Micro-programme: Digital Transformations in Oncology

Welcome to Digital Transformations in Oncology (ECTS 3) - an undergraduate-level online course, part of an unfolding CIVIS undergraduate micro-programme focused on the digital and technological transformations in oncology.

"Digital Transformations in Oncology" pilot course serves as a key component of the Digital and Technological Transformations microprogram within the CIVIS HUB5, focusing on the integration of digital solutions and artificial intelligence to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The whole microprogram will be available starting with the next academic year (2025/2026) and will consist of a set of 5 courses as follows:

C1: Digital and Technological Transformation: Social Challenges Across Domains

C2: EU Law and the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Health and Wellbeing

C3: Artificial Intelligence Tools in Health and Wellbeing

C4: Digital Transformations in Oncology - PILOT COURSE

C5: New Technologies in the Diagnostic and Treatment of Cancer

"Digital Transformations in Oncology" provides students with a comprehensive perspective on how digital technologies reshape cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research. While attending this course, students will explore the advancements in digital imaging, AI, bioinformatics, and telemedicine that have increasingly become integral to modern oncology. Aimed at medical, biomedical, and engineering students, this course emphasizes the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of digital tools. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches, this course prepares students for advanced academic research and professional applications, fostering innovation in digital healthcare.

The teachers of this pilot course are from the University of Bucharest (Romania) and will host several partners from international companies that will give real input from the industry. They invite bachelor’s level students to join them on a journey to discover how oncology meets the digital era.

Students who participate in this pilot course and enroll in the microprogram in the next academic year will not need to retake the course, as it will be automatically credited/recognized.

This online course aims to introduce bachelor ’s-level students to foundational digital tools and techniques that are becoming essential in cancer care. Designed as an introductory course, it focuses on building basic knowledge of AI, digital imaging, bioinformatics, and telemedicine, emphasizing their role in oncology. Students will gain a practical understanding of these technologies, preparing them to apply this knowledge in further studies or to explore emerging trends in digital healthcare, laying the groundwork for more advanced applications in the field.

Main topics

The curriculum covers foundational modules, including:

• Introduction to Oncology and Digital Transformation
• Digital Imaging in Oncology
• Digital Diagnostics and Imaging
• Introduction to Personalized Medicine
• Introduction to genomics and bioinformatics
• Remote Patient Monitoring
• Digital Therapeutics and Robotics in Oncology
• Integrative Case Studies and Future Trends

Each module includes lectures, case studies, and hands-on seminars using digital tools for imaging analysis and bioinformatics platforms. Through these activities, students will apply theoretical insights to real-world cancer cases, solving complex problems and evaluating current digital oncology practices.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, the students will be able to:

• Describe basic digital imaging methods and understand their role in cancer diagnosis.
• Explain how AI and machine learning can support cancer treatment planning and predict patient outcomes.
• Identify key bioinformatics tools used in analyzing genetic data and their importance in personalized medicine.
• Summarize the role of telemedicine in improving patient care and recognize its applications in remote cancer monitoring.
• Recognize the applications of wearable devices and robotics in oncology, such as continuous health monitoring and assisting in precise surgical procedures.