APPLIED IT 4

1. Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental theoretical concepts of Computer Science, with specific reference to binary coding and digital data representation.

• Identify the core components of computer architecture and the operational role of Operating Systems.

• Grasp the principles of computer networks and the infrastructure of the Internet.

• Learn the logical structure of databases and the functioning of information systems.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will demonstrate the ability to use the Microsoft Office suite to solve practical tasks:

• Microsoft Word: Create professional documents by applying advanced formatting, styles, section breaks, and automated tables of contents.

• Microsoft Excel: Process data using spreadsheets, utilizing mathematical/logical formulas, functions, and graphical representations.

• Microsoft Access: Design and manage simple relational databases, including the creation of tables, queries, and relationships.

3. Making Judgements

Students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate which software tool is most appropriate for a specific task (e.g., choosing between a spreadsheet and a database).

• Assess data reliability and security within a network or a local system.

4. Communication Skills

Students will acquire:

• Mastery of technical ICT terminology necessary for interacting in professional and academic environments.

• The ability to present information in a clear, structured, and professional manner through the proficient use of word-processing tools.

5. Learning Skills

• Students will develop the necessary skills for autonomous software updating and for further independent study of emerging information technologies within their field of expertise.

To successfully engage with the course, advanced prior computer skills are not required. However, students are expected to possess:

• Basic logical-mathematical skills: necessary for understanding binary coding and the use of functions within spreadsheets.

• Basic digital literacy: elementary knowledge of operating system interfaces (file and folder management) and web browsing.

• Reading comprehension skills: essential for analyzing assignment requirements and addressing open-ended examination questions.

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Data Coding and Representation (oppure: Coding and Representation of Information)
• Computer Architecture
• Operating Systems and Software Applications
• Computer Networks and the Internet
• Introduction to Databases
• Word Processing: Microsoft Word
• Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel
• Databases: Microsoft Access

• Luca Mari, Giacomo Buonanno, Donatella Sciuto – Informatica e cultura dell'informazione (Second Edition), McGraw-Hill.
• Lecture slides and materials provided by the instructor.
• Any valid textbook for the attainment of ECDL or ICDL certification.
• For the HTML markup language: https://www.w3schools.com/html/

Exam Modalities and Course Requirements

The final examination consists of a written test, which can be taken either through two mid-term assessments (prove in itinere) or, alternatively, by sitting a single complete exam.

1. Structure of the Written Test

The test (whether mid-term or complete) typically includes:

• 24 multiple-choice questions;

• 2 open-ended questions.

The open-ended questions will be evaluated based on the following criteria: conciseness, the appropriate use of technical terminology, and the relevance of the content to the topic.

2. Required Word Document (Term Paper)

To complete the course, students are required to submit a Word document providing an in-depth analysis of a subject-related topic. The document must demonstrate proficiency in the word-processing techniques covered during lectures, specifically:

• Formatting and Layout: Strict adherence to page margins, indentation, and overall structure;

• Styles: Correct application of the Styles hierarchy (Heading 1, Heading 2, Normal, etc.);

• Automation: Insertion of an automatically generated Table of Contents.

3. Submission and Deadlines

The final document must be sent to the institutional email address michele.bellocchi@unict.it strictly before the official exam date.

1. Multiple-Choice Question Which hardware component is specifically designed to connect a computer to a wired network (LAN)?

• A) GPU

• B) Network Interface Card (NIC)

• C) Power Supply Unit (PSU)

• D) RAM

2. Open-Ended Question Briefly describe the difference between Alan Turing’s architectural model and the Von Neumann architecture.