Courses |

Business Intelligence

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Business Intelligence is a course taught within the . See the USI Search link below for more information.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Business Intelligence 2016 Spring - - Business Intelligence 2015 Spring - -

USI Search Directory:

Computer Architecture

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The overall goal of this course is to understand the logical structure of a modern computer, from its basic building blocks to its more complex components. This knowledge is intended to provide the basis for system design and performance analysis, both for hardware and software systems. The concepts learned in this course are also foundational elements for the design of compilers and operating systems.

Computer systems are a combination of their hardware and software. Whether you intend to design the next breed of microprocessor, the next Java compiler, or the greatest C++ application, a computer scientist is best served by understanding what is going on under the hood of the computer. Why? Simply put, knowing how a program is translated into the electronics allows it to be more efficiently written. This course will address issues such as digital logic, machine representation of data, basic CPU and instruction-set architecture, memory organization, I/O interfaces, and architecture alternatives.

Teaching Mode

This course consists of a theory and a laboratory component. Both components involve classroom sessions and significant amounts of homework. Students are expected to read the assigned readings before class. During theory sessions we discuss remaining questions and problems. The homework assignments of the laboratory component complement the theory and allow students to practice and deepen their skills by solving well-focused problems. During the weekly laboratory sessions we introduce and discuss upcoming homework assignments and we review past assignments to clarify possible misunderstandings. Students can benefit most from this course if they thoroughly prepare for and actively participate in each session.

References

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Structured Computer Organization, 6th Edition (required), Prentice Hall, 2012, ISBN: 978-0132916523.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Computer Architecture 2022 Fall Marc Langheinrich Matías Laporte Computer Architecture 2019 Fall Marc Langheinrich Ilaria Scarabottolo | Matías Laporte Computer Architecture 2018 Fall Marc Langheinrich Lorenzo Ferretti | Agon Bexheti Computer Architecture 2017 Fall Marc Langheinrich Enrique Fynn | Pietro Bressana Computer Architecture 2016 Fall Marc Langheinrich Anna Marchenko | Diego Ulisse Pizzagalli Computer Architecture 2015 Fall Giovanni Ansaloni Agon Bexheti Computer Architecture 2014 Fall Marc Langheinrich Agon Bexheti Computer Architecture 2013 Fall Marc Langheinrich Michele Papalini | Leandro Pacheco Computer Architecture 2012 Fall Marc Langheinrich Grigory Fedyukovich | Valentina Poletti Computer Architecture 2011 Fall Marc Langheinrich Marcello Paolo Scipioni Computer Architecture 2010 Fall Marc Langheinrich Ivan Elhart Computer Architecture 2009 Fall Marc Langheinrich Jochen Wuttke Computer Architecture 2008 Fall Marc Langheinrich Konstantin Rubinov

USI Search Directory:

Computer Networking

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of human-centered design of interfaces for computing systems.

The course starts with an introduction to ethics that investigates the many ways and venues information and communication technologies can be used maliciously. The course moves on to introduce the concept of user-centred design to produce usable, useful and used tools. The different stages from ideation to paper prototyping are covered in theory and practice.

Teaching Mode

Theoretical concepts will be provided through instructor-led lectures. Theory will be put to good use in practice, by letting students engage in group work to deliver a project, developed through progressive stages of design and prototyping.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Computer Networking 2023 Spring Silvia Santini Lidia Alecci | Matías Laporte Computer Networking 2022 Spring Silvia Santini Lidia Alecci | Matías Laporte Computer Networking 2021 Spring Silvia Santini Fabio Di Lauro | Matías Laporte Computer Networking 2020 Spring Antonio Carzaniga | Silvia Santini Pietro Giuseppe Bressana | Matías Laporte Computer Networking 2018 Fall Antonio Carzaniga | Silvia Santini Theodore Jepsen | Ali Fattaholmanan Computer Networking 2017 Fall Antonio Carzaniga -

USI Search Directory: [https://search.usi.ch/en/courses/35265699/computer-networking]([types field=)

Evaluation and Experimentation

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Computer scientists build complex systems or choose among existing systems to satisfy perceived needs and requirements. The system is then deployed in an environment consisting of humans and other systems. How do we know the impact of the system on the environment and how well it meets the perceived requirements? A fundamental skill in informatics is the ability to design experiments for evaluating computer systems. In this course, the students will acquire a basic understanding of how to design such experiments and what pitfalls to avoid during design and experimentation. Basic concepts of experimental design, data measurement, qualitative and quantitative evaluation, and evaluation with and without users will be covered.

