Presentation

Educational aims

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES The Master’s Degree Course in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence builds upon and strengthens the theoretical, methodological, systemic, and technological knowledge acquired during the first cycle of studies (Bachelor’s Degree in Class L-31 – Computer Science). In line with the national (GRIN) and international (ACM) academic guidelines for the discipline, the programme provides students with a solid understanding of both the foundational and applied aspects of computer science. The official language of instruction is English, and the programme’s international nature aims to facilitate graduates’ integration into multinational work environments. The specific objectives of the programme are: - to develop a scientific method of inquiry based on the mathematical tools that support computer science and its applications; - to deepen students’ knowledge of information processing and management technologies; - to advance methodologies for the design and implementation of computer systems; - to enhance expertise in the various application domains of information systems and technologies; - to strengthen the understanding and use of the English language, with particular emphasis on scientific literature comprehension and the drafting of project activity reports. The programme includes, in addition to a reinforcement of mathematical and physical foundations, an advanced treatment of core computer science topics such as information theory and data representation models, as well as specialised areas of study. Among the advanced courses offered are those dedicated to: - the design of advanced algorithms and their implementation through in-depth knowledge of programming languages; - methods for managing and analysing large-scale data, such as in bioinformatics, biomedical contexts, and the social sciences; - techniques for designing IT infrastructures and high-performance computing tools, with a focus on service quality, data security, and privacy protection; - models and techniques for multisensory information representation and the design of systems for interactive data exploration and qualitative analysis; - models related to artificial intelligence and deep learning networks for data analysis; - methods and techniques for solving high-complexity multi-objective optimisation and minimisation problems; - intelligent analysis of web-based data. To achieve these objectives, the curriculum includes: - lectures and laboratory-based exercises, individual and group project work, and independent laboratory activities; - external experiences such as internships in companies, public administration bodies, and laboratories, as well as study periods at other Italian or European universities within the framework of international agreements.

work perspectives

Profile: Software and IT Systems Analyst and Designer Functions: Analysis, design, development, and implementation of application software and complex IT systems, also in positions of project or team responsibility. Skills: The graduate acquires solid skills in programming and advanced algorithm design, as well as in advanced methodologies for analysing, designing, and managing complex computer systems and software architectures. They also develop the ability to design and evaluate the performance of IT systems, manage high-performance infrastructures and networks, and implement techniques to ensure data security and privacy. Career Opportunities: National and multinational companies in the production of goods and services; public and private organisations; software development firms; IT and network systems design companies; enterprises, public administrations, and research centres—both public and private—using complex information systems or managing large-scale data processing. Profile: Computer Science Researcher Functions: Research and methodological and applied innovation activities in all areas of computer science. Skills: The graduate has a solid understanding of the scientific foundations of computer science, develops a rigorous scientific method of inquiry, abstraction and comprehension skills for complex computational models, analytical and design abilities for data representation and exploration models, and expertise in designing and developing complex IT systems. Career Opportunities: Public and private institutions operating in computer science research and, more broadly, in scientific research. Graduates may also pursue further studies such as a PhD programme. Profile: Cybersecurity Specialist Functions: Analyst, designer, and developer of software systems and services aimed at ensuring cybersecurity and protecting corporate data from cyberattacks. Skills: The graduate acquires expertise in the design and configuration of computer networks, with a specific focus on security aspects; in the analysis and management of service security; in the design and installation of control, intrusion detection, and intrusion prevention systems—including those based on machine learning tools; in the specification, formal verification, development, and implementation of cryptographic protocols; and in monitoring and analysing access to corporate data and services. Career Opportunities: National and multinational software companies; IT and network system design firms; public and private enterprises, administrations, and research centres that use complex information systems. Profile: Artificial Intelligence Specialist Functions: Designer, developer, and implementer of Artificial Intelligence systems. Skills: The graduate acquires a strong understanding of the scientific foundations of Artificial Intelligence, enabling them to design, develop, and implement AI systems to improve the productive and management activities of companies and enterprises. They gain expertise in installing and configuring AI-based applications within complex IT systems, analysing existing AI solutions on the market, modelling problems using knowledge representation techniques and languages, and designing intelligent systems for automatic signal analysis—such as image and video processing—as well as for speech and text understanding. They are also trained in developing AI systems based on Machine Learning and Deep Learning, particularly for big data analysis, and in creating AI systems using knowledge representation tools. Career Opportunities: National and multinational software companies; IT and network systems design firms; public administrations and public or private research centres employing complex IT systems or involved in automated data analysis; public and private research and development laboratories; companies specialising in business intelligence, marketing, and market analysis; biomedical and pharmaceutical industries; and automated manufacturing companies. Profile: Data Science and Information Science Specialist Functions: Designer and developer of models and strategies for extracting knowledge and information through automatic and semi-automatic methods of analysis, exploration, and visualisation of large datasets. Skills: The graduate possesses strong expertise in advanced algorithm design, statistical programming languages, and database exploration, as well as in advanced models for data representation and compressed indexing structures. They develop the ability to use data mining, machine learning, and deep learning methods and models for automatic knowledge extraction, to design and develop software for managing and structuring large datasets, and to apply leading big data technologies. Career Opportunities: National and multinational companies in the financial, commercial, and pharmaceutical sectors; enterprises in the transportation and telecommunications industries; and public and private research laboratories.

Characteristics of the final exam

The final exam for the Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence consists of a public discussion of an original written dissertation (Master’s thesis), written in English, in which the student demonstrates the level of preparation and scientific maturity achieved by the end of the programme. The student must present and defend an original thesis, developed under the supervision of an academic advisor, aimed at assessing the level of technical, scientific, and professional competence acquired. The dissertation, which must exhibit originality, may be experimental, theoretical, or design-oriented, and can be carried out either within the student’s academic department or research laboratory, or at other accredited institutions, public or private organisations, or companies, in Italy or abroad, according to arrangements approved by the University of Palermo. Part of the final exam preparation may take place during an internship or professional placement. The preparation for the final exam (worth 18–24 ECTS credits) represents a significant phase of in-depth study, during which the student has the opportunity to integrate and consolidate the knowledge and experience gained throughout the programme, applying them to the solution of relevant computer science problems within their chosen area of specialisation. The requirements for admission to the final examination, the characteristics of the thesis, and the procedures for the final exam are defined in the Master’s Degree Examination Regulations.