Εξάμηνο: 8th semester

Learning Outcomes

This course is the basic introductory course in the field of computational analysis and synthesis of social networks.

The course material seeks to introduce the students to the basic concepts and algorithms for the study of social networks. The course focuses on answering questions related to the creation of social networks, their information properties and the interaction between their structure and the emergence of social processes related to information diffusion, strategic interaction and collective behavior. All theoretical results are presented in relation to their application in real problems in social computational environments such as Facebook of Google search.

The successful completion of the course will make students capable of:

• understanding the basic and important features of social networks in both an algorithmic and interaction level.
• knowing the major features of the tools and development methods for the creation of digital social networks and applications

Course Contents

• Conceptual features of social networks
• Elements of Graph Theory
• Social links
• Topics in Social Environments (Homophily, Group participation, Separation)
• Social Balancing
• Information Diffusion
• Elements of Game Theory
• Group Decision-Making
• Sharing frameworks

Recommended Readings

• Martin J. Osborne, An Introduction to Game Theory, Oxford, 2010
• Instructor Notes

Learning Outcomes

The key objective of this unique course on Embedded Systems is to present a good understanding of embedded systems architecture as well as a detailed methodology for the multilayered design of embedded systems and their applications with emphasis on network embedded systems. Main topics of the course are the understanding of communication processors and system architecture, the matching of requirements with system specifications, basic hardware design principles, Linux operating system porting on proprietary system architectures, as well as device driver programming and performance evaluation of (network) embedded systems. From this point on, system architecture is transparent to the development of embedded applications under certain limitations.
In the laboratory sessions, students will familiarize with the development of adaptive Linux kernel and filesystem images for a broad range of network embedded systems in the rise of the IoT era.

At the end of the course, students will be equipped with advanced expert and analytical knowledge for the consistent design, development and validation of embedded systems which include network devices (see Course Content). The obtained knowledge will allow the critical and analytical deepening as well as performing innovative research and critical development in the broad scientific domain of embedded systems and applications.

Students will be capable of:

• specifying and designing prototype embedded systems with network and peripheral devices which are interfaced to the communication processor meeting user requirements and cost limitations.
• designing the embedded system hardware using CAD tools for schematic and PCB design.
• adapting and porting the Linux operating system on the individual architecture of the embedded system and the underlying communication processor, its memory subsystem and network and peripheral devices, integrating desired functionality.
• configuring and building GNU/Linux applications using tools and toolchains.
• developing typical and complex embedded device drivers, with emphasis on network devices for network interfacing.
• developing embedded applications running on the embedded systems, including the proper adaptation of desktop application in the embedded domain.
• creating proper embedded root filesystems including embedded compilations of certain desktop applications.
• debugging, administering and optimizing applications aiming at resolving trade-off between system performance and memory and storage space requirements.
• evaluating performance of network embedded systems.
• analyzing the basic functionality of embedded systems through a closer look and consideration of the underlying hardware and software.
• analyzing architectural and technical information available in user, design and programming guides of the communication processor and the interfaced peripheral devices, and cross-checking them against corresponding embedded software implementations, recognizing the required differentiations per case and performing the corresponding porting of system source code, including the grouping of functionality in appropriate files and functions of the embedded software.
• applying the obtained knowledge and methodologies in a diverse range of system architectures including a central microprocessor (which could be different than the reference system) and network device controllers, either integrated on the communications processor module of the CPU or provided using external integrated circuit components.

Course Contents

• Communication Processors: Architecture, integrated communication processor module, peripheral devices, memory map, Ι/Ο ports, peripheral and network device controllers and operation (TDM, serial, ΑΤΜ, fast Ethernet, HDLC, multi-channel), interrupt handling.
• Hardware development tools: Schematic design, PCB design, BOM, lab equipment.
• Hardware System Architecture: Sample integrated access device (IAD) system architectures, modular design, EMI standards.
• Development tools, embedded software and processes: Cross-compilers, GNU cross-development tool chain, basic system initialization (JTAG), bootloader configuration, Linux kernel configuration, kernel architecture, debian packages, embedded filesystems.
• Device drivers: Peripheral and network devices (TDM, Ethernet, HDLC, multi-channel), device driver programming, Linux network API.
• Performance analysis of high bitrate network devices, performance optimization, interrupt moderation.
• Development and performance evaluation of an ATM network access device.
• Embedded applications: Network services (NAT, DHCP, routing, IP QoS, VLAN, VPN etc.), web-based management, video surveillance, telephony, Asterisk PBX, home automation and domotics, voice interaction.
• Restricted embedded systems: Detailed design of restricted embedded systems/devices, ultralow-power design, study of use cases.
• Lab projects.
  • Building and configuring applications in GNU/Linux, tools for automating processes.
  • Debugging techniques, administering and optimizing applications, handling trade-offs between performance and memory and storage size.
  • Kernel structure, configuration, building and debugging. Useful configuration recipes.
  • Building cross-compile toolchains and validation techniques.
  • Kernel initialization process and adaptation.
  • Linux root filesystem structure, difference from pseudo-filesystems, filesystem types and proper uses.
  • Kernel image development tools.