Teaching Mode

Lectures, presentations, homework assignments and in-class discussions.

References

No mandatory textbook will be used. Handouts will be provided. However, students are encouraged to complement their reading with one or more of the following sources:

E. J. Davidson: Evaluation Methodology Basics. Sage 2004, 280 pages.
A. Field, G. Hole: How to Design and Report Experiments. Sage 2003, 384 pages.
Claes Pohlin et al.: Experimentation in Software Engineering. Springer-Verlag 2012, ISBN-13: 978-3642290435.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Evaluation and Experimentation 2022 Fall Gabriele Bavota Leonardo Alchieri Evaluation and Experimentation 2021 Fall Gabriele Bavota Antonio Mastropaolo Evaluation and Experimentation in Informatics 2018 Fall Matthias Hauswirth | Marc Langheinrich Anton Fedosov Evaluation and Experimentation in Informatics 2017 Fall Matthias Hauswirth | Marc Langheinrich Anton Fedosov Evaluation and Experimentation in Informatics 2015 Spring Matthias Hauswirth | Marc Langheinrich Anton Fedosov Evaluation and Experimentation in Informatics 2013 Fall Matthias Hauswirth | Marc Langheinrich Steven Mudda Evaluation and Experimentation in Informatics 2012 Fall - -

Field Project (MMI)

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Field Project consists in a consultancy study on behalf of a firm, conducted by a group of 2-3 students under the supervision of a professor (“tutor”) for a standard duration of 4 months.

The aim of the Field Project is to provide students with:

experience in project management
contact with a real “client”
experience in group projects (mixed groups!)
It is meant to provide a bridge between theoretical and practical knowledge.

The field project is carried out during the 3rd semester of the program, from September to mid-December. Students work on the project in parallel with the regular study program.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) MMI Field Project 2022 Fall Marc Langheinrich - MMI Field Project 2021 Fall Marc Langheinrich - MMI Field Project 2020 Fall Marc Langheinrich - MMI Field Project 2019 Fall Marc Langheinrich - MMI Field Project 2018 Fall Marc Langheinrich - MMI Field Project 2017 Fall Marc Langheinrich - MMI Field Project 2016 Fall Marc Langheinrich - MMI Field Project 2015 Fall Mauro Pezzè - MMI Field Project 2014 Fall Marc Langheinrich -

USI Search Directory:

Fintech Seminar

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Class is inactive.

The Fintech Seminar was offered only in AY17/18 and AY18/19.

This seminar features speakers from a range of backgrounds (practitioners and researchers, entrepreneurs and representatives from large financial institutions) offering insights into the current trends and topics in Fintech. Students will use a set of references as a starting point for an in-depth term paper on a topic covered by a speaker, and complete the report with additional information from the speaker’s presentation.

Past/current speakers include representatives from UBS, Avaloq, Melonport, Tendermint, EY, and the University of Pavia.

Teaching Mode

Seminar speakers will present for 45-60 minutes, followed by 30-45 minutes of Q&A. The presenters will provide a list of references at the beginning of the semester, allowing students to seed their report with an overview of current research in the area.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Fintech Seminar 2019 Fall - - Fintech Seminar 2018 Fall - -

USI Search Directory:

Information Security

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

This class exposes students to the fundamental concepts of computer security and network security. The growing importance of networks and distributed systems, and their use to support safety-critical applications, has made computer and communication security a central issue for systems today. The class is built on three main parts: security foundations (which includes security terminology, core cryptograhic principles, and secure protocols); applied security (which discusses software security and web security); and privacy (which covers both technical and social aspects of privacy). Students learn to critically assess the security properties of a system and make informed decisions about implementing secure processes. A somewhat shorter version of this class ( ) was previously taught in the Bachelor program.

Teaching Mode

Two lectures per week with weekly homework and reading assignments, interspersed with lab sessions that allow students to gain basic knowledge in information security.

