Big Data in Healthcare

Big Data in Healthcare

6B06801

The “Big Data in Healthcare” educational program provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in processing and managing big data in the healthcare field. The program incorporates courses that combine electronics, basic medical training, and multidisciplinary sciences.
The educational program is interdisciplinary, bringing together the areas of healthcare, basic medical training and information and communication technologies. This program provides students with the opportunity to develop data processing and analytics skills using Big Data tools to solve medical management and service problems.
The educational program is collaborative. Disciplines will be held on the basis of two universities: Astana IT University and Astana Medical University.

Profile subjects: informatics + mathematics

Contacts

Admission Committee

(7172) 64-57-10
info@astanait.edu.kz

Mon-Fri 9:00 – 18:00

Objective of educational program

The purpose of the educational program is to prepare qualified specialists in working with big data in the field of healthcare with a wide range of competencies in the fields of data analytics, software development, electronics and healthcare management.

The area of professional activity

  • Health care organizations
  • Medical organizations
  • IT companies
  • Research institutes

6B06 - Information and Communication Technologies

Education code and classification

057 - Information Technology

Education Programs Group

061 - Information and Communication Technologies

Code and classification of training directions

List of a specialist’s positions

  • Data Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Big Data Analyst
  • Big Data Engineer
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Healthcare System Administrator
  • Software Developer
  • Electronic Device Developer
  • Technician, head of the organization
  • Deputy head of the structural unit
  • Head of the structural unit
  • Expert of the republican center
  • Employee of the national scientific and practical center, university

Awarded degree

Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technology in the educational program «6B06801-Big Data in Healthcare».

Information about the Educational program

Learning outcomes

Organize, manage, analyze data in public healthcare.

Ensure the efficient resource use, accessibility and patient orientedness in the production of specialized medical services based on big data analytics.

Apply mathematical and statistical methods to analyze data and make decisions in the field of healthcare.

Evaluate the effectiveness of Big Data usage in healthcare and develop recommendations for process improvement.

Apply data visualization tools and methods to effectively present the results of Big Data analysis in healthcare.

Design and maintain electronic devices and program microcontrollers to solve control and data processing problems.

Design and develop databases for storing and managing medical information.

Develop software using knowledge in computer networks and the web, taking into account the requirements for information security and confidentiality.

Discuss big data analytics in healthcare with medical experts and other project participants and present the results of the analysis in an understandable form.

Use knowledge in the field of computer science and technology, apply technical tools, work with a large amount of information, optimize data processing processes to improve work in healthcare.

Manage Big Data processing and analysis projects in healthcare and coordinate team work.

Competence model of a graduate

Social block

Creative, responsible, sociable, team player, emotional intelligence, decent, competitive.

Fundamental block

• Applies mathematical and informational methods for describing processes and phenomena in healthcare, understands the relationship between the process model and the program code;
• Knows statistical methods, their area of practical application, and the statistical foundations of artificial intelligence and machine learning;
• Understands the physical foundations of computers and telecommunications;
• Understands the biological processes of human life that underlie health care.

Instrumental block

• Develops, tests and debugs computer programs and algorithms;
• Uses technical means of big data analytics and machine learning, including artificial intelligence methods;
• Uses methods and tools for health diagnostics and visual presentation of medical data;
• Develops web and mobile applications, information systems with databases, third-party and native services with a focus on medical tasks;
• Conducts genetic research using data analytics tools.

Industrial block

• Has an entrepreneurial mindset, is able to identify and solve problems, and is able to create new opportunities;
• Demonstrates innovative thinking, solves technological and social problems using digital technologies;
• Able to systematically implement business processes and develop non-standard solutions for support.

Course Curriculum

Cycle of general education disciplines

Compulsory component / University’s component

Physical Education

The course is devoted to the formation of the physical culture of the individual and the ability of the directed use of various means of physical culture to maintain and strengthen health.