Recommended Readings

• Meliones A. (2006): Network Embedded Systems, Course textbook.
• Wolf W. (2008): Computers as Components: Principles of Embedded Computing System Design. Elsevier, Inc.
• Ashenden P. (2007): Digital Design (VHDL): An Embedded Systems Approach Using VHDL. Morgan Kaufmann Publishing
• Wolf W. (2004): FPGA-Based System Design. Prentice Hall.
• Brown S. & Vranesic Z. (2008): Fundamentals of Digital Logic with VHDL Design, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill
• Pogarides D. (2013): Digital Design with VHDL: Principles and Practices, Disigma Publications (in Greek).
• Pedroni V. (2004): Circuit Design with VHDL, MIT Press.
• Souravlas S., Roumeliotis Μ. (2008): Digital Systems: Modeling & Simulation with VHDL, Tziolas Publishing (in Greek).
• Pogarides D. (2015): Embedded Systems: The AVR and Arduino Controllers, Disigma Publishing (in Greek).
• Kalovrektes Κ. (2012): Basic Principles of Embedded Systems, Varvarigou Publishing (in Greek).
• Apostolacos S. & Meliones Α. (2014): Satellite IP Radio Communications in Air Traffic Control: Design, Implementation and Evaluation of Telecommunication Systems (in Greek).
• Pekmestzi Κ. (2009): Micro Systems Ι: Microprocessors, Symmetria Publishing (in Greek).
• Pekmestzi Κ. (2015): Micro Systems ΙΙ: Microcontrollers, Symmetria Publishing (in Greek).
• Petrellis Ν, Alexiou G. (2012): Microprocessors and Design of Micro Systems, Kleidarithmos Publishing (in Greek).
• Pogarides D. (2014): Design of Micro Systems, Ion Publishing (in Greek).
• Rabaey J., Chandrakasan A., Borivoje N. (2003): Digital Integrated Circuits: A Design Perspective, 2nd Edition, Pearson.
• Patterson D. & Hennessy J. (2014): Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface, 5th Edition, Elsevier, Inc.
• Yaghmour K., Masters J., Ben-Yossef G. & Gherum P. (2008): Building Embedded Linux Systems, O’Reily.
• Peckol J. (2007): Embedded Systems: A Contemporary Design Tool, Wiley.
• Corbet J., Rubini A. & Kroah-Hartman G. (2005): Linux Device Drivers, 3rd Edition, O’Reilly.

Learning Outcomes

The course presents the architectures and functional characteristics of modern mobile communication networks. Emphasis is given on the networking physical and functional entities and their interoperability, the communication and signaling protocols, the fixed network infrastructure and the mobile services in 2^nd generation (GSM), 3^rd generation (UMTS) and 4^th generation (LTE) networks.

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

• understand, analyze and evaluate the basic design options in the development, operation and maintenance of the different generations of mobile communication networks
• know the architecture and physical and functional entities of the different generations of mobile communication networks
• know of the basic functionalities of radio resource, handover, mobility and communication management of the different generations of mobile communication networks
• dimension cellular networks based on the offered traffic load and the desirable quality of service

Course Contents

• Overview of mobile communication networks with emphasis on 2nd generation GSM and 3rd generation UMTS systems.
• Network architecture (network subsystems, functional layers, physical architecture, radiocoverage, mobility).
• Radio resource management (functions and procedures for radio management, handover procedure, handover in multi-layer architecture).
• Mobility management (paging and location update procedures).
• Communication management (call control, call setup, call release, complementary services, message services).
• Systems and standards GSM, HSCSD, GPRS, UMTS and LTE. Signalling protocols (SS7).
• Location based services (architectures, methods).

