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School of Engineering

Curriculum Medical Informatics

The curriculum of the study consists of various modules that provide you with subject knowledge, scientific fundamentals, practical experience, and contextual knowledge in areas such as communication and business.

In the second year, you will complete a practical semester in a hospital, in software services, in medical technology manufacturing, or with a government agency.

In the third year, you will specialize by choosing elective modules.

Click on the individual modules to learn more about options, the language of instruction, or ECTS credits.

Module overview full-time

This module table is valid since 18. September 2023

Legend

Context Modules

Project Modules

Subject-Specific Modules

Mathematics and Nat. Science Modules

Semester 1, ECTS: 30, Semester week lessons: 30

Communication Competence 1

Communication Competence 1

The Communication Competence 1 module focuses on the following aspects of communication training: Researching and processing information in a scientific context // Developing presentation skills // Organising communication and feedback in teams // Teaching language: DE/EN

Software Projects

Software Projects

Computer science projects are the main field of application for medical computer engineers. Adequate skills of students in this area are therefore of great importance for the education. In this first project module, specialized knowledge from other computer science modules is applied and enriched with first experiences in team project work. This includes team and individual work in project planning, technical writing, software design and code management. // Teaching language: DE

Computer Science Programming 1

Computer Science Programming 1

Introduction to software development with Python. // Teaching language: DE

Databases

Databases

Basics of relational databases: relational algebra, entity-relationship design, SQL DDL/DML, efficient and correct queries in SQL, indexes, triggers, transactions/ACID // Teaching language: DE

Grundlagen des Gesundheitswesens

Grundlagen des Gesundheitswesens

This course provides an overview of the healthcare industry. It covers essential topics such as the healthcare system, management in the healthcare industry, and various stakeholders. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the field and be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare. // Teaching language: DE

Fundamentals of Medicine

Fundamentals of Medicine

This course provides first-semester students in the BSc Medical Informatics program with an overview of topics they will encounter in their professional everyday life. Two main goals are pursued: The MI students are able to have a conversation with people in the healthcare sector and understand the relevant terminology. The MI students largely understand what the data they work with represent in clinical practice. Through this understanding, they are able to correctly interpret data and results of calculations and discuss them with healthcare professionals. The lecture primarily imparts knowledge about the anatomy and physiology (structure and function) of the human body. The instruction is essentially based on the book "The Human Body. Schünke M, Faller A, 18th unchanged edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2020. doi:10.1055/b000000452" (Link opens in a new window), which is available to all students in electronic form through the ZHAW library. The course includes 15x4 lessons (45h) of contact teaching, with some lessons being delivered virtually. Additionally, students will invest 75h in self-study. The module concludes with a written examination (on Moodle, but on-site). // Teaching language: DE

Medizinethik und Safety

Medizinethik und Safety

Digitization in health care, health apps, online diagnostics, patient dossiers, big data in clinical research... Medical informatics also affects ethical aspects. The module includes a basic introduction to medical ethics. Basic ethical concepts and theories are developed on the basis of various use cases. // Teaching language: DE

Mathematics 1

Mathematics 1

The basics of discrete mathematics and linear algebra are covered. // Teaching language: DE

Semester 2, ECTS: 30, Semester week lessons: 30

Communication Competence 2

Communication Competence 2

The Communication Competence 2 module focuses on the following aspects of communication training: Collaborative writing and peer feedback in a scientific/professional context // Developing research skills // Audience-oriented communication // Teaching language: DE/EN

Evaluation von Health Tech Solutions

Evaluation von Health Tech Solutions

In this module, you will work in a team to evaluate an existing health tech solution formatively and summatively in accordance with DIN IEC 62366-1 with regard to user requirements, usability and risks for the target groups addressed. You will develop suggestions for improvement and implement them as a prototype. // Teaching language: DE

Computer Science Programming 2

Computer Science Programming 2

Students’ existing programming skills are enhanced and applied on a practical level. The module conveys the competences for developing robust software applications in ubiquitous environments. Modelling approaches, failure sources and optimisation opportunities are understood at a code level. // Teaching language: DE

