English

This course provides an overview of the major branches of mass media in the dominant European markets, with a focus on the transition from traditional mass media to digital media. After an introduction to media history, theories, and current research, the course examines specific industries such as television, radio, music, film, and print. Theories and models of mass communication are introduced and analyzed against their practical application in the markets studied in the course. Students compare how political and regulatory influences impact different sectors of the media in several European countries. The course is taught using a mix of lectures, case study discussions, student presentations, and site visits.

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to: Understand the chemical and biological composition of soils and their importance for ecosystem functioning; explain the role of microbial biodiversity in biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S) and soil health; analyze the interactions between soil microorganisms, soil fauna and plants; assess the effects of global changes on soil biological functioning; use scientific concepts and terminologies to describe soil biological and biochemical processes and their environmental implications; and relate theoretical knowledge to case studies applied to sustainable management and climate change mitigation. Topics include: 

Soil Biochemistry and Functionality:
- Soil composition: organic and inorganic components.
- Chemical properties: pH, cation/anion exchange capacity, adsorption.
- Microbial enzyme activity and nutrient cycling (C, N, P).
- Role of organic matter in regulating ecosystem services.
- Strategies for soil management and climate resilience.
Soil Biology and Global Changes:
- Microbial biodiversity and interactions with soil fauna.
- Microbial regulation of biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S).
- Impacts of climate change, land use and pollution on soil biology.
- Role of soil in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage.
- Soil-climate feedback mechanisms.

This course considers histories and theories of modern and contemporary art. It provides an overview of the heterogeneous and experimental development of modern and contemporary art. Artistic responses to society, politics, science, and technology are discussed. The module also addresses the practices of governing institutions of the contemporary art world, such as art markets and museums. Furthermore, the course features visit to (local) art institutions, including the Jan van Eyck Academie.

This course provides an overview of societal, cultural, and literary developments in the North Atlantic island of Iceland, from its settlement in the late 9th Century through the end of its Commonwealth Period in the later part of the 13th Century. The main focus of the course is the rich literary heritage of medieval Iceland. Students engage with a representative selection of texts, covering a range of genres and topics. By undertaking guided readings and analysis against a background of pertinent historical, and cultural developments, the course reviews the value of these texts as literary artefacts and historical source materials.

This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. This course provides students with an advanced knowledge of cellular neurobiology and molecular mechanisms of brain functions, as well as to make students able to apply this knowledge to specific aspects of nervous system physiopathology. This course is an overview of advanced topics in neurobiology and is designed to introduce and discuss the biological models, the techniques and the research strategies employed in this research field, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the structure and function of the nervous system. The course is divided into three general topic areas: cell biology of the nervous system, molecular mechanisms in the brain functions, and their alterations in neuropathologies. At the end of the course, the student is able to: understand and discuss properly main aspects of nervous system physiopathology; read and comprehend scientific articles; use this neurobiology background for advances experimental purposes. The course content is divided as follows:

1. Advanced Methodological Approaches in Neurobiology: From optogenetics to neuroimaging, brain atlas.
2. In Vitro and In Vivo Models in Neurobiology: From primary cultures to brain organoids, with an introduction to related ethical issues.
3. Cellular Neurobiology: Cells of the nervous system, their interactions, and communication systems. Biology and physiology of neurons. Oligodendrocytes and the myelin sheath. Astrocytes and microglia.
4. Molecular Neurobiology: Biochemical, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cognitive brain processes, such as synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory (from invertebrates to mammals).
5. Developmental Neurobiology: Molecular mechanisms underlying the origin of various CNS cell types, cell migration, axonal formation, synapse stabilization, activity-dependent CNS development, critical periods, and neural plasticity. Neural stem cells and adult neurogenesis.
6. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Brain–Environment Interaction: Gut–brain axis and circadian rhythm regulation.
7. Alterations in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology in Neuropathologies: Neurodegenerative diseases, prion disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuropsychiatric diseases.

This course covers various proof techniques and provides practice proving sample propositions using these techniques. Students learn basic discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science topics such as sets and functions, and practice proving propositions related to these topics. The course also covers intermediate discrete mathematics topics, including trees and graphs, and provides practice proving related propositions. Students also learn additional discrete mathematics topics (e.g., counting, probability), and apply proof techniques to prove related propositions. While there is no specific prerequisite course required, students should have basic mathematical knowledge. 

This course explores advanced principles of computer networks based on fundamentals of the topic. The topics are protocol mechanisms, principles of implementation, network algorithms, advanced network architectures, network simulation, network measurement as well as techniques of protocol specification and verification. Protocols mechanisms and techniques of protocols used in network protocols include signaling, separation of control and data channel, soft state and hard state, using of randomization, indirection, multiplexing of resources, localization of services, and network virtualization (overlays, VxLANs, peer-to-peer networks). The identification and study of principles that lead to the implementation of network protocols include system principles, reflections on efficiency, and caveats/ case studies. Network architecture examines “the big picture”. It identifies and studies principles that lead the design of network architectures. The course considers substantial questions rather than specific protocol and implementation tricks, which include internet design principles, lessons learned from the internet, architecture of telephone network, and circuit switching versus packet switching (revisited). Protocols cover network algorithms, self stabilization (examples of routing), Kelly's congestion control framework, and closed loop control on the example of TCP. Simulation, oblivious routing and routing in cryptocurrency networks includes principles of discrete event simulation, analysis of simulation results, packet versus flow models, bounding strategies (e.g., Chernoff bounds), and Gaussian distributions.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a distinctive branch of computer science dedicated to understanding the relationship between people and computers. It provides a set of techniques that enable software engineers to develop computing applications that better respond to the needs, abilities and interests of customers, clients and end-users. This course provides theoretical grounding, practical knowledge, and hands on experience of key skills needed to design and build better interfaces for computing systems.

This course introduces macroeconomic theory and policy. It covers economic aggregates such as production and employment, the general price level and inflation, the exchange rate, interest rates, monetary and fiscal policies, the balance of payments, and economic growth. The course emphasizes the analysis of current macroeconomic problems and policy issues.

This course focuses on the design and conduct of qualitative research. It explores the epistemological foundations on which different strands of qualitative research rest, introduces students to a range of techniques for collecting qualitative data, and helps students consider methodological questions related to the conduct of qualitative research. The unit encourages critical thinking about what constitutes the field and data, as well as about issues of ethics, positionality, voice, representation, and the hermeneutic location of records and data.