Ateneo - UPO

Basic knowledge of computer science concepts and terminology: data representation, hardware, software, networks, security, privacy.
Organization and presentation of data by means of spreadsheets and relational data bases.
Computer Science as a scientific discipline.

Dennis Curtin, Kim Foley, Kunal Sen, Cathy Morin, Agostino Marengo, Alessandro Pagano, Informatica di base, 7e. McGraw-Hill Education, 2021
Books for further study:
B.W. Kernighan, Understanding the digital world: what you need to know about computers, the internet, privacy and security. Princeton University Press 2017
M. Coriasco, O. Rampado, N. Balossino, S. Rabellino. L’immagine digitale in diagnostica per immagini: tecniche e applicazioni. Springer-Verlag Italia, 2013

The objective of this unit is to provide the basic terminology and notions about information representation and processing through information technology tools. The basic principles of the structure and functioning of a (simple) computer are analyzed with its hardware and software components; communication through computer networks is also introduced, in order to make students understand the principles and mechanisms through which automatic data processing takes place. The aim is also to acquire the terminology, to understand the interactions between the hardware and software components without neglecting the acquisition of skills that allow them to make correct decisions regarding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools.
Finally, the spreadsheet (MS Excel) and database (MS Access) applications are treated as tools for the management and analysis of data with the aim of acquiring some practical skills for data collection and processing.

The course is basic, hence no specific knowledge is required

Presentations in MS-Powerpoint format.
(made available to students through the e-learning platform), use of tools for involving students (also through the use of mobile phones) and for self-assessment (online quiz with feedback).
Practical lessons and exercises also with the support of the e-learning platform (study in self-learning mode). Some exercises are designed in such a way as to create a link with the other modules of the integrated course.

The course is divided into two parts. The first, theoretical and preponderant as a number of hours, deals with the basic knowledge of information technology. The second, more practical, addresses the databases, with some notions of reality modeling, and excel as a simple tool for data management and analysis. The topics related to spreadsheet and database applications are mainly presented on line through the D.I.R. e-learning platform with exercises about the contents of the lessons and with examples in the health sector. Successful execution of exercises or other activities concerning the practical skills, as proposed by the teacher, entitles students to access the theory exam

The exam consists of a written test of about 20 closed-ended questions with possible addition of one or two open ended questions. The test aims at verifying if the knowledge, skills and abilities expressed in the "Expected learning outcomes" are acquired. For practical skills, students must autonomously complete some assignments available on the DIR platform. Successfully completing the assignments is a prerequisite in order to participate in the written exam.

Introduction and basics
- Overview on the subject
- What is information technology, functions performed by computers, information and data.
- Information encoding
-- bits and bytes, numbers and text encoding
-- Images encoding (raster vs. vectorial, resolution and depth, compression formats)
-- Representing analogic data: example of sound encoding
- Boolean operators and bibliographic search

Calculator and peripherals
- Types of computers.
- Computer architecture, architectural models.
- CPU, memories, buses, secondary memories.
- Interacting with the computer: input and output devices.

Software
- What is software?
- The operating system
- User interfaces
- Applications
- Malware & C.
- Privacy and data security
- Software use licenses

Information & Comunication Tecnology
- Networks
- Internet and network applications
- The World Wide Web and healthcare applications

Databases (with examples on healthcare applications)
- What is a database: definition, characteristics, operations
- Design and analysis: entity- relationship model.
- One-One, One-Many, Many-Many relations
- Keys and primary keys
- Representations in tables
- Relational data model. Tables: fields, primary key.
- SQL
- Data Base Management System

EXCEL
- Basics and working environment
- Interface
- Formats
- Creation and management of tables
- Formulas
- Functions
- Charts
- PIVOT tables
- Examples of statistical analysis with Excel

ACCESS
- Basics and working environment
- Tables
- Reports and Queries
- Masks
- Report

Discussion on the difference between organizing data in a database vs. spreadsheets.

Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course students are able to:
- know and understand the mechanisms of data representation through binary logic
- to evaluate the space required for data storage, including the advantages and disadvantages related to the degree of accuracy of representation
- know the main components of a computer and the principles of network communication
- distinguish between applications and operating system
- know the basic security aspects of information treatment and privacy
- know fundamentals about modelling data describing a given reality and data organization in a spreadsheet or a relational database
- know the basis of use of a spreadsheet (MS excel) and database (MS access)
This knowledge is verified through the written test and practical exercises.

Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are able to:
- Apply the acquired knowledge to compare the main characteristics of simple computers and communication networks
- Apply the acquired knowledge to compare the characteristics of a few applications of general use
- Select and choose the appropriate entities and attributes to represent a given reality
- Apply the acquired knowledge to model reality and represent it through a suitable organization of the relevant data in a spreadsheet or a relational database
- Apply the basic operators of Boolean logic to formulate search queries
- Use digital tools for data storage and management (spreadsheets and relational databases), apply the acquired knowledge to present and analyze simple data sets

Judgement autonomy:
- Be able to compare the characteristics of simple computers and communication networks, and evaluate their suitability with respect to given application requirements.
- Be able to evaluate when a spreadsheet or a database should be used to gather data of a given real problem.
- Be aware of the risks connected with the use of computers and networks, taking also into account the issue of sensitive data.
Communication skills:
- Be able to communicate the methodology used to organize data through suitable models and schemes.
- Be able to represent through schemes, tables and graphs the results of data processing.
Learning capabilities:
At the end of the course students have better capabilities to autonomously learn new digital applications.
At the end of the course, students are able to update their knowledge, in particular through on-line resources.