Κατεύθυνση: Secondary Major in Computational Infrastructures & Services or Digital Services: Optional Courses

Service-Oriented Architectures and Mobile Computing

Learning Outcomes

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the design, implementation, and management of modern service-oriented information systems and mobile applications. It covers key topics such as user interface design, data management, network connectivity, and performance optimization.

 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify the principles and components of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and leverage modern tools and frameworks to develop service-oriented information systems.
  • Develop, deploy, and manage serverless applications and microservices using cloud computing infrastructure.
  • Understand Android application architecture and identify the core features of a typical Android app, including layouts and navigation.
  • Design functional and user-friendly interfaces for mobile devices.
  • Implement data storage and retrieval techniques within a mobile application.
  • Leverage service-oriented platforms and services (e.g., Firebase, Push Notifications, Crashlytics, Object Storage, Functions as a Service) to build modern, interactive mobile applications.
  • Evaluate and optimize the performance and usability of a mobile application.

General Competences

  • Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information by the use of appropriate technologies
  • Development of free, creative and inductive thinking
  • Decision-making
  • Individual/Independent work
  • Group/ Team work

Course Contents

  • Introduction to Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) (definition and basic concepts, advantages and challenges)
  • Basic elements of Service-Oriented Architecture (services, service contracts, service composition, discovery and service registry)
  • Advanced concepts of Service-Oriented Architecture (event-driven architecture, microservices and their relationship with SOA)
  • Understanding the principles and practices of backend as a service and the development and deployment of serverless applications using Cloud Computing infrastructures, microservices, and Functions as a Service.
  • Methodologies and techniques for developing applications for portable devices (smartphones, smartwatches, sensors, etc.).
  • Study of the basic features of a typical Android application (Layouts, Navigation).
  • Development of applications that utilize device capabilities and interfaces, such as camera, GPS, sensors, etc.
  • Use of service libraries and backend applications for data management, user authentication, two-way communication, and synchronization.
  • Creation of advanced user interfaces (UI/UX).
  • Management of access rights, data security, and privacy.
  • Architecture of smart mobile applications (application architecture, data storage – SQLite – Firebase, displaying lists, internet connection, background tasks)
  • Use of modern frameworks for application development such as React Native and Flutter.

Suggested Bibliography

  • Έλληνας Iωάννης- Έλληνας Νικόλαος (2023): Εισαγωγή στον Προγραμματισμό Android
  • Κυπριανός Χ. (2022): Να ένα android…
  • Peter Späth (2019): Learn Kotlin for Android Development, The Next Generation Language for Modern Android Apps Programming, Apress, ISBN: 9781484244678.
  • Ted Hagos (2018): Learn Android Studio 3 with Kotlin, Efficient Android App Development. Apress, ISBN: 9781484239070.

Student Placement

Students can choose it only once during undergraduate studies (either the 7th or the 8th semester).

Privacy on the Internet

Learning Outcomes

Within the framework of the course, students will be able:

  • To fully understand the concepts of privacy, territorial privacy, privacy of the person and especially informational privacy
  • To realise the privacy threats environment and related requirements
  • To understand the concept of privacy framework
  • To realise the legal requirements of privacy by design and privacy by default
  • To conduct data protection impact assessment surveys for public and private bodies
  • To study all privacy issues rised in modern public clouds
  • To know critical technological tools for privacy enhancement
  • To understand national and European regulations regarding informational privacy protection and personal data protection
  • To understand the challenges posed by the evolving dynamics of the combination of the cognitive fields of cyber security, privacy protection, and Artificial Intelligence and the way they create social, cultural, political, and financial issues, as well as ethical issues in modern societies
  • To possess state-of-the-art specialized scientific knowledge in the subjects of the course as a basis for original thinking and research activities.