Cyber Security and Data Protection

Cyber Security and Data Protection

This module provides students with fundamental knowledge in the areas of cyber security and data protection, particularly in the context of medical informatics. Students learn how to protect systems and data from attack and misuse, and how to develop and apply data protection policies and procedures. // Teaching language: DE

Digitalization in Hospital

Digitalization in Hospital

This course provides an introduction to the transformative role of digitalization in healthcare, with a focus on hospital environments. Students will gain insights into the adoption, development and use of digital technologies in healthcare and their impact on patient care, operations and medical practice. Through theoretical foundations and practical applications, including the development of software solutions, this course prepares participants to understand and navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in hospitals // Teaching language: DE

Laboratory and Hospital Pharmacy

Laboratory and Hospital Pharmacy

In this module the students will learn about the functioning of a hospital laboratory, a sterilization unit and a hospital pharmacy. Focus will be about the infrastructure and tracing systems but a general overview will be given. // Teaching language: DE

Mathematics 2

Mathematics 2

Advanced topics in discrete mathematics, linear algebra and analysis are covered. Topics are linear mappings, matrices, eigenvalues ​​and vectors, differentiation and integration of functions of several variables, optimization methods. // Teaching language: DE

Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences

The focus is on three practical courses: 1) analysis of body movements, 2) functioning of muscles and 3) measurement of brain waves. In the lectures the necessary physical basics are worked out and in the post-processing of the practical courses the measurement data are evaluated. // Teaching language: DE

Semester 3, ECTS: 30, Semester week lessons: 30

Communication Competence 3

Communication Competence 3

The Communication Competence 3 module focuses on the following aspects of communication training: Communication in international and interdisciplinary settings // Mediation and transfer between English and German // Negotiation and discussion // Teaching language: DE/EN

eHealth Project

eHealth Project

"eHealth Project" is a module that covers the technical and entrepreneurial aspects of digital transformation in health care. After receiving a thorough introduction to the topic, students form groups to explore an everyday problem of health care and develop a practical digital solution. At the end of the module, each group presents its solution to a jury, and the solutions are discussed and evaluated in terms of technical and economic aspects. // Teaching language: DE

Data Standards in Healthcare

Data Standards in Healthcare

This course provides an understanding of the importance and application of data standards in healthcare. Students will learn how standardized data formats and protocols improve the quality of patient care, facilitate the exchange of health information and contribute to increased efficiency in healthcare. Through a mixture of theoretical principles and practical examples, students will be able to recognize and address the challenges and opportunities arising from the implementation and use of data standards. // Teaching language: DE

Entwicklung von Webanwendungen

Entwicklung von Webanwendungen

  • ECTS: 4

Teaching language: DE

Data Science and Data Visualization

Data Science and Data Visualization

The module offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of data science, with a focus on applications within the medical and healthcare sectors. Students will learn how to collect, preprocess, and analyze datasets, utilizing statistical methods and basic machine learning algorithms to extract meaningful insights. The course emphasizes practical skills in data visualization, teaching students how to effectively communicate complex data through various graphical representations. Key topics include exploratory data analysis, predictive modeling within Python. // Teaching language: DE

Med Imaging and Radiation Oncology

Med Imaging and Radiation Oncology

The module Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology uses highly technology-oriented medical disciplines to demonstrate the application of imaging and technical-therapeutic procedures in the clinical environment. The various imaging modalities will be presented. The terms and technical basics supporting the understanding of the interfaces to medical informatics and hospital IT will be explained. Selected examples show how algorithms and data support quality assurance in imaging diagnostics or the processes in radiation therapy. // Teaching language: DE

Clinical Information Systems

Clinical Information Systems

Clinical information systems are software applications that manage patient data and automate clinical processes. They support medical documentation and communication between healthcare professionals and patients. // Teaching language: DE

Basics of Statistics

Basics of Statistics

This module is an introduction to statistics. Students learn the basic principles and concepts of probability theory and statistics. They learn to statistically present and discuss data, analyse relationships between variables and to draw conclusions for the whole population from samples. // Teaching language: DE

