I. CORE COURSES: 15 credits
All students, regardless of their area of emphasis, are required to fulfill requirements in the following categories:
Introduction to Biomedical Informatics (BINF5100) 3 Credits
Students are introduced to both mainframe and microcomputer interactive computing environments. The course provides an overview of computer applications in areas such as medical records, clinical laboratory, pharmacy, education, medical database management, patient care and hospital information systems. Students will be introduced to a series of software packages (spreadsheet and database management systems, telecommunication packages, literature retrieval packages, Decentralized Hospital Computer Program, Computer Stored Ambulatory Record System). Discussion on programming environment in relation to existing databases will be further discussed. Students complete small hands-on projects.
Health Care Information Systems (BINF5005) 3 Credits
The course focuses on the general systems theory applied to health care systems and information technology. Computer-based information system operation and management functions in the context of various professional settings, impact of information technology on health care management are reviewed and discussed. Demonstrations of current health information systems, emphasizing design, system components, data structures and database management are conducted. The costs and potential benefits of current applications; the justification, specification and evaluation of computer systems, and the capacity for future modification and development. Students practice on existing systems in various health care settings.
Research Methods in Health Sciences (BINF5210) 3 Credits
Current uses of computer as a tool for scientific enquiry are stressed. Techniques for searching the computer-based databases containing research literature. Ways of formulating problems and hypotheses for statistical analysis of educational, health services, laboratory and clinical data. Use of computers in management and analysis of health science data. Laboratory instruction in use and application of software packages for micro and mainframe computers. Issues in the design, organization and operation of randomized controlled clinical trials and intervention studies, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
Biomedical Modeling & Decision Making Systems (BINF5020) 3 Credits
This course introduces the use of differential equations and relevant mathematical concepts to describe health care and physiological systems. The course focuses on the methods and resources of computer simulation and modeling which are suitable for analyzing medical and health care problems under a broad categories of conditions for constructing solutions to optimize decisions concerned with important variables both in health care organizations (such as efficacy of information transfer, productivity & resource utilization), and in physiological systems (in such areas as drug dosage, pulmonary transport, cardiac output, kidney function, etc.).
Visualization in Biomedical Sciences (BINF5030) 3 Credits
The course introduces the students to the fundamentals of biomedical signals processing and image processing. Techniques including image digitization, display, and processing algorithms will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be given to areas related to computer systems, processing methodologies, and display of images. The course will provide hands-on experiences in visualization procedures using tools and technologies for 3-D representation of images, animation and image manipulation.
II. AREAS OF EMPHASIS:
The program is designed to allow its graduates to pursue the study of informatics in their area of primary interest. The student will select one of the following areas for specialization:
Clinical Problem Solving & Decision Making (BINF5125) 3 Credits
An overview of computer methodology in clinical decision making. Application of decision trees to clinical and health care problems, estimation and revision of probabilities. Artificial intelligence, expert systems and decision making techniques for their implementation as decision support systems in clinical and HIS settings. Examination of quantitative and symbolic approaches to medical decision making including application of statistical methods (discriminant and Bayesian statistics), decision analysis and utility theory.
Health Care Decision Support Systems (BINF5130) 3 Credits
An overview of methods of decision support in health sciences. Discussion on the need for such methods motivated by psychological literature on human perceptual and judgmental limitations. Examples of methods for aiding decisions and enhance diagnostic accuracy include: AI, Bayesian methods, classical multivariate analysis, dynamic screening (Markov) models. Theoretical and empirical limitations of these decision methods. Students will practice with database management software and expert system tools to design decision support prototype systems for clinical, health care finance and patient management systems.
Health Information Systems Design: Seminar (BINF5403) 3 Credits
The seminar series will complement what the students have learned from other courses in Biomedical Informatics. The main purpose of these seminars is to involve students in serious discussion and interchange of views on: theoretical and practical aspects of designing clinical decision support systems, design policies and information requirements of health care systems, emerging information technologies, and methods of knowledge representation that impact upon the use and operation of these systems. First four seminars will be presented by selected faculty members. Then, each student will present a seminar on assigned/chosen topic. Students will obtain consultation and advice from an assigned faculty member during the various stages of development of their assignment.
Intelligent Instructional Systems (BINF5311) 3 Credits
The course is designed to integrate scientific knowledge about learning in the health sciences with current developments and trends instructional technology. The course examines the processes of perception, learning, motivation, problem-solving and decision making in relation to the design and development of intelligent tutorials, health professions training and educational modules. The students will work with knowledge engineering, expert system and authoring tools to develop tutorials, and educational/training modules.
Interactive Learning Systems for the Health Sciences (BINF5312) 3 Credits
Introduction to the utilization of interactive videodisc technology and CD-ROM technology for producing health sciences instructional software. Hands-on experience with existing interactive learning authoring software/programs. Utilizing any of the already existing videodiscs on biomedical subjects, students will design, edit and evaluate an interactive videodisc learning module.
Health Sciences Teaching Systems Design: Seminar (BINF5413) 3 Credits
The seminar series will complement what the students have learned from other courses in Biomedical Informatics. The main purpose of these seminars is to involve students in serious discussion and interchange of views on theoretical and practical aspects of computer-based instructional systems design and examination of current issues and practices related to the design various computer-based instructional systems. Examples of technologies covered include: microcomputer courseware, CD/ROM, CD-I, DVI, instructional television, interactive microcomputer and video disc systems, intelligent tutoring and expert systems, and instructional games and simulations. First four seminars will be presented by selected faculty members. Then, each student will present a seminar on assigned/chosen topic. Students will obtain consultation and advice from an assigned faculty member during the various stages of development of their assignment.
III. ELECTIVES: 9 credits
Students will select three elective courses. These courses may be selected to complement student's area of interest.
IV. DIRECTED RESEARCH/ PROJECT: (BINF6000) 3 credits
TOTAL: 36 CREDITS