Computer Engineering

The degree course presents a single course of study that provides students with basic engineering notions and an in-depth knowledge of the main characteristics of information processing systems, both in hardware and software components. In particular, computer skills cover the fundamental principles of the architecture of computers and processing systems, problems relating to the design and integration of hardware and software systems, with in-depth knowledge of operating systems, programming languages, techniques and software engineering methods, principles and technologies for modeling, designing and managing databases. 

Analyzing, designing and maintaining IT systems requires a wide-ranging scientific culture on the main sectors of information engineering (IT, electronics, automation, telecommunications) accompanied by in-depth methodological and technological skills of the main specific sectors of computer science.

Furthermore, the figure of the computer engineer needs a solid preparation in the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry) to acquire the scientific tools and methodologies that guarantee the ability to deal with engineering problems rigorously.

The 1st year, shared by all engineering courses, is characterized by basic disciplines in the mathematical, physical, chemical and IT fields and is completed by the English language. The 2nd year provides a common knowledge base in the field of Information Engineering concerning electrical engineering, electronics, architecture of computer systems, advanced programming, design and management of databases, object-oriented programming, with the completion of basic training in mathematics and physics.

The 3rd year focuses on the specialized contents of Computer Engineering, integrated with topics of electronics, telecommunications and automation. The application and in-depth aspects of information processing systems are highlighted, providing for arguments concerning theoretical and practical aspects of operating systems and the design of computer networks. During the 3rd year the student can choose to follow an internship in the company.

Career opportunities 

Computer engineering is a dynamic sector in continuous movement: twenty years ago social media such as Facebook and Twitter, or devices such as smartphones and tablets were simply unthinkable, while today they are an integral part of our life. The era of Cloud Computing, virtual reality and biometric sensor networks has just begun. 

In this constantly evolving scenario, the degree course in Computer Engineering provides the engineers of the new generations with the foundations and skills to continue to innovate the world of information by making technologies increasingly pervasive and at the service of users.

The Computer Engineering course aims to train engineers capable of interacting effectively with other professional figures both in the field of engineering and in the field of other disciplines, in order to form synergies that generate innovation. To this end, courses of a theoretical nature necessary for the formation of solid engineering bases are flanked by courses with practical laboratory activities that lead future engineers to experiment in the field with the creation of prototypes, projects, videos, tools and simulations.

Given the heterogeneous nature of information technologies in our society, the figure of the Information Engineer easily fits into a wide range of industrial and business realities.

Industries of every sector (from manufacturing to companies operating in the hi-tech sector), public administrations, service managers, banks, financial companies and commercial companies, cannot today ignore the technical and organizational skills of highly specialized IT Engineers.

Furthermore, the dynamism of information technologies does not limit the ideas and launch of innovative start-ups and companies.

The degree course has a single training course with the aim of preparing the IT engineer as a whole for the different professional profiles described in the following table.

The professional profile that the CdS intends to train

Main functions and skills of the professional figure

Hardware Systems Engineer 

FUNCTION IN A WORKING CONTEXT:

It mainly deals with hardware systems and components (such as embedded systems, electronic calculators, information systems equipment).
The main functions performed by a computer engineer who deals with hardware systems are:
– evaluation of alternatives in the processes of acquiring IT goods and services,
– definition of inventories of IT systems,
– design of processing units,
– management of development of system components.

SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUNCTION:

The computer engineer combines the knowledge of the various sectors of computer engineering. In particular, it relates and integrates knowledge of systems and hardware components, the architecture of computers, the programming of microprocessor systems, the description languages ​​of the hardware and the properties of the operating systems. This is to:
– compare offers from different suppliers, evaluating them from a technical point of view,
– oversee the maintenance of a computer system,
– oversee the programming of the system firmware and component drivers,
– design simple processing units for embedded systems.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

IT departments of medium-large companies.
IT consulting company.  

Analyst and designer of application and system software 

FUNCTION IN A WORKING CONTEXT:

Engineer who deals with software applications (for example databases, management applications, web applications, etc.).
The main functions performed by a computer engineer who deals with application and system software are:
– production of system documentation,
– definition of the specifications of the requirements,
– production of the IT systems,
– coordination of development activities.

SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUNCTION:

The IT engineer applies his knowledge of programming paradigms and object-oriented programming methodologies, advanced algorithms and data structures, database design and query languages ​​and the architecture of operating systems in order to:
– acquire specific expertise on an application program,
– write a user manual,
– interact with possible customers in order to define the project specifications of the software and system application program
– interact with the design managers in order to verify the adequacy of the application product with respect to the project specifications and possibly suggest changes to improve it,
– oversee the installation and maintenance of an application program
– coordinate the programming technicians in the development of a software and system application program.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

IT departments of medium-large companies.
IT consulting firm and not.
Software development company.  

Computer Network Engineer 

FUNCTION IN A WORKING CONTEXT:

Engineer who deals with computer networks.
Its main functions are:
– analyst / designer of computer networks and network applications,
– superintendent for the creation and maintenance of computer networks.

SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUNCTION:

The computer engineer who performs the function of computer systems administrator puts into practice the basic knowledge of the various sectors of computer engineering, in particular those specific to network technologies (architectures, protocols, languages, hardware and software), in order to:
– analyze and design corporate IT networks
– analyze, develop and design software systems that operate on internet (or intranet) networks
– interact with possible customers in order to illustrate the technical characteristics of the computer network
– interact with the design managers in order to verify the adequacy of the network calculators with respect to the project specifications and possibly suggest changes to improve it
– oversee the installation and maintenance of a network of computers.

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

IT departments of medium-large companies.
IT consulting company.  

Preparation for continuing the studies

Knowledge necessary for the continuation of studies

Training required for the continuation of studies in the Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering or other Master’s Degrees in the ICT area  

Must have basic knowledge of computer engineering.
Must be able to deepen the theoretical and methodological aspects of the computer engineering disciplines.
Must have the ability to deal with innovative and highly methodological aspects and carry out design activities.
Must have the ability to analyze a wide spectrum of situations and problems by applying general knowledge of the ICT field.
He must be able to identify the missing information to solve specific problems and know the methods for acquiring this information.
He must be able to work independently and manage projects.
He must be able to communicate, directly or through the most appropriate documents and means, technical information also to people outside the ICT sector.