Ateneo - UPO

Basic knowledge of computer science: data representation, hardware, software, networks, security

Curtin, Foley, Sen, Morin, Informatica di base, 7 ed. McGraw-Hill Education
Various material promptly cited in the presentation relating to research in the biomedical field.
Teacher's web pages with in-depth material.

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 operation of a personal computer, including its hardware and software components, are analyzed, complemented by the topic of communication through computer networks. This helps students understand the principles and mechanisms behind computer-based data processing. The issues, tools, and requirements of automatic data and information management within healthcare information systems are explored.
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 tools and technologies.

The course is basic so no specific knowledge is required

Lectures with the aid of presentation slides.
Some topics are covered in flipped classroom mode (via the DIR platform) with in-depth analysis, clarification, and discussion in the classroom with the teacher.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

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.

Introduction and basic elements - Overview on the subject - What is information technology, functions performed by computers, information and data.
Data representation: analog and digital, bits and bytes - Information encoding - Images - Vector encoding - Bitmap encoding: resolution and depth - Image compression: JPEG, GIFF, PNG, TIFF formats. - Sound - 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 - Software use licenses
Malware & C.
Privacy and data security
Information technology and communication - Information & Comunication Tecnology - The networks - Internet and e-mail
General information on Artificial Intelligence and applications in healthcare

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