Propedeutic Studies

Module INFORMATICA

The student will acquire the basic computer skills necessary for a correct use and aware of modern computer technologies. to the use of operating systems,  elements of networking andnetwork security , applications for video spreadsheets

Learning outcomes based on the Dublin descriptors

Knowledge and Understanding: The student must understand the theoretical concepts of Information Technology (IT) and data security: Knowledge of hardware architecture and the performance of information systems, including the basic PC design (CPU, RAM, ROM, mass storage devices, input/output devices) (Topic 2). Distinguish between analog and digital systems, including numbering systems (base 2 and base 16) and the representation of characters and images (ASCII code) (Topic 1). 

Knowledge of system and application software, including the functions of the Operating System (GUI) and the software development phases (Topic 2). Understand the elements of networking, including protocols (TCP/IP), network types (LAN, WAN,ISDN), and the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (Topics 4, 5). Understand software for data processing, studying the structure and functionality of spreadsheets in the healthcare sector (Topic 6). Understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity and privacy, nderstanding virus mechanisms, IT defenses (backup, antivirus), software copyright (licenses, freeware), and Italian legislation on sensitive data (Topics 3, 4).

Applying knowledge and understanding: The student must be able to use digital tools and applications to manage healthcare workflows: Applying IT skills to manage electronic medical records, healthcare atabases, and smart cards (Topics 3, 4). Using Excel as a database, managing fields and records, sorting data, filters, and passing formulas between different spreadsheets (Topic 6). Mastering Excel's mathematical and logical functions (Sum, Average, Max, Min, Percentage, =IF, =COUNTIF) using relative and absolute references anchors) correctly to support clinical decisions and patient monitoring (Topic 6). Graphically representing analytical data by creating and modifying histograms and aerographs (Topic 6). Comply with workplace safety and ergonomic procedures, applying guidelines to avoid problems arising from an unsuitable digital work environment (Topic 3).

Making judgments: Students must be able to evaluate the efficiency and security of technological systems in use: Evaluate the appropriateness of using specific technologies and Artificial Intelligence in clinical and diagnostic settings (Topic 5). Identify technological needs and critically analyze the efficiency and security of healthcare information systems (Topic 6). Develop ethical and legal awareness in the management of patient personal data and network security, preventing unauthorized access or privacy violations (Topics 3, 4).

Communication skills: Students must be able to exchange clinical and technical information through appropriate digital channels: Use the specific technical and disciplinary vocabulary of medical informatics (e.g., define and communicate concepts such as bit, baud, GUI, IP, record, macro). Use IT tools and networks for interprofessional communication and secure data transmission within healthcare facilities (Topic 4). Present scientific and statistical content clearly and effectively through formatted tables and Excel graphs (Topic 6).

Learning skills: Students must develop an aptitude for continuous technological development: the ability to independently update themselves by consulting lecture notes, slides, and online resources in a constantly evolving field such as healthcare IT. They must quickly adapt to the use of new application software, macros, spreadsheet protection systems, and modern hardware architectures used in biomedical laboratories (Topics 2, 6). They must integrate digital skills with the quantitative and statistical calculations required in subsequent laboratory and research modules of the curriculum.

frontal lessons

Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics

Mandatory

Basic informatics - Definition of information - Definition of code - Information processing - Analog and digital systems - Numeric system in base 2 and base 16 - Representation of characters and images - ASCII code - Information Technology (IT ) - Types of computer processing capacity, speed, cost, and typical uses - Basic diagram of a personal computer - Central processing unit, input devices, output devices - Mass memory - Memory RAM and ROM - Memory capacity - Performance of computers - The meaning of the terms: system software and application software - The main functions of the Operating System - Graphical User Interface (GUI ) - Phases of software development: analysis, programming, implementation, testing - Local Area Network (LAN ) and Wide Area Network (WAN) - Public data network (switched Public Switched Data  Network (PSDN), integrated services digital network (Integrated Service Digital Network  , ISDN), satellite communications -  Fax, telex, fax, modem, digital, analog; baud (measured in bps, bits per second) - Typical applications in the field of health, the "smart cards", etc… - What is the Information Society and its various implications? - Protocols more used: TCP/IP. Ergonomics: the problems arising from a work environment that isn’t correct - The need to make backup copies of data on removable memory- What is a computer virus? As the viruses come in a processing system- The main measures of defense against viruses - The concept of copyright law in the case of the software and the legal implications to copy - The meaning of the terms: shareware, freeware, and license to use -  The privacy issues associated with the use of personal computers and the measures to be taken - The privacy legislation in Italy. The implications in the use of personal data. Hints of network security and artificial intelligence

Excel

Definition of cell , sheet and file; the anchorages; use of special keys; the handle; References absolute and relative; formatting of the spreadsheet (date, currency, number, general, ec. ); Edit a worksheet ( copy only the format of a cell); Area of input and output; the bar of the formulas; Formulas (Sum, Average, Max, Min, Percentage etc. ); the graphs (histograms, pie, etc. ); Change of a graph and use Excel as Data Base; definition of Field and Record; sorting data; Function " =IF"; function " =Conta.Se "; filters; the passage of formulas and data from other spreadsheets; the passage of formulas and data from other File Macro, security statistics Formulas  

Notes prepared by the teacher

Written test with multiple choice and open questions

Convert the decimal number 465 to binary number

What do we mean by ICT?

What is the function of the operating system?

Rank and give an example of the main categories of software

 If cell B10 contains the formula =IF(SUM(B1:B5)>200;"YES";"NO"), do you mean that?

 Explain in a simple way what is meant by public key?