References

Required:

Cryptography and Network Security – Principles and Practices; William Stalling; 7th Ed., Pearson Intl., 2016

Supplemental Reading:

Additional handouts will be provided as needed, e.g., from:

Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World; Charlie Kaufman, Radia Perlman, Mike Speciner; 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall, 2002
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems; Ross Anderson; 2nd Ed., Wiley, 2008

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Information Security 2023 Spring Marc Langheinrich - Information Security 2022 Spring Marc Langheinrich - Information Security 2021 Spring Marc Langheinrich - Information Security 2020 Spring Marc Langheinrich - Information Security 2019 Spring Marc Langheinrich - Information Security 2018 Spring Marc Langheinrich - Information Security 2017 Spring Marc Langheinrich - Information Security 2016 Spring Marc Langheinrich -

USI Search Directory:

Introduction to Information Security

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Class is inactive.

This class has been expanded and is now taught in the Master program.

The goal of this class is to expose students to the fundamental concepts of computer and communications security. The growing importance of networks and distributed systems, and their use to support safety-critical applications, has made computer and communications security a central issue for systems today. Additionally, the rise of social networks and location-based services has increased the amount of our personal data held by third parties significantly. It is therefore imperative that students know the technical foundations of computer and communications security, as well as the basic goals and mechanisms of privacy-aware data processing.

This course provides an overview of the available technologies for achieving security and privacy in an electronic world. Topics discussed include encryption; authentication; security protocols; computer, network, and web security; anonymity; and privacy enhancing technologies.

Teaching Mode

Two lectures per week with weekly homework and reading assignments, interspersed with individual lab sessions that discuss homework and provide hands-on experience with developing security solutions.

References

William Stalling: Cryptography and Network Security – Principles and Practices, 57th Ed., Pearson Intl., 2011.

Additional handouts will be provided as needed, e.g., from:

Charlie Kaufman, Radia Perlman, Mike Speciner: Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World, 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall, 2002.
Ross Anderson: Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems, 2nd Ed., Wiley, 2008.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Introduction to Information Security 2014 Spring - - Introduction to Information Security 2013 Spring - - Introduction to Information Security 2012 Spring - - Introduction to Information Security 2011 Spring - - Introduction to Information Security 2010 Spring - -

Mobile and Wearable Computing

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Mobile devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, and other wearable devices can interact seamlessly by relying on available communication infrastructures. This course focuses on challenges and opportunities arising from the use of systems of mobile devices or “mobile sensing systems”.

Following an overview of applications enabled by mobile sensing systems the focus will be devoted to the most significant technologies, including hardware platforms, programming environments and tools.

Relevant aspects related to the design and development of a mobile sensing system, including the handling of sensors, the design of user interfaces, the management of local and remote sensor data storage, privacy and security issues will be investigated and addressed. In order to gain practical hands-on experience, students will learn in the lab sessions how to design, implement, and demonstrate Android-based mobile sensing applications.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Mobile and Wearable Computing 2023 Fall Silvia Santini Nouran Abdalazim | Leonardo Alchieri Mobile and Wearable Computing 2022 Fall Silvia Santini Nouran Abdalazim Mobile and Wearable Computing 2021 Fall Silvia Santini Shkurta Gashi Mobile and Wearable Computing 2020 Fall Silvia Santini Shkurta Gashi | Elena Di Lascio Mobile and Wearable Computing 2019 Fall Silvia Santini Elena Di Lascio Mobile Computing 2018 Fall Silvia Santini Elena Di Lascio Mobile Computing 2017 Fall Ivan Elhart Elena Di Lascio Mobile Computing 2016 Fall Silvia Santini Agon Bexheti

USI Search Directory:

Physical Computing

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Class is inactive.

This class was discontinued in 2018.

Physical Computing is about integrating the real world with sensing, communication, and computation. It is about rapidly prototyping devices that can react and interact directly with their environment, rather than being accessed through a keyboard and monitor. The class introduces students to the idea of using small, programmable microcomputers to build self-contained, physical systems that help automate everyday tasks. The course exposes students to basic electronics, microcontroller programming (using the “Processing” language), short-range wireless networking (e.g., Bluetooth), mobile interfaces (smartphones), and embedded sensing. The class centers on Arduino development boards that allow one to rapidly build reactive and/or interactive everyday items, without the need for attaching a Mac or PC to them.

