Student guide Faculty of Law A.Y. 2007/08

Informatics for Law (Introductory Course)
Lesson timetable, Notice board, Additional material
Aim of the course
Part of the course will be devoted to the hardware and software architecture of computer systems, in relation to processing (computers used to run programs) and communication (computer networks and the Internet). Another part will describe the scenarios determined by technological developments and the dissemination of web-based technologies: information systems, technological innovation, eBusiness, and change management.
A historical, technological, cultural and social perspective of information technology will also be analysed.
 
Syllabus
1.  Introduction to the course: teaching objectives, procedures, syllabus and reference texts.
2.  The information society: digitisation, the access culture, and the digital divide.
3.  Computer hardware architecture: CPU, memory and peripherals
4.  Computer software architecture: operating system and applications.
5.  The algorithm, programming language and program concepts.
6.  Computer networks and Internet technology
7.  Corporate information systems and opportunities associated with the use of innovative technologies.
8.  The new scenarios of the Internet era: technological innovation, eBusiness.
9.  The problem of security in data processing and transmission systems.
Examinations
Two intermediate tests will be held:  one in mid-semester and one at the end of the lecture period. In both cases a written examination of the subjects taught during lectures will be set.
Passing both the intermediate tests will entitle the student to record the final mark directly. Students who do not take the intermediate tests (or fail them) must take a final written exam on all the subjects taught during lectures.
The pre-requisite for taking the exam (or the second intermediate test) is to pass the first-year “Information Technology Workshop” exam (corresponding to 4 of the 7 modules of the ECDL certificate).
Reading list
·         Sciuto, D., Buonanno, G., Mari, L., Introduzione ai Sistemi Informatici, McGraw-Hill, Milan, 2005, 3rd ed.
Additional material distributed by the lecturer (transparencies and lecture notes).