Computer science and statistics laboratory

Learning objectives

The course provides the fundamental concepts of computer science, illustrating the functioning of electronic calculators and introduces the basic concepts of programming.

Expected learning outcomes

The student will learn how to use Excel and the main basic constructs of structured programming

Course content

Computer science – definitions
Computer science definitions
The hardware
The software
The networks and the internet

Representation of information
Uses and types of information
Binary representation
Number encoding: the positional systems (decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal)
Conversion operation between bases
Representation of negative numbers (magnitude and sign, 1's complement, 2's complement)
Representation of fractional numbers (fixed point, floating point)
Boolean algebra
Arithmetic and Boolean operations on binary numbers

Data analysis with Excel
Introduction to Excel
Formulas and operators
Functions
Graphs
Filters and subtotals
PIVOT tables
Advanced work tools: objective research and scenarios

Definition of algorithm and control flow

Programming
Von Neumann's machine
Programming languages

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
Introduction
Features
Basic operations
Flow control instructions
cycles

Prerequisites

Minimum knowledge of computer use and main operating systems.

Bibliography

Professor's slides

Excel Manual
VBA Manual

Teaching methods and tools

The course includes theoretical lessons that will be interspersed with exercises.

Assessment methods and criteria

Compulsory written test on the entire program carried out:
◦ open questions and exercises on the theoretical part of the course.
◦ Excel problem solving.
◦ writing programs in VBA language to solve proposed problems.
Optional oral test upon request by the student: the oral test can produce a +3/-3 variation of the written test.