Objectives/Vision
The objective of this curriculum is to form the next generation of ICT solutions architects, capable of mastering the complexity of integrating heterogeneous and distributed software systems as well as of assessing non-functional properties of the obtained solutions.
Modern ICT solutions are built by composing heterogeneous software services and infrastructures. Security, wireless networks, web and cloud services and peer-to-peer technologies set the scene for this track to create a specialist that can design innovative ICT solutions, by integrating software and hardware modules at distinct layers of the implementation stack. It is fundamental that the graduate can not only design and implement a complex ICT infrastructure but also evaluate whether such infrastructure can satisfy severe requirements in terms of performances, data security and privacy.
The curriculum covers traditional computer science topics, such as algorithms and programming, but it aims to focus these topics in a unifying framework. ICT solutions architects must be able to design and assess innovative solutions:
- from the software viewpoint these architects should master the design of complex systems, to exploit and assess existing service- and cloud-based solutions, and to employ DevOps principles,
- from the infrastructure viewpoint these Architects should understand and assess the exploitability of available IT (physical and/or virtualized) infrastructures,
- a critical know how for these Architects will be the ability of assessing and certifying non-functional properties – from performance to security- of IT solutions.
The overall objective of this curriculum is to form the next generation of ICT solutions architects, possessing the above mentioned capabilities.
Career opportunities
“ICT solutions architect” is one of the top in-demand jobs in the ICT sector – just Google it to check.
Besides traditional software companies, which continue to constantly face software integration issues, ICT solutions architects are sought by companies targeting new emerging arenas like the Cloud and the IoT (Internet of Things).
The Department has strong connections with many established companies and startups seeking for ICT solutions architects, both within Italy and outside (like Google or Microsoft).
This master course also provides a solid background for a Ph.D. program in Computer Science or an equivalent degree.
Study plan
The plan of studies is composed by two courses on the infrastructure layers (“ICT infrastructures” and “Mobile and cyber-physical systems”), three courses on the software layers (“Advanced software engineering”, “Advanced programming” and “Distributed algorithms”), and two courses on security aspects (“ICT risk assessment” and “Peer to peer systems and blockchains”).
First year
Semester 1 |
CFU |
Semester 2 |
CFU |
| Advanced programming | 9 | Peer to peer systems and blockchains | 6 |
| Advanced software engineering | 9 | Mobile and cyber-physical systems | 9 |
| Algorithm engineering | 9 | ICT risk assessment | 9 |
| ICT infrastructures | 6 | Group: ICT electives 6 cfu | 6 |
| 33 | 30 |
Second year
Semester 3 |
CFU |
Semester 4 |
CFU |
| Group: free choice | 9 | Thesis | 24 |
| Group: ICT elective 9 cfu | 9 | Group: ICT elective 9 cfu | 9 |
| Group: ICT elective 6 cfu | 6 | ||
| 24 | 33 |
Group: ICT electives (9 CFU)
Parallel and distributed systems: paradigms and models (WTW)
Software validation and verification (SW)
Data mining (BD)
Machine learning (AI)
Language-based tecnology for security
Intelligent systems for pattern recognition
Group: ICT electives (6 CFU)
Information retrieval (BD)
Scientific and large data visualization (CNR)
Business Process Modeling
Complex Information Systems and Vertical Applications (Wireless Networks of Embedded Systems)
Algorithmic Game Theory
Laboratory on ICT Startup Building
Introduction to Quantum Computing
For more details on course contents: