MATHEMATICS

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.

We will always start with a practical problem and then we provide the mathematical knowledge useful in solving the posed problem.

The exercises will be aimed, in a special way, at developing a problem-solving aptitude. 

EXPECTED RESULTS (ER):

1. Knowledge and understanding: knowledge on goniometry and trigonometry, functions, differential calculus, integral calculus.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: knowing how to manipulate goniometric basis, knowing how to study functions, knowing how to interpret graphs of functions.
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 (ER b.)

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

Examples of real applications will be provided. (ER 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 Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or Learning Disorders), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

Basic math cultural prerequisites:

• Arithmetic (numbers, operations, percentages, approximations);
• Geometry (polygons, Pythagorean theorem);
• Algebra (polynomials, first degree equations and inequalities, second degree equations and inequalities).

Attendance at the course is strongly recommended, especially for exercises, which will actively involve students and promote their learning.

Attendance will be recorded, only for statistical and course evaluation purposes.

• Basic goniometry and trigonometry.
• Functions: monotone functions, linear and polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, limits.
• Differential calculus: derivative of a function and theorems;
• Basic statistics.

Dario Benedetto, Mirko Degli Esposti, Carlotta Maffei. Matematica per scienze della vita. Terza edizione

Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Distribuzione esclusiva Zanichelli.

In itinere (multiple-choice) tests will be administered during the course. 

Modalities for those who use the in itinere tests: 

In itinere tests are worth 20 points out of 30 and the final written (with exercises) is worth 10 points out of 30. 

Those who score at least 18 with itinere tests and the written, may decide to confirm their written grade.

Modalities for those who do not make use of the in itinere tests:

The final test consists of a written test (with exercises) and an oral test. 

Final exams may also be carried out on-line, if conditions require it.