History of Kazakhstan

The course examines the modern history of Kazakhstan, as part of the history of mankind, the history of Eurasia and Central Asia. The modern history of Kazakhstan is a period in which a holistic study of historical events, phenomena, facts, processes, the identification of historical patterns that took place on the territory of the Great Steppe in the twentieth century and to this day is carried out.

Foreign Language 1

The course develops student academic English skills, including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking and analysis, and listening and speaking skills. Students will learn how to use academic English effectively to express complex ideas, and deliver academic presentations focusing on various aspects of public speaking. The course helps students better understand academic English conventions and use them competently in their disciplines and specific areas of expertise.

Information and Communication Technologies

In the course, information and communication technologies are considered as modern methods and means of communication of people in ordinary and professional activities using information technologies for the search, collection, storage, processing and dissemination of information.

Cultural Studies

The course is also designed for the formation of bachelors” ideas about the factors that complicate teaching at the present stage of development of society, about the difficulties specific to this activity. The course will help to become the basis for the study of the whole complex of social and human sciences, as well as an addition to general courses in history and philosophy. The course includes topics such as morphology, semiotics, anatomy of culture; the culture of nomads of Kazakhstan, the cultural heritage of the proto-Türks, the medieval culture of Central Asia, the formation of the Kazakh culture, the Kazakh culture in the context of globalization, the cultural policy of Kazakhstan, etc.

Foreign Language 2

The course further enhances student academic English skills by emphasising active and participatory learning. This is achieved through a series of writing assignments that are designed to develop student ability to produce well-structured, well-supported, and persuasive texts using advanced English conventions, grammar and vocabulary. The course provides students with the necessary tools to write competently across various disciplines, ensuring their success in their academic pursuits.

Sociology

The course includes knowledge of sociological subject areas, research methods and directions. The course will discuss in detail the basic sociological theories and the most effective ways of gaining deep knowledge about various aspects of our modern society. The special significance of this course for students is to develop a sociological imagination, to understand the basic concepts of sociology as a science.

Kazakh (Russian) Language 1

The course occupies a special place in the system of bachelor training with engineering education. For engineering students, the study of professional Kazakh/Russian is not only an enhancement of the skills and abilities acquired at school, but also a means of mastering the future profession with a focus on writing and reasoned oral speech allowing for effective communication.

Kazakh (Russian) Language 2

The course occupies a special place in the system of bachelor training with engineering education. For engineering students, the study of professional Kazakh/Russian is not only an enhancement of the skills and abilities acquired at school, but also a means of mastering the future profession with a focus on writing and reasoned oral speech allowing for effective communication.

Political Science

The course is dedicated to general political knowledge for specialties in the field of ICT. It includes political self-awareness, improvement of one’s political outlook and communicative competencies. Teaching political knowledge is communicative, interactive, student-oriented, result-oriented, and largely depends on the independent work of students.

Philosophy

The object of study of the discipline is philosophy as a special form of spiritual studies in its cultural and historical development and modern sound. The main directions and problems of world and national philosophy are studied. Philosophy is a special form of cognition of the world, creating a system of cognition of the general principles and foundations of human life, about the essential characteristics of a person’s relationship to nature, society and spiritual life, in all its main direction.

Cycle of fundamental disciplines

University’s component

Calculus 1

The academic discipline includes knowledge of analyzing functions represented in a variety of ways, and understanding the relationships between these various representations; understanding the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation, and using derivatives to solve a variety of problems. The course is aimed at forming students’ mathematical foundation for solving applied problems in their specialty.

Introduction to Programming (C++)

The course is designed to study programming, debugging and implementation of tasks.
The principles of network technologies operation, access to local and remote network resources, programs using the C ++ language are analyzed.

Fundamentals to electricity

This is an introductory course for students of educational programs studying electrical engineering and related disciplines. The course provides students with a basic understanding of the principles of electrical engineering, including the fundamentals of electrical circuits, electrical circuit analysis using nodal potential and loop current methods, the fundamentals of AC and phasors and their use for AC circuit analysis, and an introduction to electromagnetism. This course is an important foundation for more advanced electrical and electronics courses.