Course Contents

  • Privacy: The citizens and public & private bodies viewpoint. Territorial privacy, privacy of the person, informational privacy
  • Personally identifiable information PII and personal data
  • Threats and privacy requirements
  • The privacy paradox
  • Legal and regulatory frameworks for personal data protection: The EU GDPR General Data Protection Regulation
  • Privacy framework and ISO 29100:2024
  • Controls and best practices for privacy protection according to ISO 29151:2017
  • Privacy by design and ISO 31700-1: 2023
  • Privacy information management system and ISO 27701:2019
  • Data protection impact assessment and ISO 29134:2023
  • Privacy in public clouds and ISO 27018:2019
  • Privacy Enhancing Technologies: Data obfuscation tools (anonymization, pseudonymization, synthetic data, differential privacy, zero knowledge proofs), Encrypted data processing tools (homomorphic encryption, multiparty computation, trusted execution environments), Federated and distributed analytics (federated learning, distributed analytics), Data accountability tools (accountable systems, threshold secret sharing, personal information management systems)
  • Privacy protection and AI systems: The Artificial Intelligence Act

Suggested Bibliography

  • Acquisti, S. Gritzalis, C. Lambrinoudakis, S. De Capitani di Vimercati (Eds) (2008), Digital Privacy, Theory, Technology and Practices, Auerbach Publications
  • Tamo-Larrieux (2018), Designing for Privacy and its Legal Framework: Data Protection by Design and Default for the Internet of Things, Springer
  • Bart van der Sloot, A. de Groot, (2018) The Handbook of Privacy Studies, Amsterdam University Press

Scientific Journals

Telemedicine

Learning Outcomes

The course is introducing students in telemedicine systems and applications that improve the quality of life and provide remote electronic health services. The curriculum includes background knowledge in the areas of coding and processing of biomedical data, analyzes the design and implementation issues of telemedicine systems and discusses the next generation telemedicine systems, which include context awareness and computational intelligence as additional features. During the course case studies will be presented and there will be project assigned to students.

Students, upon successful completion of the course, will be able to:

A) Understand basic methodologies of design and development of telemedicine systems

B) Be familiar with the main techniques for the coding and processing of biomedical signals and data

C) Know the coding standards for medical information

D) Design telemedicine systems according to special requirements and the type of medical information exchanged

E) Evaluate telemedicine systems

Course Contents

  • Introduction to Telemedicine
  • Biomedical Data Coding and Compression
  • Biomedical Data Processing for Telemedicine Applications
  • Video Communication for Telemedicine Applications
  • Telemedicine Networks
  • Home Care Systems
  • Context Aware Telemedicine Systems
  • Wireless Telemedicine and Ambient Assisted Living
  • Wearable Systems
  • Clinical Applications of Telemedicine
  • Security in Telemedicine systems
  • Case Studies – Project Assignments

Recommended Readings

  • Medical Informatics, e-Health: Fundamentals and Applications (Health Informatics) Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2014 Edition by Alain Venot (Editor), Anita Burgun (Editor), Catherine Quantin (Editor)
  • Telemedicine Handbook, Pompidou Alain, Apostolakis I, Α., Ferrer – Roca Olga, Sosa – Iudicissa Marcelo, Allaert Francois, Della Mea Vincenzo, Kastania Anastasia N.

Design and Optimization of Networks

Learning Outcomes

The course presents principles and methodologies on the design, evaluation and optimization of networks and services, complementing the basic knowledge of architecture, protocols and functions of communication networks.

Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be in position to:

  • follow and utilize the approach of top-down network design, that is most commonly encountered on medium to large scale networking projects
  • understand and evaluate alternative design options at every stage of data networks design, (e.g. requirement and specification definition, logical and physical design, selection of appropriate technologies and protocols, addressing and naming of network devices, implementation, testing and optimization)
  • select and propose proper architectures, network technologies, protocols and politics, depending on the design, upgrade and/or optimization of the network at hand
  • implement, control and readjust solutions on new or redesign existing network projects
  • run and operate routing protocols simulation software and packet sniffing software

Course Contents

  • Introduction to the design and performance evaluation of networks and services.
  • Modelling and topological design of communication networks.
  • Modelling of network services traffic and work load.
  • Top-down network design under service requirements and various constraints.
  • Selection of most appropriate link, network and transport layer protocols.
  • Selection of most appropriate network architecture and network devices.
  • Network optimization techniques and algorithms, network reliability.
  • Performance measures.
  • Quality of service assurance.
  • Theoretical exercises and network design projects.