Teaching Mode

Two hands-on practical lab sessions per week. Each session starts with a short tutorial, followed be practical exercises. Weekly group homework lets students apply the gained knowledge in a self-chosen project. The final deliverable is a context-aware artifact comprised of one or more of these above-mentioned technologies, together with a report describing its architecture and implementation.

References

There is no required textbook. Handouts are provided as needed, though students are encouraged to peruse additional literature, such as:

Getting Started with Arduino; Massimo Banzi; 2nd Edition; O’Reilly; 2012
Getting Started with Processing; Casey Reas and Ben Fry; O’Reilly, 2010
Programming Your Home. The Pragmatic Programmers; Mike Riley; 2012
Hacking Electronics. Simon Monk. McGraw Hill, 2013
Practical Electronics For Inventors (3rd edition). Paul Scherz and Simon Monk. McGraw Hill, 2013
Make: Electronics; Charles Platt; O’Reilly; 2009

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Physical Computing 2018 Spring - - Physical Computing 2017 Spring - - Physical Computing 2016 Spring - - Physical Computing 2015 Spring - - Physical Computing 2013 Fall - -

USI Search Directory:

Professional Ethics

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Professional Ethics 2014 Fall - -

Programming Fundamentals I

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Programming Fundamentals I 2014 Fall - -

Software Atelier 2: Human Computer Interaction

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of human-centered design of interfaces for computing systems.

Teaching Mode

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Software Atelier II 2023 Spring Silvia Santini Irene Zanardi | Nouran Abdalazim Software Atelier II 2022 Spring Silvia Santini Leandro Soares Guedes | Nouran Abdalazim Software Atelier II 2021 Spring Silvia Santini Leandro Soares Guedes | Rodrigo Benedito Otoni Software Atelier II 2020 Spring Silvia Santini | Monica Landoni Rodrigo Benedito Otoni | Ilaria Scarabottolo Software Atelier II 2019 Spring Monica Landoni -

USI Search Directory: [https://search.usi.ch/en/courses/35265708/software-atelier-2-human-computer-interaction]([types field=)

Ubiquitous Computing

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Class is inactive.

This class was last offered in 2013. The class offers a hands-on experience of Ubiquitous Computing technologies.

The goal of this class is to introduce the vision of ubiquitous computing and expose students to the fundamental concepts and technologies in the area. The term “ubiquitous computing” describes the vision of incorporating sensing, computation, and communication into everyday things in order to make them and their surroundings “smart”. Smart things can detect where they are, sense what is around them, detect and communicate with other smart things, remember what they were used for previously, and reason about the kind of future actions they might likely be used for. Interaction with smart things does not happen through keyboards and mice, but through tangible interfaces, contactless ID chips, gesture and movement detection, or through wearable sensors.

Originally conceived in the early 1990s, this vision of a disappearing computer is rapidly attaining levels of both technical and economical feasibility. Organic displays (OLEDs), electronic ink (eInk), Near Field Communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), Zigbee, and Bluetooth are but a few examples of the recent technological developments that drive this trend; Pay-per-use insurances, smart homes, and mobile payments but a few examples of recent economic developments.

This lecture (2h per week) will offer an overview of various technological, economic, and social topics in the area of ubiquitous computing. Specific topics covered may include, but are not limited to:

The vision of “ubiquitous computing”
Technology trends
Wireless communication (WiFi, Bluetooth) and ad-hoc networking
Location awareness and location-based services
Smart labels (RFIDs)
Embedded systems and wireless sensor networks
Energy issues
Interaction with invisible computers
Wearable computing
Activity recognition
Application scenarios, economic implications
Social implication and public policy debate

Teaching Mode

One lecture per week with weekly homework assignment, ranging from reading assignments, to simulations, to concept videos.