Calculus 2

The academic discipline acquaints students with important branches of calculus and its applications in computer science. During the educational process, students should become familiar with and be able to apply mathematical methods and tools (ordinary differential equations, series, double and triple integrals) to solve various applied problems. The discipline forms the ability to apply mathematical methods and tools (differential equations, series, double and triple integrals) to solve complex applied problems in their specialty.

Linear Algebra

The course aims to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of linear algebra and matrix theory. The subject of the discipline is the basic properties of matrices, including determinants, inverse matrices, matrix factorizations, eigenvalues, linear transformations, etc.

Analog electronics

The course provides a deep understanding of the principles and applications of analog electronics, including the fundamentals of analog signals, active and passive circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes, and their role in the creation and operation of electronic circuits. The course also covers the analysis and design of various types of analog amplifiers and oscillators, as well as the application of the Fourier transform for signal analysis and processing. In general, this course prepares students for the design and analysis of complex analog electronic systems, and serves as a foundation for more advanced courses in electrical engineering and automation.

Algorithms and Data Structures

The course examines basic, classical algorithms and data structures used in programming. The principles of construction and description of algorithms, the concepts of complexity and performance of algorithms, their main classes are considered.

Discrete mathematics

The course aims to develop an understanding of the foundations of mathematics, combinatorics and graph theory. The subject of the discipline is basic mathematical principles such as proof, understanding of discrete objects; solving counting problems using various enumeration methods.

Database management systems

The course includes and involves the study by students of the most popular relational and non-relational database management systems, as well as a set of general or special-purpose software and linguistic tools that manage the creation and use of databases.

Digital electronics

This course provides in details the principles and applications of digital electronics, including the fundamentals of Boolean algebra, the design and analysis of combinational and sequential logic circuits, and the operation and application of key digital elements such as decoders, multiplexers, counters, and registers. In addition, students are introduced to various memory circuits and the basics of programmable logic devices. The course also covers modern methods and technologies for designing digital systems, preparing students for work in the field of electronics and microprocessor technology.

Object-Oriented Programming

The course introduces students to the concept of software development based on objects and their interaction. In this discipline, students will create classes and objects, define their properties and methods, and use inheritance and polymorphism to create flexible and modular software systems. Object-oriented programming is a widely used programming paradigm, and understanding its principles and practices is important for future software developers.

Public health

The study of studies of the state of health of the population in order to preserve, strengthen and restore it; the basics of organizing medical and medical-preventive care for the population; the use and analysis of information about the health of the population and the activities of medical and preventive and sanitary institutions to propose measures to improve the quality and efficiency of medical and preventive care; fundamentals of economics, marketing, planning and financing of healthcare, management, innovative processes in healthcare, legal and ethical aspects of medical activity.

Biochemistry

Mastering theoretical knowledge in the main sections of biochemistry; skills in setting up biochemical studies, the ability to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills in professional activities.

Theory of Probability and Mathematical Statistics

The course is devoted to the probability and statistics of any events, as well as the relationship between mathematics and programming, operating systems as part of an interdisciplinary training program, covering the section of mathematical analysis, modern statistical methods and economic theory.

Environmental science

Formation of skills that allow to carry out sanitary supervision of the living conditions of the population, develop measures aimed at improving living conditions and preventing diseases of the population.

Cycle of fundamental disciplines

Elective component

Molecular biology

Formation of modern knowledge among students about the main molecular-genetic and cellular mechanisms of the functioning of the body and their application in clinical practice.

Fundamentals of anatomy

To study the functional anatomy of a person and his constituent systems, taking into account age, gender and individual characteristics, changing environmental conditions, labor and social factors.

Fundamentals of Physiology

The study of the basics of the physiological characteristics of a healthy person to understand the essence of the physiological processes occurring in the body.