Recommended Readings

  1. Spiros Arsenis, “Network Design and Implementation”, Kleidarithmos Publications.
  2. Priscilla Oppenheimer, “Top-Down Network Design”, 2nd Edition, Cisco Press.
  3. James D. McCabe, “Network Analysis, Architecture and Design”, 2nd Edition, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers Inc.
  4. Thomas Robertazzi, “Planning Telecommunication Networks”, IEEE Press.

Mobile Communication Systems

Learning Outcomes

The course provides the basic principles of cellular mobile communication systems. It also provides the methodologies of analysis and design of these systems. By concluding the course, students are able to

  • analyze and design basic mobile communication systems by emphasizing in physical layer techniques
  • recognize, describe and distinguish the characteristics of several type of cells, communication channels and multiple access techniques
  • analyze and design systems with different requirements of telecommunication traffic and quality links
  • compute the thresholds of link performance,
  • compare alternative implementation plans and evaluate the total performance of digital systems

The lab sessions aim to provide a deeper understanding of physical phenomena of propagation in the wireless channel and the simulation of cellular systems.

Course Contents

Initially, basic concepts of Mobile Communications Radiosystems are provided (cell types, communication channel types, basic cellular system operations). Basic Network Access Techniques (Multiple Access Techniques, Random Access Techniques) are discussed. Also, reference is made to the evolution of Wireless Communication Systems (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation cellular systems, Wireless Telephony Systems, Paging Systems, WLANs, WPANs, PMRs). Students are introduced to the concept of cells  and frequency reuse (elements from regular hexagon geometry, cellular systems design). Then the basic concepts of telecommunication traffic analysis and systems performance is provided (elements of Queuing Theory, Erlang B model, Erlang C model, spectral performance of cellular systems). In the following the main wireless propagation mechanisms are presented (multipath propagation, Doppler fading and shift, propagation loss, shadowing, coverage area definition, radio channel capacity limits). Interference types (co-channel interference and noise, neighboring channel interference) as well as handover and performance techniques (categorization of handover techniques, advantages and disadvantages of techniques, stable performance, dynamic performance, elastic performance) are discussed and compared. Techniques for improving spectral efficiency (sectoring, cell splitting) are then analyzed. Finally, elements and techniques of physical layer design (modulation and coding techniques, co-channel interference mitigation techniques) are presented and a presentation of standardized Mobile Communications Systems (GSM, GPRS, 3G and 4G) is presented.

In addition, extra content (in evdoxos.ds.unipi.gr) like articles, audiovisual lectures and Internet addresses, as well as exercises for student’s practice are posted electronically. Case studies, exemplary problems and methods for solving them are presented.

Recommended Readings

  • “Mobile Communications Systems”, Book code in www.eudoxus.gr: 33154041, Edition: 2nd edition/2013, Authors: Kanatas Athanasios, Pantos Georgios, Costantinou Filippos, ISBN: 978-960-491-086-1, Publisher: A.Papasotiriou & Sia (1st Book)
  • “Antennas and propagation for wireless communication systems”, Book code in www.eudoxus.gr: 59386401, Edition: 1st edition/2016, Authors: S. R. Saunders, A. Aragon-Zavala, Scient. Edit.: Dimosthenis Vougioukas, ISBN: 978-960-546-737-1, Publisher: Pedio S.A. (2nd Book)

Associated scientific Journals

  • ΙΕΕΕ Transactions on Vehicular Technology
  • ΙΕΕΕ Transactions on Wireless Communications
  • ΙΕΕΕ Transactions on Antennas & Propagation
  • ΙΕΕΕ Journal on Selected Areas in Communications
  • IEEE Communications Magazine

e-Learning Systems

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course the students will be able:

  • to know and understand the key concepts of digital teaching and learning
  • to analyse, assess, select and justify pedagogically appropriate e-learning methods and tools for digital teaching and learning innovations.
  • to design and create pedagogically grounded online courses.

