Course presentation
INTRODUCTION
The M.Sc. Degree in Computer Science belongs to the School of Mathematics, Physics and Natural Science of the University of Florence. Starting from the Academic Year 2017-2018, the M.Sc. Degree in Computer Science is structured in two different curricula.
- The Curriculum Data Science (in Italian) comprises computer science, statistical and numerical analysis techniques aimed to the analysis of large quantities of data. The ultimate objective is developing the ability to design algorithms and systems that retrieve knowledge from the data and implement automatic learning from samples, while maintaining privacy of the individuals.
- The Curriculum Resilient and Secure Cyber-Physical Systems (in English) merges computer science and engineering notions for the definition, design, assessment and certification of all those kinds of systems that comprise a cyber and a physical part, as for the example the Internet of Things (IoT) or Critical Infrastructures.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The M.Sc. Degree in Computer Science aims to develop deep knowledge on the theoretical, methodological, and technical foundations in the main field of computer science and ancillary disciplines. In details, the M.Sc. will include extensive studies on algorithms, distributed systems, programming languages, data and systems analysis. The main learning objectives that shall be developed are here summarized:
- Deep knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer science, as well as of the research frontiers for selected topics.
- Ability to combine theory and practice to solve computer science problems, being able to reason at the appropriate abstraction level, also exploiting technologies and techniques from ancillary disciplines.
- Ability to apply the state of the art or innovative methods for the solution of problems in the real world, possibly including related disciplines and developing novel approaches or methods.
- Reach an adequate level of autonomy in exercising professional activities, and good team leadership and team management skills
- Ability to work and communicate effectively in National and International contexts.
REQUIREMENTS TO ENROLL
See Enrollment.
STRUCTURE OF THE MSC
The M.Sc. in Computer Science is organized on 2 years, for a total of 120 CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari). The student which achieves the whole 120 CFU, following all the requirements for the M.Sc., is allowed to graduate in a shorter time.
The didactic and research activities planned for the 2 years are described, for the two curricula, at the following pages:
- Resilient and Secure Cyber Physical Systems
GRADUATION (FINAL EXAM: THESIS)
The students are expected to devote approximately 6 months to the development of their final exam i.e., a graduation Thesis. Such Thesis shall have an appropriate level of innovation and will be developed with the supervision of a member of the M.Sc Degree Committee. Such member is officially appointed as Thesis Supervisor.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The typical professional activities for the M.Sc. in Computer Science are in the field of the design, planning, management, and maintenance of ICT systems. The target companies embrace IT companies , public administration, and in general all companies that rely on complex and innovative ICT systems.
The graduated Student will also have the background knowledge to enroll for PhD studies and also eventually perform research and teaching activities.
Graduated students have the opportunity to apply for the professional register in Information Engineering (Albo degli ingegneri dell’informazione, Albo professionale - Sezione A degli Ingegneri – Settore dell'informazione).
For a more precise differentiation between the two curricula, including differences for professional opportunities, please refer to Data Science and Resilient and Secure Cyber-Physical Systems.