Clinical epidemiology

Studying the methods of conducting clinical trials in health care, assessing the quality of evidence and determining risks for patients. During the course, students become familiar with various methods of data collection, including epidemiological studies, and evaluate the quality of evidence obtained from clinical studies. After passing the discipline, students will be able to design and conduct clinical trials, as well as evaluate the quality of trials and risks for patients.

Infectious diseases

The study of the causes of the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, their clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. During the training, students study various types of infectious diseases, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. After passing the discipline, students will be able to determine the causes of the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases, diagnose and treat, and take measures to prevent and control the spread of infections.

Cycle of major disciplines

University’s component

Educational Practice

Educational practice is an integral part of the student training program. The main content of the practice is the implementation of practical educational, educational and research, creative tasks that correspond to the nature of the future professional activity of students. The purpose of educational practice: the study and consolidation of theoretical and practical knowledge in the disciplines obtained in the learning process, the development of creative activity and initiative of students, their artistic and creative needs and aesthetic worldview.

Medical genetics

The study of hereditary diseases and genetic factors affecting human health. During the training, students study the principles of inheritance, the genetic mechanisms of the development of diseases, methods for diagnosing and treating genetic diseases. After passing the discipline, students will be able to determine the hereditary factors that affect the health of patients, conduct genetic research, diagnose and treat genetic diseases, as well as conduct genetic counseling and assess the risks of hereditary diseases.

Medical physics

The study of the principles of physics used in medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. During the training, students learn the principles of operation of medical equipment, including x-ray, magnetic resonance and ultrasound techniques, as well as laser and radiation therapy. After passing the discipline, students will be able to understand the principles of operation of medical equipment, apply it to diagnose and treat various diseases, as well as assess the risks of using various types of medical equipment.

Physiological modeling

The study of mathematical and physiological models used to describe and predict biological processes in the human body. During the training, students are introduced to various modeling methods, including differential equations, analytical models, statistical methods and computer simulations. After passing the discipline, students will be able to use mathematical models to describe physiological processes, predict the development of diseases, as well as determine the effectiveness of treatment and conduct scientific research in the field of medicine.

Epidemiological research methods

This discipline studies the causes of the emergence and spread of any pathological conditions in the human population (includes observation, examination, historical and geographical description, comparison, experiment, statistical and logical analysis).

Industrial Practice

The course is devoted to the study of information security technologies.

Machine Learning Algorithms

The course goal is to acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence in general and in particular in the creating of algorithms capable of learning. The course examines the basic machine learning algorithms, various approaches and technologies for data analysis, their qualities, features and impact in various fields of science and technology. As an outcome of mastering the course, students will be able to apply machine learning methods to visualize their data, build graphs, and present the results qualitatively.

Digital Signal Processing

Study of the principles of signal processing and analysis in medicine, including electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, images and sound signals. During the training, students get acquainted with the methods of filtering, compressing and compressing signals, as well as algorithms for processing and analyzing data. After completing the discipline, students will be able to process and analyze signals in medicine, evaluate the quality and accuracy of the data obtained, and apply signal processing methods to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Microcontroller Programming

The discipline is aimed at developing knowledge and programming skills in assembly and C languages, and introduces students to the interface and structure of various families of microcontrollers. Mastering the course will allow students to start developing simple embedded systems based on various families of microcontrollers.

Pharmacology

Understanding the general patterns of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs and training in the skills and abilities to provide information and consulting services to medical workers and the public.

Embedded Systems Design

The course is devoted to the design and development of advanced of embedded systems. The course is aimed at forming students’ understanding of embedded systems based on advanced and industrial microcontrollers, the specifics of their design and operation. As a result of the training, a basic system of knowledge and skills is formed that allows you to understand the principles of the functioning of complex embedded systems, choose tools and technologies for their development, evaluate the effectiveness of their use in various application areas, including IoT.