Recommended Readings

• M. Theologou, “Mobile and Personal Communication Networks”, Tziola Publishers, (Greek).
• Holma and Toskala, “WCDMA for UMTS: Radio Access for Third Generation Mobile Communications”, Wiley.
• Holma and Toskala, “HSDPA/HSUPA for UMTS: High Speed Radio Access for Mobile Communications”, Wiley.
• Michel Mouly and Marie–Bernadette Pautet, “The GSM System for Mobile Communications”, Telecom Publishing.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able:

• to understand the specificities of ICT and digital technology teaching in school taking into consideration the issue of diversity in terms of characteristics, motivation, preferred way, place and learning time of learner audience.
• to describe the historical development of its computer science teaching with or without the use of educational software.
• to design learning scenarios for promoting computational thinking using learning strategies.
• to implementing applications with the use specialized software such as Jeroo, KarelRobot, Alice
• to design and develop digital games using platforms such as Scratch.
• to assess systematically the quality of educational software.

Course Contents

• Educational policies about the integration of information technology in Greece’s education system.
• The teaching of Informatics as a course subject in Greece: primaty and secondary education curricula, lesson plans, educational textbooks, in0-service teacher training workshops.
• Computer science didactic issues: traditional didactic approaches and approaches based on modern learning theories, learning difficulties in basic concepts of computer science, examples of lesson plans and activities.
• Computer-aided programming environments such as Jeroo, KarelRobot, Alice.
• Design and development of games with MIT Scratch tool.
• Laboratory experimentation with the development of simulation interactive games.

Recommended Readings

• UNESCO & IFIP (2002): Information and Communication Technology in Secondary Education – A Curriculum for Schools, Edited by Tom van Weert. Paris: UNESCO, 2002.
• Informatics for All Initiative (2018). Informatics Europe and ACM Europe, http://www.informatics-europe.org/component/phocadownload/category/10-reports.html?download=75:informatics_for_all_2018
• Stoffers AM., Diethelm I. (2014) Teacher Profiles for Planning Informatics Lessons. In: Gülbahar Y., Karataş E. (eds) Informatics in Schools. Teaching and Learning Perspectives. ISSEP 2014. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8730. Springer, Cham
• Michal Armoni. 2019. COMPUTING IN SCHOOLS: Why are we teaching this?: strings and beyond. ACM Inroads 10, 1 (February 2019), 30-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3306136

This course focuses on the interconnection between entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• understand the differences between innovation and entrepreneurship and how the two work in conjunction to create dynamic startups.
• learn how to analyze markets when searching for potential segments to target
• select among strategies that could aid in growing customer base through inbound and outbound marketing
• recognize business innovation opportunities
• create a business plan around a minimum viable product

Course Contents

• Methods and tools of enhancing innovativeness and creativity (Mindmapping, SixHats, SCAMPER)
• Why startups are not smaller versions of large companies. Why Do Startups Fail
• How do you find your customer archetype? Types of Customers & Types of Business Models
• Relationship between Value Proposition and Customer Segments
• Customer Acquisition Models and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
• How do you make your money? Revenue Stream and Pricing Revenue Streams
• What is most important for the business? Financial Resources & Financial Planning
• Intellectual Property – Patents & Trademarks
• Presenting your startup–pitching for funds(seed & venture capital, angels, etc)
• Business plan competitions and accelerator programs

Recommended Readings

• Adedeji, B. & Rahman, M. (2018). Innovative Teaching Methods and Entrepreneurship Education: A Review of Literature. Journal of Research in Business, Economics and Management 10 (1), 1807-1813
• Ghulam, N., Liñán, F., Fayolle, A., Krueger, N. y Walmsley, A. (2017). The Impact of Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda. Academy of Management Learning and Education, 16 (2), 277-299.
• Lindberg, O. J., Olofsson, A.D., Fransson, G., Hansson, A. (2017): Developing awareness of digital competence and skills through dialogue: a methodological reflection, The International Academy of Technology, Education and Development, p. 5679-5686.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able:

• to know and understand the key concepts of knowledge management and competence management.
• to analyse, assess and select systems that support the management of organisational knowledge and the management of professional competences.
• to know, understand and apply international and European standards for modelling and describing Individual and Organisational Competences.

Course Contents

• Knowledge Management:
  • Introduction to Knowledge Management
  • The Nature of Knowledge: What is Knowledge, Alternative Views of Knowledge, Different Types of Knowledge, Locations of Knowledge
  • Knowledge Management Methods and Tools: KM Processes, KM Systems, KM Infrastructure
  • Organizational Impacts of Knowledge Management
  • Factors Influencing Knowledge Management
  • Case Studies: Professional Knowledge and Professional Practices Management through Online Professional Communities
• Competence Management:
  • Introduction to Competence Management
  • Definition of Competence. Competence vs Competency
  • Competence Models: Definition and Methods for developing Competence Models
  • Case Studies:
    • Individual Non-Professional Competences: the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 2.1)
    • Individual Professional Competences: the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (ICT-CFT).
    • Organizational Competences: the European Framework for Digitally-Competent Educational Organisations (DigCompOrg)