Background of Summer School / Introduction
The Summer School provides practical skills in data collection using IoT devices (sensor boxes based on microcontrollers and single-board computers) and in data analysis using Python. The programme integrates sensors, hardware/software design, networking, QA/QC and applications in agriculture, forestry and agri-food. Introductory online modules and hands-on activities are included, with sensor construction, field installations and data analysis.
Hosting University
University of Tuscia (UniTus)
Venue
Rome, Italy, Camplus San Pietro, Via del Cottolengo, 30, 00165 Roma RM
Date
May 24 - May 29
Participants
15
Previous Knowledge
Not specified.
Course Content
Programming in MicroPython and Python for data analysis.
Designing and building sensor boxes.
Installing and calibrating sensors for agro-forestry and agri-food applications.
Analysing collected data with a scientific approach.
Integrating digitalisation skills into academic pathways..
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)
No specific prerequisites. Basic computer skills are sufficient; Python/IoT experience is a plus but not required.
Course Schedule
Sunday 24 May
17:00–18:00 Welcome drink
Monday 25 May
09:00–13:00 Class session
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–17:00 Class session
Tuesday 26 May
09:00–13:00 Field trip / field work
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–17:00 Field trip / field work
Wednesday 27 May
09:00–13:00 Class session
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–17:00 Free time and individual/group work
Thursday 28 May
09:00–13:00 Class session
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–17:00 Free time and individual/group work
Friday 29 May
09:00–13:00 Final presentation and farewell
13:00–14:00 Lunch.
Course Language
English
Course Format / Teaching Methods
On-site, blended lectures + hands-on labs + coding workshops + field exercise, ending with a project and final presentation.
Before the summer school, participants are required complete a self-study online module related to Python Programming. The module will be available starting in mid-March. The module is async and completely online and focuses the basics of Python programming, including:
- Variables, data types, and operators
- Complex data structures (lists, sets, tuples, dictionaries)
- Boolean algebra
- Control structures (if/else conditions, for & while loops)
- Functions, modules, recursion
The online module ends with a short test that can be retaken if you fail. If you already have Python knowledge, you might just take the test. The module’s responsible person is Prof. Christian Krupitzer (University of Hohenheim).
Credits
ECTS Credits and Workload Overview
| Number of Credits [ECTS] | 5 |
|---|---|
| TOTAL Workload [hours] | 40 estimated |
| Student's own work [hours] | 16 estimated |
| Contact classes [hours] | 24 estimated |
| Exam [hours] | 1 |
Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria
Type: Oral presentation of the project developed during the Summer School (individual or group). Criteria: clarity, methodological correctness, quality of results/interpretation, and ability to answer questions.
Cultural Activities / Social Program
Welcome aperitif and networking moments throughout the week (coffee breaks and shared lunches), local mobility in Rome supported by a weekly public transport pass.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fee: €400 per participant. Reduced fee: €280 for UNITUS or ELLS students (5 reserved places). The fee includes: full participation in all Summer School activities; teaching materials; accommodation in shared rooms at Camplus Roma San Pietro (Rome); a weekly public transport pass in Rome (metro/bus); transfers for technical visits; welcome aperitif; 4 lunches at the course venue; a packed lunch for the field exercise at Villa Caviciana; and daily coffee breaks.
Additional Costs
Travel to/from Rome is not included and must be covered by participants. The fee covers accommodation at Camplus Roma San Pietro, local transport (weekly pass), technical visit transfers, lunches/packed lunch, and coffee breaks. Participants may also cover personal expenses (e.g., dinners and incidental costs).
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the tuition fee and provided in shared rooms at Camplus Roma San Pietro (Rome) for the duration of the Summer School (24–29 May 2026).
Financing - Specific for the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP)
The summer school is structured as a comprehensive Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP; blended meaning consisting of an online and on-site part). Prospective participants from ELLS universities outside of Italy, are encouraged to obtain prior to applying 1. an approved Erasmus learning agreement and 2. an approved Erasmus grant agreement for the Blended Intensive Programme for the summer school. Admission priority will be given to participants who have obtained such agreements. You can inquire with your Erasmus coordinator or the ELLS International Relations Officer(s) of your university about the possibility of obtaining such a grant. Also ‘zero grants’, without available money count for approval priority. You can find the list of contact persons for each ELLS university here:
euroleague-study.org/en/r-20337-alliance/r-20346-support-teams/r-20469-international-relations-officers-iro/international-relations-officers-iro.html#Contact Info.
Prospective participants of non-ELLS universities are directed towards their staff dealing with Erasmus programmes or student exchange.
Health Insurance
Participants are responsible for their own health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the Summer School. EU/EEA participants should bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); non-EU participants must have adequate private health insurance valid in Italy.
Visa
Participants are responsible for checking whether they need a visa to enter Italy and for completing the application process in time. If required, the organising committee can provide an official invitation/acceptance letter upon request after selection/registration.
Application Deadline
31 March 2026
Link to online Application form
https://forms.office.com/e/sZXQuxiTYy - registration is considered formalised only upon payment
Contact persons for scientific questions
Pierluigi Rossi pierluigi.rossi@unitus.it
Contact person for administrative questions
Leonardo Bianchini l.bianchini@unitus.it