Semester 4, ECTS: 30, Semester week lessons: 30

Praxissemester

Praxissemester

  • ECTS: 30

Teaching language: DE/EN

Semester 5, ECTS: 30, Semester week lessons: 24

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 2

The context modules offer you the opportunity to acquire supplementary skills outside of your technical major. They cover the following topics: Sustainability and Environment // Innovation and Technology Management // Data Science and AI // Business and Finance // Social Sciences and Intercultural Competence // Law and Governance // Project and Conflict Management // Resilience and Risk Management // Mobility and Transportation

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 2

The context modules offer you the opportunity to acquire supplementary skills outside of your technical major. They cover the following topics: Sustainability and Environment // Innovation and Technology Management // Data Science and AI // Business and Finance // Social Sciences and Intercultural Competence // Law and Governance // Project and Conflict Management // Resilience and Risk Management // Mobility and Transportation

Projektarbeit in Medizininformatik

Projektarbeit in Medizininformatik

  • ECTS: 6

Teaching language: DE/EN

Interdisciplinary elective module

Interdisciplinary elective module

  • ECTS: 4

The interdisciplinary elective modules cover a wide range of disciplines, including the following areas: Application of Advanced Mathematics in Engineering Practice // Introduction to Machine Learning // Modern Physics // Blockchain Technologies and Their Applications // Digital Assistance Technologies // Digital Health // Sensor Technology // Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing of Sensors // Sustainability Management // Safety-Critical Systems // System Dynamics Modeling // Future Technologies of the Internet of Things // Safety and Systems Engineering

Elective Module focus

Elective Module focus

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Semester 6, ECTS: 30, Semester week lessons: 18

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 2

The context modules offer you the opportunity to acquire supplementary skills outside of your technical major. They cover the following topics: Sustainability and Environment // Innovation and Technology Management // Data Science and AI // Business and Finance // Social Sciences and Intercultural Competence // Law and Governance // Project and Conflict Management // Resilience and Risk Management // Mobility and Transportation

Bachelorarbeit in Medizininformatik

Bachelorarbeit in Medizininformatik

Students work independently on a concrete scientific/technical question under the guidance of a lecturer. The topic of the project work should come from the field of data science. The Bachelor thesis is typically prepared by a team of two students, with a written final report. // Teaching language: DE

Elective Module Focus

Elective Module Focus

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Module overview part-time

This module table is valid since 27. September 2022

Legend

Context Modules

Subject-Specific Modules

Mathematics and Nat. Science Modules

Project Modules

Projektmodule

Semester 1, ECTS: 22, Semester week lessons: 22

Communication Competence 1

Communication Competence 1

The Communication Competence 1 module focuses on the following aspects of communication training: Researching and processing information in a scientific context // Developing presentation skills // Organising communication and feedback in teams // Teaching language: DE/EN

Computer Science Programming 1

Computer Science Programming 1

Introduction to software development with Python. // Teaching language: DE

Databases

Databases

Basics of relational databases: relational algebra, entity-relationship design, SQL DDL/DML, efficient and correct queries in SQL, indexes, triggers, transactions/ACID // Teaching language: DE

Grundlagen des Gesundheitswesens

Grundlagen des Gesundheitswesens

This course provides an overview of the healthcare industry. It covers essential topics such as the healthcare system, management in the healthcare industry, and various stakeholders. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the field and be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare. // Teaching language: DE

Fundamentals of Medicine

Fundamentals of Medicine

This course provides first-semester students in the BSc Medical Informatics program with an overview of topics they will encounter in their professional everyday life. Two main goals are pursued: The MI students are able to have a conversation with people in the healthcare sector and understand the relevant terminology. The MI students largely understand what the data they work with represent in clinical practice. Through this understanding, they are able to correctly interpret data and results of calculations and discuss them with healthcare professionals. The lecture primarily imparts knowledge about the anatomy and physiology (structure and function) of the human body. The instruction is essentially based on the book "The Human Body. Schünke M, Faller A, 18th unchanged edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2020. doi:10.1055/b000000452" (Link opens in a new window), which is available to all students in electronic form through the ZHAW library. The course includes 15x4 lessons (45h) of contact teaching, with some lessons being delivered virtually. Additionally, students will invest 75h in self-study. The module concludes with a written examination (on Moodle, but on-site). // Teaching language: DE