Course Contents

  • Online Teaching and Learning: Theoretical Underpinnings
  • Educational Design for Online Teaching and Learning
  • An hierarchical Open Access to Online Education framework: Elements (Open Educational Resources, Learning Activities and Lesson Plans, Online Courses, Digital Learning Spaces). Tools and Key Roles (Online Education Instructional Designers, e-Tutors, e-Learning Systems Administrators, Managers)
  • Open Educational Resources: Learning Objects, Educational Metadata, Repositories of Learning Objects. Case Studies: the National Repositories of Learning Objects
  • Learning Activities and Lesson Plans: Authoring Tools for Learning Activities and Lesson Plans, Repositories of Learning Activities and Lesson Plans. Case Studies: the National Repositories of Learning Activities and Lesson Plans
  • Design, Development and Delivery of Online Courses: Methodology for Designing Online Courses. Authoring Tools for Developing Online Courses. Course Management Systems. Case Study: Open edX, MOODLE
  • Digital Learning Spaces: 3D Virtual Classrooms and Laboratories

Recommended Readings

  • Textbook in Greek (provided for free)
  • Additional Open Access Educational Resources available through the course management system

IT-Centric Professional Development

Learning Outcomes

This course introduces students in consulting procedures for the personal and professional development in an IT context. It addresses the needs of students as future workers on ‘how to be involved in a IT workforce community’ by enhancing them to provide emerging professional development opportunities and practices.

On completion of the course, the students will be able to:

    • understand the theoretical background of the consulting (in physical and IT context).
    • select and design the appropriate components for their academic and career path (KPIs).
    • critically evaluate a set of skills for professional development.
    • design and build products/services via appropriate components to an institutional IT context and demands (needs, motivations, attitudes, ethics).
    • compose a personal/professional career plan for further development in the society (KPIs).

Course Contents

  • Basic consulting theories and practices necessary for the development of effective performance on an academic and professional environment in IT business community (Kirkpatrick model, SRL, SDL).
  • Continuing Professional Development programs (CPD).
  • Skills and Competencies.
  • Communication and Collaboration (active listening, verbal, non-verbal, communication).
  • Μentoring and coaching.
  • Personal and affective factors in performing (needs, attitudes, motivation, self-esteem etc.
  • Organizational factors (ethics, leadership).
  • Problem solving, innovation, creativity.
  • Evaluation (KPIs).

Recommended Readings

  • Robinson D. & Robinson J. (2008): Performance Consulting: A practical Guide for HR and Learning Professionals, Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
  • Rosenberg M. (2001): E-Learning Strategies for Delivering Knowledge in the Digital Age, McGraw-Hill.

Advanced Topics in Wireless Communications

Learning Outcomes

This course focuses on wide area wireless networks and addresses advanced topics in physical layer design, multi-carrier systems and wireless standards evolution.

At the end of this course, students will have acquired advanced/in depth knowledge in the field of Wireless Communications, with particular emphasis on wireless channel modelling, Multiple Input Multiple Output systems design, and performance evaluation in terms of capacity.

The students will be capable of performing numerical calculations of various wireless parameters, stochastic modelling of wireless transceivers and performance assessment by means of analytical evaluations and simulations, with main focus on baseband processing and radio resources management.

Course Contents

  • Advanced physical layer design topics: modulation and coding
  • Multiplexing in time, space, frequency, code
  • Multiple Input Multiple Output Systems
  • Multi-carrier systems: OFDM/OFDMA.
  • Radio resource allocation: multi-user communications and scheduling, cross-layer optimization.
  • Wireless standards: 3G evolution, IEEE 802.x, 4G and 5G

Recommended Readings

  • Behrouz A. Forouzan, “Data Communications and Networking”, Fourth edition, McGraw-Hill, 2007
  • W Stallings, Wireless Communciations and Networks, Pearson, 2004.
  • D. Tse, P. Viswanath, Fundamentals of Wireless Communciations, 2005.
  • T. S. Rappaport, Wireless communications – Principles and practices, Pearson, 2002.
  • Harri Holma, Antti Toskala, WCDMA for UMTS: HSPA Evolution and LTE, Wiley, 2010.
  • Andrea Goldsmith, Wireless Communications, Cambridge University Press, 2005.