INFORMATICA E SALUTE DIGITALE

1. Knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course, students will be able to describe the fundamental concepts of computer science, with particular reference to information representation, hardware and software organization of computer systems, databases, and computer networks. Students will know the main components of a computer system, their functions, and the fundamental principles of information organization, storage, and exchange. They will also understand the role of computer-based tools and digital data management in life and pharmaceutical sciences.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to recognize the main hardware and software components of a computer system and understand their functions; distinguish the main types of software; interpret the elementary organization of data through databases; understand the fundamental principles of communication through computer networks; and apply the acquired computer science knowledge to the interpretation of simple scenarios in life and pharmaceutical sciences.

3. Making judgements

Through practical exercises and applied examples, students will be able to analyse simple computer science problems, distinguish the functions of different hardware and software components, compare different approaches to information organization and management, and identify appropriate computer-based tools in simple applied scenarios.

4. Communication skills

Students will be able to clearly describe and explain the main computer science concepts covered during the course, appropriately using subject-specific terminology related to hardware, software, databases, and computer networks.

5. Learning skills

Students will be able to use the basic computer science knowledge acquired during the course to independently further their understanding of computer tools and systems and to approach subsequent courses or activities requiring basic computer science skills in pharmaceutical and health sciences.

The course includes lectures devoted to the fundamental concepts of computer science, complemented by guided exercises, applied examples, and the discussion of simple problems concerning hardware, software, databases, and computer networks.

Lectures primarily contribute to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the course contents, whereas exercises and applied examples are aimed at developing the ability to apply acquired knowledge, analyse simple computer science problems, and appropriately use subject-specific terminology.

Pursuant to the RDA, Article 12 – University Educational Credits (CFU), within the standard workload of 25 total hours of student commitment corresponding to one credit:
(a) seven hours may be devoted to lectures or equivalent instructional activities, with the remaining hours reserved for individual study;
(b) a minimum of twelve and a maximum of fifteen hours may be devoted to classroom exercises or equivalent supervised activities, with the remaining hours reserved for individual study and elaboration.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Attendance is mandatory in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the Degree Programme. Absences are permitted for no more than 30% of the total teaching hours, considering all forms of teaching activity.

Academic Regulations of the Degree Programme in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences: https://www.dsf.unict.it/it/corsi/l-29_sfa/regolamento-didattico

1. Fundamentals of Computer Science

Fundamental concepts of information theory. Hardware and software. Information technology. Types of computers and main components of a computer system. Computer performance.

2. Hardware

Central processing unit. Memory. Input, output, and input/output devices. Storage devices and information storage.

3. Software

Types of software. System software and application software. Graphical User Interfaces. General principles of computer system development.

4. Databases

Fundamental concepts of databases. Data organization and representation. Introduction to relational databases: tables, records, fields, and relationships. General principles of data querying and management.

5. Computer Networks

Introduction to computer networks. Fundamental principles of communication and information exchange through networks.

6. Applications

Examples of computer science applications in life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and Drug Discovery.

Learning assessment is carried out through a written examination, aimed at assessing the achievement of the intended learning outcomes related to the main computer science topics covered during the course.

The examination includes questions concerning the fundamentals of computer science, hardware and software, databases, computer networks, and their applications. The examination is aimed at assessing knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts, the ability to distinguish and connect the different elements of a computer system, and the ability to apply acquired knowledge to the interpretation of simple problems and applied scenarios.

The written examination may include multiple-choice questions and/or short-answer questions.

At the student's request, an optional oral examination may be taken in order to improve the grade obtained in the written examination. The oral examination will cover the course topics and will allow further assessment of the student's knowledge and understanding, ability to connect different topics, and appropriate use of computer science terminology.

Assessment will consider the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the ability to apply and connect the acquired concepts, the ability to analyse simple computer science problems, and the appropriate use of subject-specific terminology.

Grading criteria

Fail: insufficient or fragmentary knowledge of the fundamental contents and significant difficulty in applying and connecting concepts.

18–21: essential knowledge of the main contents; sufficient, although limited, ability to recognize and apply fundamental concepts.

22–25: satisfactory knowledge of the contents; adequate ability to apply and connect the main computer science concepts and interpret simple problems.

26–28: good knowledge and understanding of the contents; good ability to apply and integrate the acquired concepts and correctly analyse the proposed problems.

29–30 with honours: comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the contents; excellent ability to apply, integrate, and critically analyse computer science concepts, demonstrating independence and command of subject-specific terminology.

Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact Prof. Santina Chiechio (santina.chiechio@unict.it), the CInAP referring teacher for the Department of Drug and Health Sciences.