Mathematics 1

Mathematics 1

The basics of discrete mathematics and linear algebra are covered. // Teaching language: DE

Semester 2, ECTS: 22, Semester week lessons: 22

Communication Competence 2

Communication Competence 2

The Communication Competence 2 module focuses on the following aspects of communication training: Collaborative writing and peer feedback in a scientific/professional context // Developing research skills // Audience-oriented communication // Teaching language: DE/EN

Computer Science Programming 2

Computer Science Programming 2

Students’ existing programming skills are enhanced and applied on a practical level. The module conveys the competences for developing robust software applications in ubiquitous environments. Modelling approaches, failure sources and optimisation opportunities are understood at a code level. // Teaching language: DE

Cyber Security and Data Protection

Cyber Security and Data Protection

This module provides students with fundamental knowledge in the areas of cyber security and data protection, particularly in the context of medical informatics. Students learn how to protect systems and data from attack and misuse, and how to develop and apply data protection policies and procedures. // Teaching language: DE

Digitalization in Hospital

Digitalization in Hospital

This course provides an introduction to the transformative role of digitalization in healthcare, with a focus on hospital environments. Students will gain insights into the adoption, development and use of digital technologies in healthcare and their impact on patient care, operations and medical practice. Through theoretical foundations and practical applications, including the development of software solutions, this course prepares participants to understand and navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in hospitals // Teaching language: DE

Laboratory and Hospital Pharmacy

Laboratory and Hospital Pharmacy

In this module the students will learn about the functioning of a hospital laboratory, a sterilization unit and a hospital pharmacy. Focus will be about the infrastructure and tracing systems but a general overview will be given. // Teaching language: DE

Mathematics 2

Mathematics 2

Advanced topics in discrete mathematics, linear algebra and analysis are covered. Topics are linear mappings, matrices, eigenvalues ​​and vectors, differentiation and integration of functions of several variables, optimization methods. // Teaching language: DE

Semester 3, ECTS: 22, Semester week lessons: 22

Communication Competence 3

Communication Competence 3

The Communication Competence 3 module focuses on the following aspects of communication training: Communication in international and interdisciplinary settings // Mediation and transfer between English and German // Negotiation and discussion // Teaching language: DE/EN

Software Projects

Software Projects

Computer science projects are the main field of application for medical computer engineers. Adequate skills of students in this area are therefore of great importance for the education. In this first project module, specialized knowledge from other computer science modules is applied and enriched with first experiences in team project work. This includes team and individual work in project planning, technical writing, software design and code management. // Teaching language: DE

Medizinethik und Safety

Medizinethik und Safety

Digitization in health care, health apps, online diagnostics, patient dossiers, big data in clinical research... Medical informatics also affects ethical aspects. The module includes a basic introduction to medical ethics. Basic ethical concepts and theories are developed on the basis of various use cases. // Teaching language: DE

Clinical Information Systems

Clinical Information Systems

Clinical information systems are software applications that manage patient data and automate clinical processes. They support medical documentation and communication between healthcare professionals and patients. // Teaching language: DE

Med Imaging and Radiation Oncology

Med Imaging and Radiation Oncology

The module Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology uses highly technology-oriented medical disciplines to demonstrate the application of imaging and technical-therapeutic procedures in the clinical environment. The various imaging modalities will be presented. The terms and technical basics supporting the understanding of the interfaces to medical informatics and hospital IT will be explained. Selected examples show how algorithms and data support quality assurance in imaging diagnostics or the processes in radiation therapy. // Teaching language: DE

Basics of Statistics

Basics of Statistics

This module is an introduction to statistics. Students learn the basic principles and concepts of probability theory and statistics. They learn to statistically present and discuss data, analyse relationships between variables and to draw conclusions for the whole population from samples. // Teaching language: DE

Semester 4, ECTS: 22, Semester week lessons: 22

Evaluation von Health Tech Solutions

Evaluation von Health Tech Solutions

In this module, you will work in a team to evaluate an existing health tech solution formatively and summatively in accordance with DIN IEC 62366-1 with regard to user requirements, usability and risks for the target groups addressed. You will develop suggestions for improvement and implement them as a prototype. // Teaching language: DE

