Academic curricula

The degree programme is based on the new European university system, which stems from the Bologna Declaration, and is composed of a three-year foundation degree (Bachelor, or BSc), followed by a two-year graduate study programme leading to a Master of Science in Informatics. Course assessments are quantified in credit points (ECTS) recognised everywhere in Europe.

The Bachelor programme is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach and project-based learning. Interdisciplinary is assured by integrating basic informatics courses with courses in different application fields, such as computational sciences, economics, and communication sciences.

The faculty currently offers one general and four specialized Master's programmes
in Informatics, each of which will provide graduates with highly specialist
skills in key sectors, such as financial informatics, informatics and business, computer
modelling for life sciences, decision-support informatics, embedded systems,
and computer networks for intensive data processing.

The foundation course introduces students to the theory and practice of informatics.
Here they acquire the necessary notions and background knowledge
likely to inspire their subsequent choice of specialisation. The curriculum is structured
around five areas of learning essential for a truly interdisciplinary education:

• Theory
  The principles of the science of informatics are taught together with the
  scientific fundamentals of those disciplines that have contributed to the development
  of informatics, for example mathematics and logic. The theoretical
  subjects build up a basis on which it will be possible to conduct scientific
  analysis and design.
• Technology
  Students familiarise themselves with those technologies that matter most in
  informatics, thereby gaining a good understanding of the functions, advantages
  and limitations of these technologies. The learning process takes into
  account the prospects of technological evolution.
• Systems thinking
  To tackle concrete problems successfully, it is very important to learn about
  the functions of IT systems in various application fields, but also to master
  the technological tools (hardware and software) used to implement such
  functions. Confronted with the growing complexity of modern IT tools,
  equipments and systems, students learn the skills they need for communicating
  and interacting (with team members, clients, and top managers) at
  system-design level, and will develop the ability to view the single components
  as parts of a whole.
• Application fields
  IT specialists are expected to possess a very sound understanding of the sector
  or context in which they operate (e.g. finance, biology, the economy). Indeed
  this allows them better to assess their objectives, to identify solutions
  that suit the specific context, and to communicate with the experts. In depth
  knowledge of the unique features of application areas is seen to be
  crucial for fitting successfully into the professions.
• Communication, team work, and management
  IT projects tend to be interdisciplinary. Part of the three year programme
  consists of taught classes about team work, where emphasis is placed on
  communication, interpersonal dynamics, and the management of common
  targets. Learning based on or through IT projects gives students a chance to
  practise and improve these skills, which are also taught both in lectures and
  exercise classes.