numerically and graphically, and produce a technical or scientific report; understand the fundamental concepts of programming and use them to write simple programs of technical and scientific interest.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. acquire a correct working methodology to perform learning activities
2. describe the structure of a computer and understand some technical aspects
3. use the main "office" programs to structure data in tabular form, analyse them numerically and graphically, and produce a technical or scientific report
4. understand the main concepts of programming and put them to use to write simple programs of technical and scientific interest

PREREQUISITES

IThe module is an introductory one and there are no formal prerequisites. It is assumed, however, that the students have attended a first semester in Engineering.

TEACHING METHODS

The module consists of lectures and computer-based practical sessions, carried out with the support of the Aulaweb platform.

The practical sessions are not to be considered supplementary activities, but an integral part of the course, not least because the final grade depends for more than 50% on the result of a practical programming test, in which students apply what they have learned during the practical sessions. For this reason, attendance at the practical sessions is itself an element of assessment.

Students with specific difficulties, for example cognitive, sensory, or organizational difficulties, including working students, are invited to discuss any needs with the instructor.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to computer science - Motivations; algorithms; artificial languages

• Coding of information: integer numbers; real numbers; characters.

• Introduction to computers – Computer architecture: CPU, main memory and other memories, bus, input/output devices.

• Operating systems concepts – Virtual machines; structure of an O.S.; processes, scheduling and performances; user-level functions, user interface; compiled and interpreted programs; text editors.

• Introduction to programming with examples in Matlab: programming paradigms; abstraction methods; the fundamental constructs of procedural programming; fundamental algorithms and data structures.

• Personal productivity software: spreadsheet, word processor.

REMARK: The distribution of individual topics, particularly those which are not propedeutic to others, might be different from the stated sequence, taking also into account the needs of the practical part.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Given the diversity of the topics, the module will mainly be based on teaching material (handouts, texts, programs) provided through Aulaweb.

Moreover, on Aulaweb there is a section devoted to suggested textbooks.

More suggestions about additional textbooks related to specific topics will be provided on request.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11976/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final evaluation takes into account the attendance to lab exercises, a written test on theory, and a programming test.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

FINAL MARKS

The final grade is the sum of the following three evaluations:

The final marks are obtained by summing the three evaluations. The value of 31 translates to 30 cum laude.

ASSIGNMENTS

Mostly exercises of programing in the Matlab language. To be eligible for evaluation, they must be handed in within the deadline, usually before the start of the next lecture.

For each assignment the following points may be gained: 0, 1.

Learning outcome being assessed:

1. acquire a correct working methodology to perform learning activities

MIDTERM EXAM

A quiz about the "theoretical" topics of the module (duration about 30 min), with questions about punctual notions and small exercises. Closed book.

For the midterm exam the following points may be gained : "non superato" (failed), 3, 4, 5, 6.

Learning outcomes being assessed:

2. describe the structure of a computer and understand some technical aspects

3. use the main "office" programs to structure data in tabular form, analyse them numerically and graphically, and produce a technical or scientific report​

FINAL EXAM

It amounts to one practical exercise (duration: about 2hrs), focusing on Matlab programming and may require solving some programming problems, or developing a small project, similar to what will be shown throughout the semester regarding assignment themes.

The use of personal computers is forbidden: only those available in the lab will be allowed. Books and notes are allowed.

For the final exam the following points may be gained: "non superato", 7 ... 16

Learning outcomes being assessed:

4. understand the main concepts of programming and put them to use to write simple programs of technical and scientific interest.

PASSING REQUIREMENTS

To be credited for the exam marks, students must have:

• For the midterm quis, at least 3 points
• For the final exam, at least 7
• Overall marks, at least 18

If a student does not pass the midterm quiz s/he will be required to take a similar test during the final exam.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any additional information not included in the unit description, contact the instructor.