References

John Krum (Ed.): Ubiquitous Computing. CRC Press, October 2009.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Ubiquitous Computing 2013 Fall - - Ubiquitous Computing 2012 Fall - - Ubiquitous Computing 2011 Fall - - Ubiquitous Computing 2010 Fall - - Ubiquitous Computing 2009 Fall - -

Ubiquitous Computing Lab

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Class is inactive.

This class was last offered in 2012.

The goal of this class is to provide a hands-on introduction to ubiquitous computing applications. It is meant to be taken in conjunction with the Ubiquitous Computing lecture, which will provide the theoretical background. Topics covered are:

Embedded Systems programming (Arduino)
Mobile programming (Android)
RFID

The students work in teams to build a ubiquitous computing application consisting of sensing, communicating, and actuating.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) Ubiquitous Computing Lab 2012 Fall - - Ubiquitous Computing Lab 2011 Fall - - Ubiquitous Computing Lab 2010 Fall - -

User Experience Design

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

This class aims at familiarizing students with both the theory behind the discipline of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and the practical process of User eXperience (UX) design. Students not only develop an awareness and appreciation of the crucial implications of good interfaces in terms of overall system performance and user satisfaction, but also learn core skills needed in order to identify user requirements, envision interfaces and processes, and evaluate competing design options. Students will work in small teams of 3-5 to drive a design project from start to finish. Core skills are introduced in hands-on classes, interspersed with lectures and discussions about the underlying theory.

Definitions and Formalisms; User requirement Gathering and Analysis; Focus Groups, Interviews and Questionnaires; Scenario Based Approach; Interface Design; Use of Metaphors and Models; Mock-ups and Prototypes; Evaluation Techniques: Heuristic vs. Empirical; Formative Evaluation.

Teaching Mode

Students will be encouraged to take an active role and explore the importance of HCI on software design, development, testing and evaluation. Classes will alternate traditional lecture based ones with problem based learning sessions when students will be working in small groups to find solutions to problems generated by poor interface design.

References

The course textbook is

The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience; Rex Hartson and Pardha Pyla; Morgan Kaufmann, 2012, ISBN: 0123852412.

However, students are encouraged to also look at other textbooks in his area, including:

Carroll, J., M. (2002) Human-computer interaction in the new millennium, Addison Wesley
Carroll, J., M. (2003) HCI Models, Theories, and Frameworks: Toward a Multidisciplinary Science (Interactive Technologies)
Lazar J. Dr.. (2007) Universal Usability: Designing Computer Interfaces for Diverse User Populations, John Wiley and Sons.
Raskin J. (2000) The Humane Interface: New Directions for Designing Interactive Systems, ACM Press.
Shneiderman, B., Plaisant, C. (2004) Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction; Addison-Wesley, 1987. Fourth edition with Catherine Plaisant as co-author 2004.

Students are strongly encouraged to use online sources and journals, starting from the very extensive HCI bibliography web site, by Gary Perlman. It is highly recommended to browse USI library looking at the HCI dedicated shelf, Dewey code 004.019 where students will find all relevant textbooks. Lecturer will point at additional relevant papers for students to read and discuss weekly in class.

Editions

Class Semester Instructor Teaching Assistant(s) UX Design 2022 Fall Marc Langheinrich - UX Design 2018 Fall - - UX Design 2017 Fall - - HCI Design 2016 Fall - - HCI Design 2015 Fall - - HCI Design 2014 Spring - - HCI Design 2013 Spring - - HCI Design 2012 Spring - - HCI Design 2011 Spring - -

USI Search Directory:

Courses |

Business Intelligence

Editions

Computer Architecture

Contents

Teaching Mode

References

Editions

Computer Networking

Editions

Evaluation and Experimentation

Teaching Mode

References

Editions

Field Project (MMI)

Editions

Fintech Seminar

Teaching Mode

Editions

Information Security

Teaching Mode

References

Editions

Introduction to Information Security

Contents

Teaching Mode

References

Editions

Mobile and Wearable Computing

Editions

Physical Computing

Teaching Mode

References

Editions

Professional Ethics

Editions

Programming Fundamentals I

Editions

Software Atelier 2: Human Computer Interaction

Editions

Ubiquitous Computing

Contents

Teaching Mode

References

Editions

Ubiquitous Computing Lab

Editions

User Experience Design

Contents

Teaching Mode

References

Editions