Mathematics Single channel

Chair (Coordinator) and Rapporteur: ALBERTO FACHECHI

Module 1: Mathematics 1

Activity type
Discipline matematiche, fisiche, informatiche e statistiche
SSD
MAT/07
Year
1st year
Semester
1st semester
CFU
3
Hours distribution
24 classroom hours
Lecturers
ALBERTO FACHECHI

Module 2: Mathematics 2

Activity type
Discipline matematiche, fisiche, informatiche e statistiche
SSD
MAT/05
Year
1st year
Semester
1st semester
CFU
3
Hours distribution
24 classroom hours
Lecturers
ALBERTO FACHECHI

Objectives


General skills
This course concerns the applications of the fundamentals tools of calculus and probability and to the solution of problems emerging within Applied Sciences, with a specific reference to Biotecnology.
The main goal is learning the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, discrete and continuous probability, as well as their application to biological sciences.
It is assumed that students entering the course know the basics of elementary mathematics from the high school. The fact that students actually have the mentioned pre-knowledge is certified by the entrance test.

The course includes both lectures and exercise sessions, aiming to test the ability of the students to apply the theoretical knowledge to the solution of concrete problems.

Specific skills

A) Knowledge and understanding
• Knowledge and understanding of the concept of limit and of the fundamentals of differential and integral calculus.
• Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of probability theory.
• Knowledge and understanding of diagnostic tests for the analysis of medical data.

B) Applying knowledge and understanding
• Ability to properly use the specific terminology of mathematics and probability.
• Ability to translate a concrete problem, appearing e.g. in the context of Biological Sciences, to a corresponding mathematical problem, by a suitable procedure involving approximation, abstraction, and modeling.
• Ability to use deductive reasoning in an abstract setting.
• Ability to recognize the mathematical tools and concepts appearing within other courses (specifically: Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and to properly use them.
• Ability to find the most convenient procedure to solve simple mathematical problems.

C) Making judgements
• Ability to autonomously formulate examples to mathematical statements.
• Ability to self-questioning.
• Ability to autonomously evaluate the validity of a theoretical model, through suitable probabilistic tests on the empirical data collected in a laboratory.


D) Communication skills
• Ability to communicate what has been learned through written themes.
• Ability to formulate a logically structured speech.

E) Learning skills
• Learning the specific terminology.
• Ability to make the logical connections between the topics covered.
• Ability to identify the most relevant topics in a subject.


Learning outcomes

Module: Mathematics 1
The main goal of the course is to provide basic mathematical notions (particularly concerning calculus and probability theory) for mathematical modeling, quantitative treatment, and resolution of typical problems in applied sciences. Specifically, students will need to acquire the fundamental tools that will subsequently be applied in the analysis of experimental data.
The following points constitute essential requirements for a positive evaluation:
i) Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of differential and integral calculus, probability theory, and diagnostic tests for the analysis of medical data;
ii) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding, particularly in properly using the specific terminology of calculus and probability, translating a concrete problem into mathematical terms, applying inductive reasoning to abstract problems, using mathematical methods proficiently, and choosing the most suitable procedures for resolution;
iii) Autonomy of judgment regarding the validity of mathematical statements and quantitative models;
iv) Communicative and logical skills in the presentation and discussion of problems and resolution procedures.


Module: Mathematics 2
The main goal of the course is to provide basic mathematical notions (particularly concerning calculus and probability theory) for mathematical modeling, quantitative treatment, and resolution of typical problems in applied sciences. Specifically, students will need to acquire the fundamental tools that will subsequently be applied in the analysis of experimental data.
The following points constitute essential requirements for a positive evaluation:
i) Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of differential and integral calculus, probability theory, and diagnostic tests for the analysis of medical data;
ii) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding, particularly in properly using the specific terminology of calculus and probability, translating a concrete problem into mathematical terms, applying inductive reasoning to abstract problems, using mathematical methods proficiently, and choosing the most suitable procedures for resolution;
iii) Autonomy of judgment regarding the validity of mathematical statements and quantitative models;
iv) Communicative and logical skills in the presentation and discussion of problems and resolution procedures.

