Course Details

Informatics lab

MS2086

Course
Informatics lab
Code
MS2086
Academic Year
2023/2024
Curriculum Year
2023/2024
Degree Programme
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Curriculum
A001 - GENERICO
Course coordinator
-
Lecturers
Credits
3
Lecture Hours
24
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
INF/01 - Computer Science
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
1
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
ALESSANDRIA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
Basic knowledge of computer science: data representation, hardware, software, networks, security, privacy, health information systems
Basic knowledge of: Microsoft Windows 10/11 operating system. Office 365 modules: word, excel, data collection and processing tools, power point.
Hints of content research on the internet and bibliographic research
Reference Texts
Curtin, Foley, Sen, Morin, Informatica di base, 7ed.
Lecture notes from the "Matematicamente" site and from the CNR on the use of Microsoft Office
Learning Outcomes
The module aims to transmit the basics of the representation of information and its processing through IT tools. The basic principles of the structure and functioning of a personal computer are analyzed with its hardware and software components, completed by the theme of communication through computer networks, in order to make students understand the principles and mechanisms through which automatic data processing take place. The problems, tools and needs of the automatic management of data and information within health information systems are framed.
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 ICT tools.
The module aims to provide the skills necessary for a basic use of the computer and office automation tools.
Prerequisites
The course is basic, hence no specific knowledge is required
Teaching Methods
Presentations in MS-Powerpoint format.
Practical lesson and exercises supported by on-line documentation available through the e-learning platform
Additional Information
Laboratory lessons for practical activities will be provided in the computer lab and students will be assisted by the teacher for the resolution of problems that may arise during the exercises.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of a written test with multiple choice questions in proportion to the number of hours done.
The test aimed at verifying if the knowledge, skills and abilities expressed in the "Expected learning outcomes" are acquired.
Detailed Syllabus
Introduction and basic elements
- Overview on the subject
- What is information technology, functions performed by computers, information and data.
- Iinformation encoding
- Images
- Vector encoding
- Bitmap encoding: resolution and depth
- Image compression: JPEG, GIFF, PNG, TIFF formats.
- Sound
- Data representation: analog and digital, bits and bytes
- Boolean operators and bibliographic research

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

Software
- what is software?
- The operating system
- User interfaces
- Applications
- Overview of health applications
- Programming notes
- Malware & C.
- Privacy and data security
- Software use licenses

Information technology and communication
- Information & Comunication Tecnology
- The networks
- Internet and e-mail
The operating system
- Windows interface elements
- Control panel in general and meaningful settings
- Operational aspects relating to security and backup
- The keyboard
Word
- Interface and work environment
- Documents: creation and management
- Summary
Excel
- Interface and work environment
- Tables: creation and management
- Relative and absolute references
- Formulas
- Charts
- Pivot
- Exercises
Power Point
- Interface and work environment
- Presentations: Creation and management
- Effects and animations
Elements to create an effective presentation
Expected Learning Outcomes
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 size the space necessary for data storage, including the advantages and disadvantages related to the greater / lesser 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

This knowledge is verified through the written test

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are able to:
- Apply the acquired knowledge to choose the best interface between peripheral and computer
- classify and choose the attributes and entities necessary for the representation of a specific reality
- apply the basic operators of Boolean logic to formulate research

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are able to:
- carry out scientific research using internet
- avoid the most common errors related to the drafting and discussion of a thesis
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are able to apply the knowledge acquired to:
- use office automation tools for writing a thesis: writing a complex document (MS Word), spreadsheet (MS excel) and presentation (MS Power Point)
- perform simple data analysis and manage the graphical representation
- carry out research on the internet in the biomedical field on sector databases

Transversal skills
At the end of the course, students are able to:
- Distinguish between research results from scientific, reliable and generalist sources
- Prepare an effective summary document or presentation
Knowledge and skills are verified through the drafting of a paper that will be discussed, in the technical aspects, during the oral exam

Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31