Università Roma Tre

Module 1 – Introduction to Computer Science and Computational Thinking
Definition and scope of computer science
Data, information, and knowledge
Evolution of computers and digital technologies
Representation of information (bits, bytes, codes)
Computational thinking and the logic of problem solving

Objectives:
Understand the meaning and role of computer science in contemporary society
Be able to represent information in digital form

Module 2 – Computer Architecture and Hardware
Main components of a computer: CPU, memory, bus, I/O
Main memory and secondary storage
Input/output devices
Mobile and embedded systems

Objectives:
Describe the functional structure of a computing system
Recognize different types of hardware devices

Module 3 – Software and Operating Systems
System software and application software
The operating system: main functions, user interface, file and process management
Examples of operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Software licensing and open source

Objectives:
Understand the operation and responsibilities of the operating system
Use an operating system independently for basic operations

Module 4 – Computer Networks and the Internet
Fundamental network concepts (LAN, WAN, Internet)
IP addressing, DNS, routing, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols
Internet services: web, email, cloud, social networks
Network security and secure communication

Objectives:
Understand the structure and functioning of computer networks
Use major Internet services safely and responsibly

Module 5 – Information Systems and Databases
Definition of an information system
Database and DBMS concepts
The relational model: tables, keys, relationships
Basic SQL language (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)

Objectives:
Understand the logic of business information systems and the design process
Perform simple queries on databases

Module 6 – Algorithms and Programming
Concept and properties of an algorithm
Flowcharts and pseudocode
Control structures (sequence, selection, iteration)
Introduction to programming
Examples of simple algorithms: sum, average, search, sorting

Objectives:
Design and represent simple algorithms
Implement and test short programs

Module 7 – Security, Ethics, and Social Impacts
Cyber threats: malware, phishing, ransomware
Data security: backup, authentication, basic encryption
Relevant regulations (GDPR, copyright law)
Ethics, sustainability, and the digital divide

Objectives:
Understand the risks associated with the use of technology
Adopt responsible and safe digital behaviors