LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of basic notions of computer science and program development.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will acquire the following basic knowledge:

• logical and functional architecture of a computer
• structure, operation, and characteristics of the main internal and external devices
• information encoding, encryption, and security
• binary, integer, and floating-point computations
• computer networks and protocols
• operating system
• solution of problems through algorithms

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites.

TEACHING METHODS

The calendar is the published one. Lessons will start within 5 minutes of the scheduled time. Lessons are traditional (projection of slides and/or blackboard).

During the lessons, programming exercises will be proposed, inviting students to solve them independently. Then, in the following lesson, a sample program solving the exercise will be presented.

Students are invited to have software (C ++ compiler) to carry out the exercises on their own computer (desktop, notebook, tablet). The requirements for the computer are very modest. The three most common operating systems are acceptable.

Any C ++ compiler can be used. However, we recommend CODE :: BLOCKS, free and available for Linux, OS X, and Windows platforms. Students are encouraged to install CODE :: BLOCKS on their personal laptop or desktop computer to carry out the exercises at home. In case of unavailability of a personal computer, computers in the computer room are available (if lessons are in presence).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program is divided into four main parts:

• Introduction to computers: the architecture of computers, functions of the main components (CPU, primary and secondary memory, bus, input and output devices).
• Information coding: binary coding, encoding of integers, real numbers, characters.
• Introduction to programming in C ++: algorithms, programs, programming languages, fundamental constructs (variables, constants, types, operators, assignment, conditions, cycles), subprograms, complex types: arrays, structures.
• Systems: computer networks and security, basic notions of operating systems.

The course includes the execution of programming exercises.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The study material can be downloaded from Aulaweb and includes:

• The slides projected in class and related notes on the blackboard
• The material related to the exercises (that will be made available before and after each exercise).
• A collection of exercises and exam texts.

During the lessons, other material will be indicated that can be found directly on the net.

For the programming part, it is not necessary to purchase a textbook. Anyone interested in doing so can ask the teacher for advice.