Praxissemester

Praxissemester

Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences

The focus is on three practical courses: 1) analysis of body movements, 2) functioning of muscles and 3) measurement of brain waves. In the lectures the necessary physical basics are worked out and in the post-processing of the practical courses the measurement data are evaluated. // Teaching language: DE

Semester 5, ECTS: 22, Semester week lessons: 22

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 2

The context modules offer you the opportunity to acquire supplementary skills outside of your technical major. They cover the following topics: Sustainability and Environment // Innovation and Technology Management // Data Science and AI // Business and Finance // Social Sciences and Intercultural Competence // Law and Governance // Project and Conflict Management // Resilience and Risk Management // Mobility and Transportation

eHealth Project

eHealth Project

"eHealth Project" is a module that covers the technical and entrepreneurial aspects of digital transformation in health care. After receiving a thorough introduction to the topic, students form groups to explore an everyday problem of health care and develop a practical digital solution. At the end of the module, each group presents its solution to a jury, and the solutions are discussed and evaluated in terms of technical and economic aspects. // Teaching language: DE

Data Standards in Healthcare

Data Standards in Healthcare

This course provides an understanding of the importance and application of data standards in healthcare. Students will learn how standardized data formats and protocols improve the quality of patient care, facilitate the exchange of health information and contribute to increased efficiency in healthcare. Through a mixture of theoretical principles and practical examples, students will be able to recognize and address the challenges and opportunities arising from the implementation and use of data standards. // Teaching language: DE

Entwicklung von Webanwendungen

Entwicklung von Webanwendungen

  • ECTS: 4

Teaching language: DE

Data Science and Data Visualization

Data Science and Data Visualization

The module offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of data science, with a focus on applications within the medical and healthcare sectors. Students will learn how to collect, preprocess, and analyze datasets, utilizing statistical methods and basic machine learning algorithms to extract meaningful insights. The course emphasizes practical skills in data visualization, teaching students how to effectively communicate complex data through various graphical representations. Key topics include exploratory data analysis, predictive modeling within Python. // Teaching language: DE

Elective Module focus

Elective Module focus

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Semester 6, ECTS: 24, Semester week lessons: 22

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 2

The context modules offer you the opportunity to acquire supplementary skills outside of your technical major. They cover the following topics: Sustainability and Environment // Innovation and Technology Management // Data Science and AI // Business and Finance // Social Sciences and Intercultural Competence // Law and Governance // Project and Conflict Management // Resilience and Risk Management // Mobility and Transportation

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 2

The context modules offer you the opportunity to acquire supplementary skills outside of your technical major. They cover the following topics: Sustainability and Environment // Innovation and Technology Management // Data Science and AI // Business and Finance // Social Sciences and Intercultural Competence // Law and Governance // Project and Conflict Management // Resilience and Risk Management // Mobility and Transportation

Praxissemester

Praxissemester

Elective Module Focus

Elective Module Focus

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Semester 7, ECTS: 22, Semester week lessons: 18

Projektarbeit in Medizininformatik

Projektarbeit in Medizininformatik

  • ECTS: 6

Teaching language: DE/EN

Interdisciplinary elective module

Interdisciplinary elective module

  • ECTS: 4

The interdisciplinary elective modules cover a wide range of disciplines, including the following areas: Application of Advanced Mathematics in Engineering Practice // Introduction to Machine Learning // Modern Physics // Blockchain Technologies and Their Applications // Digital Assistance Technologies // Digital Health // Sensor Technology // Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing of Sensors // Sustainability Management // Safety-Critical Systems // System Dynamics Modeling // Future Technologies of the Internet of Things // Safety and Systems Engineering

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Semester 8, ECTS: 24, Semester week lessons: 12

Bachelorarbeit in Medizininformatik

Bachelorarbeit in Medizininformatik

Students work independently on a concrete scientific/technical question under the guidance of a lecturer. The topic of the project work should come from the field of data science. The Bachelor thesis is typically prepared by a team of two students, with a written final report. // Teaching language: DE

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group

Elective Module

Elective Module

  • ECTS: 4

Module from group