Fundamentals of Radiology

The study of the principles and methods of diagnosing diseases based on images obtained using x-ray, magnetic resonance and computed tomography. During the training, students get acquainted with the principles of image processing obtained using various methods of radiology, as well as the principles of their interpretation. After passing the discipline, students will be able to diagnose various diseases based on images obtained on the basis of radiology, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of these methods in medical practice.

EHealth

Studying the principles and technologies of e-health, including the use of information technology and electronic systems for managing medical data and delivering medical care. During the training, students get acquainted with electronic medical records, electronic medical data management systems, telemedicine and other electronic technologies. After passing the discipline, students will be able to use electronic systems to manage medical information, provide medical care online, and analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of electronic systems in healthcare.

Undergraduate practice

The course presents the collection and analysis of materials for writing a graduation project.

Industrial practice

The course is devoted to the study of information security technologies.

Cycle of major disciplines

Elective component

Mobile Development

Mobile development presents a pretty unique opportunity for a one-person development team to build an actual, usable, meaningful app end-to-end in a relatively short period of time. Mobile development also represents an entrepreneurial opportunity which is well within most programmers’ reach.

Cloud Computing

This course is intended to develop software systems and applications with focus on cloud solutions where it is most effective. Students have the opportunity to work with a variety of cloud technology providers such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft. They will learn how to deploy cloud solutions for databases, data analytics, and machine learning. The course contains following topics: “Load Balancing”, “Scalability, Availability and Fault Tolerance”, “BigQuery”, “Machine Learning on Unstructured Datasets”, etc.

Big Data and Distributed Algorithms

The course is designed to study the basics of working with big data and the principles of high-performance computing. Big data implies the existence of huge arrays of structured and unstructured information, and the choice of tools for their efficient processing and extraction of useful information.

Computer Graphics Fundamentals

The goal of the course is to give the students fundamentals of computer graphics, based on computer graphics libraries like OpenGL, which is the basis of modern graphical applications. The topic include: modern OpenGL syntax, acceleration on GPU, shaders, textures, introduction to GI, PBR, Vulkan, Raytracing, etc. Upon finishing the course students are able to create basic game engines, scientific visualization using GPU.

Computer vision

Knowledge in the field of machine learning and deep learning is systematized. Knowledge in modern approaches to object detection, will have experience in solving classification and segmentation problems, learn how to build and train neural networks. The subject will give an overview of computer vision tasks and the basic tools that are needed to solve them.

Natural Language Processing

This course introduces students to the field of natural language processing (NLP), which involves the development of computational algorithms and models to process and analyze natural language data. Students will learn the fundamental techniques used in NLP, such as tokenization, part-of-speech tagging, parsing, and semantic analysis, as well as the applications of NLP in fields such as machine translation, sentiment analysis, and information retrieval.

Medical Imaging Techniques

The study of various methods of medical imaging, including X-ray tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound diagnostics, positron emission tomography and other methods. During the training, students get acquainted with the principles of operation and processing of images obtained using various methods of medical imaging, as well as with the interpretation of the results of their research. After passing the discipline, students will be able to use various methods of medical imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of their application in medical practice.

Digital Image Processing

Discipline that uses digital image processing technologies and methods, including scientific and technical tools, to study the initial appearance of images. Discipline contain topics of image recognition, image filters, image segmentation, and introduction to synthetic image generation.

Quality of medical services

The study of key issues in ensuring the availability and quality of medical care to the population using modern principles, concepts and strategies for healthcare.

Management in healthcare

The study of the principles and methods of management in health care, including the organization of health care, budget planning and control, personnel management and medical care processes. During the training, students get acquainted with the basic principles of healthcare management, methods for analyzing and planning the activities of medical organizations, as well as tools and technologies for personnel management. After passing the discipline, students will be able to plan, organize and control the activities of medical organizations, manage personnel and medical care processes, as well as analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of management decisions in healthcare.

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