1. New Computer Science Programme at the Department of Informatics Pedro Guerreiro University of Nis, March 24, 2006

2. 2 Agenda for Today New Computer Science Program at the Department of Informatics at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, in response to the Bologna guidelines. The Department. The current programme. Defining the new programme. Implementing it.

3. 3 Department of Informatics www.di.fct.unl.pt First Computer Science department in Portugal, created 1975. 800 students, 50 teaching staff (35 PhD). Houses two research centres. Offers a 5-year programme on Computer Science, and two MSc programmes. Hosts >30 PhD students.

4. 4 Current Programme A 5-year programme: “licenciatura em Engenharia Informática”. Yearly accepts 180 new students. But demand is decreasing. High failure rate on the first two years. Students take 7 years, on the average, to complete. Renowned for programming and artificial intelligence.

5. 5 Engineering Computer Science programmes are called “informatics engineering”. They are accredited by the Portuguese Engineering Society, www.ordemengenheiros.pt. www.ordemengenheiros.pt The mathematics and physics courses are shared with other engineering programmes. Accreditation is regarded as very valuable and prestigious.

6. 6 New Program: 3 + 2 When it became clear that the model is 3+2, the department decided to design new programmes. Question 1: what is the nature of the 1st cycle: “mobility”-oriented or professionalizing? Question 2: what is the degree of specialization the 2nd cycle should offer?

7. 7 Principles for First Cycle Covers core topics in Computer Science. Based on our previous experience. And based on ACM/IEEE Computing Curriculum 2001. Should be adequate for students wishing to find a job in computing. Should allow for students to move on to the second cycle.

8. 8 Mobility Profile Designed for students who wish to pursue the 2nd cycle. Perhaps in a different university, in a different country. Broadband. Geared to “conception” and innovation, necessary to companies for whom software development is a competitive advantage. With a scientific inclination.

9. 9 Professionalizing Profile Does not mean an immediate capacity for a specific, specialized job. Also broadband, covering the core. Trades some foundational material for topics on society and on management. Includes outside project, carried out in a company. Does not preclude admission to the second cycle.

10. 10 Minor A concentration on topics of another discipline (e.g., electrical engineering, bio-informatics, mathematics, management). Still covering the core. Adequate for interdisciplinary applications of computing. Might allow for new kinds of interdisciplinary second cycles.

11. 11 Knowledge Areas, CC2201 DS. Discrete Structures PF. Programming Fundamentals AL. Algorithms and Complexity AR. Architecture and Organization OS. Operating Systems NC. Net-Centric Computing PL. Programming Languages HC. Human-Computer Interaction GV. Graphics and Visual Computing IS. Intelligent Systems IM. Information Management SP. Social and Professional Issues SE. Software Engineering CN. Computational Science

12. 12 Credit Structure, Total 180

13. 13 Tuning The framework for understanding comparing curricula was adopted from the Tuning project. It distinguishes Learning outcomes: statements of what a learner is expected to know, understand and be able to demonstrate after completion of learning. Competences: combination of knowledge, understanding, skills and abilities.

14. 14 General Competences Understand the structure and operation of computer systems. Develop software solutions. Apply current software development methodologies. Use mathematics as a leverage. Know specific computing techniques. Elaborate technical documentation. Understand the business world. Adopt an ethical attitude.

15. 15 Dublin Descriptors Abstract qualifications signifying completion of first cycle: Knowledge and understanding in a field of study. Capacity to apply knowledge and understanding in a professional way. Ability to gather relevant data. Ability to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions. Capacity to study with autonomy.

16. 16 First Cycle, First Year Calculus I Linear Algegra Introductory Programming Introduction to Computer Systems Expression and Communication Calculus II Discrete Structures Computer Arquitecture Object-Oriented Programming Computational Logic

17. 17 First Cycle, Second Year Algorithms and Data Structures Data Bases Operating Systems Fundamentals Theoretical Computing Critical Thinking Probability Physics Programming Languages Software Development Methods Computer Networks

18. 18 First Cycle, Third Year (Scientific) Computer Graphics and Interfaces Artificial Intelligence Compiling Distributed Systems Elective Algorithm Design Logic Programming Project (Internal)

19. 19 First Cycle, Third Year (Applied) Computer Graphics and Interfaces Artificial Intelligence Ethical Issues Elective External Project Elective

20. 20 First Cycle, Third Year, Electives Data Base Administration Information Theory Programming Challenges Web Applications Software Engineering Multimedia Introduction to Telecommunications Digital Systems Electronic Circuits...

21. 21 Second Cycle, due November Six specializations: Software Engineering Network Computing Artificial Intelligence Programming Models Computational Logic Multimedia Computing

22. 22 Dublin Descriptors, 2nd cycle Have demonstrated knowledge that provides a basis for originality. Can apply problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments. Have the ability to formulate judgements with incomplete information. Can communicate their conclusions to specialists and non-specialists. Are able to continue to study autonomously, in a self-directed manner.

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