MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

The course has a twofold target: on the one hand, it aims to provide basic calculus tools, useful for other courses, on the other hand it aims to train the skills of reasoning and problem solving, typical skills of a mathematical education.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Knowledge and understanding: knowledge on goniometry, functions, differential calculus, basic statistics.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: knowing how to solve triangles, knowing how to solve simple goniometric equations, knowing how to study functions, knowing how to interpret graphs of functions, knowing how to manipulate a large amount of data also with the help of software.
3. Making judgements: knowing how to give mathematical interpretations of real problems, knowing how to deduce information on real problems starting from mathematical data, knowing how to make judgments on real facts starting from mathematical considerations.
4. Communication skills: knowing how to communicate in a rigorous way mathematical topics, knowing how to communicate effectively mathematical meanings.
5. Learning skills: ability to study and understand both in groups and independently, being able to connect the studied topics among them, ability to grasp connections between mathematical topics and other disciplines (lateral transfer), ability to understand also more complex mathematical topics (vertical transfer).

The class hours (56) are equally divided into lectures and exercises.

In the case of merged mode (distance learning – face to face learning), face to face lectures will be used only for practical exercises (objective b.)

Topics will be mediated by a visual and practical approach, also with the aid of software with a great didactic impact (objectives a. and b.), to reach later on formal definitions (objective d.), through participated lessons (objective d.).

Examples of real applications will be provided. (objectives c. and e.).

In case of mixed or remotely mode, necessary changes will be provided.

Information for students with disabilities and/or Learning Disorders.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or Learning Disorders), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

• Goniometry and trigonometry: goniometric functions, simple goniometric equations, applications of goniometry to triangles;
• Functions: monotone functions, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, limits and continuous functions;
• Differential calculus: derivative of a function, maximum and minimum;
• Statistics: data representation, central indices, indices of variability.

1. Angelo Guerraccio. Matematica per le scienze. Pearson.