Introduction and aims
The MSc (master) program in Computer Systems Engineering is adapted to the Bologna declaration and to the ECTS credit system and has a length of two years and 120 ECTS credits, and corresponds to the 2nd cycle of studies. There are two specialization branches: Multimedia Information Systems (MIS) and Mobile Computing (MC). In the end of the first year students are eligible to receive a Post-graduation diploma. The aim is to provide a solid education in advanced technologies related to multimedia information systems or mobile computing and wireless networks and applications, and to form engineering professionals with a wider range of competences.
Objectives and competences
The 2nd cycle program is composed of courses related to an advanced body of knowledge divided into two specialization areas: multimedia information systems and mobile computing. It also includes an internship in an organization which may be an enterprise, an industry or an academic setting.
In what the multimedia information systems branch is concerned, the objective is to provide a specialized education, both in practical and academic terms, deepening concepts and technologies introduced in the scope of the first cycle of studies and introducing new advanced topics and themes, enabling future professionals to:
1. Reinforce their knowledge of technologies related to multimedia information systems, allowing them to fulfill roles in Multimedia Design, IT Consultancy, Human-Computer Interaction and Multimedia Interface Design and Systems Specialist, in the scope of future distributed interactive multimedia systems.
2. Develop research skills, allowing them to be prepared to develop original solutions, both in professional and academic scopes, particularly for the design, development and management of information systems. It is also intended to provide sufficient knowledge for them to be able to defend their solutions and communicate them effectively. This is achieved by making students participate in research projects, allowing them to acquire specific experiences and skills related to multimedia information systems.
3. Develop effective multimedia information systems for organizations characterized as multidisciplinary environments which involve both technological knowledge and well as project management skills. This is achieved by making students work in groups to fulfil project requirements.
4. Develop autonomous and lifelong learning skills related to multimedia information systems.
In what the mobile computing branch is concerned, the objective is to provide a specialized education, both in practical and academic terms, deepening concepts and technologies introduced in the scope of the first cycle of studies and introducing new advanced topics and themes, enabling future professionals to:
1. Reinforce their knowledge of technologies related to multimedia information systems, allowing them to fulfill roles in areas related to Mobile Computing such as Mobile and Wireless Networks, Mobile Applications Design and Development, Mobile Applications Interface Design and developing solutions and architectures incorporating Mobile Technologies including PDAs, cell phones, context sensitive devices and other pervasive computing devices, as well as mobile networks protocols, particularly at the network, transport and application layers.
2. Develop research skills, allowing them to be prepared to develop original solutions, both in professional and academic scopes, particularly for the design, development and management of mobile information systems and networks. It is also intended to provide sufficient knowledge for them to be able to defend their solutions and communicate them effectively. This is achieved by making students participate in research projects, allowing them to acquire specific experiences and skills related to pervasive systems and networks.
3. Develop effective mobile information systems and applications for organizations characterized as multidisciplinary and technological rich environments which involve both technological knowledge and well as project management skills. This is achieved by making students work in groups to fulfill project requirements in the area of mobile computing.
4. Develop autonomous and lifelong learning skills related to mobile computing systems and wireless networks.
Teaching approach
Our degree program is taught combining theory and practice, mixing concepts from science and engineering, including both elements of hardware and software, and is taught by top professors.
Our curriculum includes courses from the following areas:
• Mobile computing,
• Advanced databases and information systems,
• Information security.
• Artificial Intelligence,
• Distributed systems,
• Mobile Computer Networks,
• Multimedia Design and Web Development.
There is also an internship with the duration of 208 hours in an organization or enterprise.
Professional roles
In the end of the program, our students possess the required competences for the following professional roles:
• Consultant in the areas of IT, Software Engineering, Multimedia, Computer Networks, Multimedia Design and Web development.
• Specialist and auditor in security both in information systems and organizations.
• Mobile and web applications designer/programr.
• Information systems analyst/administrator.
• Database programr/administrator.
• Multimedia interfaces analist/designer.
• Knowledge engineer.
• Networks administrator.
• Projects coordinator.
• Research assistant.
Curriculum
Specialization branch in Multimedia Information Systems
1st semester
Planning, Development and Integration of Information Systems
Human Computer Interaction
Mobile Computing
Internship (208 Hours)
2nd semester
Advanced Databases
Information Security and Auditing
Distributed Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Ethics and Professional Deontology Option I
3rd semester
Internship and Final Project I
Knowledge Management
Programming Paradigms
Multimedia and Interactive Systems
Masters Dissertation Methodology
Option II
4th semester
Internship and Final Project II
Masters Dissertation
Specialization branch in Mobile Computing
1st semester
Mobile Networks and Services I
Human Computer Interaction
Mobile Computing
Internship (208 Hours)
2nd semester
Advanced Databases
Information Security and Auditing
Distributed Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Ethics and Professional Deontology Option I
3rd semester
Internship and Final Project I
Mobile Networks and Services II
Mobile Applications Programming
Mobile Applications Project
Masters Dissertation Methodology
Option II
4th semester
Internship and Final Project II
Masters Dissertation
Contacts and Information
Administrative issues and Applications
Gabinete de Ingresso • Universidade Fernando Pessoa • Praça 9 de Abril, 349 • 4249-004 Porto, Portugal • tel. +351 225 071 300/335 • fax: +351 225 508 269 • E-mail: ingresso@ufp.pt
Academic and pedagogical issues
Professor Nuno Magalhães Ribeiro• Universidade Fernando Pessoa • Praça 9 de Abril, 349 • 4249-004 Porto, Portugal • tel. +351 225 071 300• fax: +351 225 508 269• E-mail: nribeiro@ufp.edu.pt