Fundamentals of Computer Engineering

Is a first-year subject in the Double Degree in Mathematical Engineering and Computer Engineering at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. This course provides knowledge foundations to understand how computer systems function from multiple perspectives: social, technical, and ethical. Unlike purely technical courses, this subject balances theory with immediately applicable practical skills, preparing students to a real work situation by making a final project "Practical Work II" using tools like Git, HTML and CSS.
This Subject is divided in two parts:

Part I - Theorical Foundations

Block 1: Computer Engineering in Society

Historical context and future perspectives of computer engineering

Basic definitions and core concepts

Evolution and future of Information and Communication Technologies

Competencies and knowledge required for computer engineers

Professional ethics and deontological codes

Block 2: Current Paradigms and Trends in Systems and Applications

Software development beyond programming

Structure of computer systems (hardware, software, OS, networks)

New paradigms and emerging trends

Block 3: Information and Data

Digital representation of information

Numerical systems and data representation

Big Data fundamentals

Legal and ethical framework for data

Part II - Practical Skills

Block 1: Introduction to Software Development

Introduction to web development

Software repositories: Git and GitHub

Block 2: Creating Web Pages with HTML5

HTML5 basic concepts

HTTP tags

Organization and presentation of information

Block 3: Design and Layout with CSS3

CSS3 basic concepts

Selectors

Box model and element positioning

Practical work II: Aplied our knowledge in HTML and CSS

What did i get from this subject?

This subject has provided me of knowledge of how computer systems interact with digital creativity. The concepts of HTML5 and CSS3 are relevant for designing user interfaces in content generation tools. The block on professional ethics and deontological codes is especially valuable for my interest in generative AI, as it allows me to critically address questions such as: Who is responsible for AI-generated content? How can we design systems that respect intellectual property while fostering innovation? These are crucial questions for the future of AI-powered video games. Repository management with Git and GitHub is a practical skill I apply daily in my personal programming projects and will apply it on all my career. This subject has not only given me technical knowledge but also a broader perspective on the role of computer engineering in today's society.