INFORMATICA E MATEMATICA A - L

At the end of the course, the student will gain familiarity with the fundamental concepts of mathematics, the basic principles of descriptive statistics, and computer science. They will possess a comprehensive knowledge of programming systems and the reasoning process. They will also understand the fundamental concepts of computer networks and will be able to identify the main concepts associated with them. Finally, they will have a global vision of the mathematical, statistical, and computer applications to biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.

Through lessons and practical sessions at the end of each learning unit (when planned).

If the lessons are given in a mixed or remote way, the necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated may be introduced, in order to meet the program envisaged and reported in the syllabus.

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, the following shall apply:

(a) seven (7) hours shall be devoted to lectures or equivalent instructional activities, with the remaining hours reserved for individual study;

(b) a minimum of twelve (12) and a maximum of fifteen (15) hours shall be devoted to classroom exercises or equivalent supervised activities (laboratories), with the remaining hours reserved for personal study and elaboration.

Mathematics

First-degree equations and inequalities, second-degree equations, common (base-10) and natural (Napierian) logarithms and related operations, direct and inverse proportionality, proportions and percentages, use of the scientific calculator. Elementary functions: power functions and n-th roots, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions: definitions, properties, graphs, applications. The use of exponentials and logarithms in life sciences: models for the evolution of a population, such as that of the bacteria in a culture or the cells in a tissue of an organism. Functions of a real variable: notes on the domain of definition, increase, decrease, maximum and minimum (absolute), composition of elementary functions and their graph. Limits: definitions, properties, calculation rules, order of infinity and infinitesimal, graphical aspects, oblique asymptotes. Derivatives. Integrals: definition, properties, area calculation, approximation using the trapezoid method. Using AI tools for mathematics.

Statistics

Notes and principles of descriptive statistics. Biostatistics. Frequency measures. Risk measures. Distributions (Normal, Gaussian). 

Computer Science

Fundamental concepts of Information Theory; General concepts: Hardware, Software; Information Technology; Types of computers; Main components of a PC; Computer performance. Hardware: Central Processing Unit; Memory; Input peripherals; Output peripherals; Input/output peripherals; Memory devices. Software: Types of software; System software; Application software; Graphical User Interface; System development.  Introduction to computer networks.

Applications

Examples of mathematical/statistical/computer applications in the field of Life Sciences and Drug Discovery.

Teacher's notes will be available through studium website or made available during the lessons

Assessment is carried out through a written and an oral examination.

The examination dates are published on the website of the Department of Drug and Health Sciences:
https://www.dsf.unict.it/it/corsi/lm-13_ctf/orario-delle-lezioni

Learning assessment may also be conducted online should circumstances require it.

In order to guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or exemption measures, based on the educational objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the Department’s CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) representative, Prof. Santina Chiechio.