Prerequisites

Module: Mathematics 1
The course requires basic knowledge of elementary mathematics acquired in high school.


Module: Mathematics 2
The course requires basic knowledge of elementary mathematics acquired in high school.

Programme

Module: Mathematics 1
Probability theory. Events (definitions, intersection and union, incompatible events). Probability of an event. Probability functions and properties.
Conditioned probability and independent events. Bayes theorem.
Random variables, cumulative distribution function.
Discrete random variables. Probability mass function. Expectation value and variance of a discrete random variable. Uniform, Bernoulli, binomial and Poisson distributions. Combinatoric calculus, Stirling formula. Poisson distribution as limit of binomial distribution.
Continuous random variable. Probability density function. Expectation value and variance of a continuous random variable. Uniform, exponential and normal distributions. Properties of Gaussian distribution.
Introduction to descriptive statistics.


Module: Mathematics 2
Set theory and operations. Numerical sets. Real line and geometrical representation. Intervals, neighborhoods, closed and open sets.
Functions: domain and range. Injective, surjective and bijective functions. Inverse function. Composite function.
Real functions of a real variable. Function graphs and transformations.
Odd, even and periodic function. Monotone functions. Elementary functions and their graphs.
Limits: definitions. Algebra of limits. Fundamental limits.
Continuous functions and theorems.
Derivative of a function and geometric interpretation. Left and right derivatives. Differentiable functions. Derivatives of elementary functions. Derivatives of sum, product and ratio of functions. Derivative of composite and inverse functions.
Local and global minima and maxima. Bounded functions. Concave and convex functions. Concave and convex sets. Higher derivatives. Taylor formula and applications. Analysis of graphs.
Definite integral. Primitive of functions. Fundamental theorem of integral calculus. Integrals of elementary functions. Integration techniques.

Books

Module: Mathematics 1
[P] Probability, Springer, J. Pitman.
[MMC] Introduction to the Practice of Statistics (W. H. Freeman), D.S. Moore, G.P. McCabe, B.A. Craig


Module: Mathematics 2
[CT] "Mathematical Analysis I": Vol. 1, Springer, Claudio Canuto, Anita Tabacco

Bibliography

Module: Mathematics 1
[P] Probability, Springer, J. Pitman.
[MMC] Introduction to the Practice of Statistics (W. H. Freeman), D.S. Moore, G.P. McCabe, B.A. Craig


Module: Mathematics 2
[CT] "Mathematical Analysis I": Vol. 1, Springer, Claudio Canuto, Anita Tabacco

Lessons mode

Module: Mathematics 1
The lessons will take place in person.


Module: Mathematics 2
The lessons will take place in person.

Frequency

Module: Mathematics 1
Attendance is not mandatory, although strongly recommended.


Module: Mathematics 2
Attendance is not mandatory, although strongly recommended.

Exam mode

Module: Mathematics 1
The final exam includes a written test, aiming in veryfing the acquired knowledge, and an optional oral exam. The written test consists of open-ended questions and requires a minimum time of 120 minutes. The oral exam consists of a variable-length interview. The final grade is the average of the grades from the written and oral exams (or the written test only).


Module: Mathematics 2
The final exam includes a written test, aiming in veryfing the acquired knowledge, and an optional oral exam. The written test consists of open-ended questions and requires a minimum time of 120 minutes. The oral exam consists of a variable-length interview. The final grade is the average of the grades from the written and oral exams (or the written test only).

Example exam questions

Module: Mathematics 1
Computation of limits of functions with basic techniques (list of limits of elementary functions, de l'Hopital or Taylor formula). Evaluation of minima and/or maxima (both local and global) of functions. Analysis of graphs of functions. Integral calculus with the usage of the integration techniques provided during the course.


Module: Mathematics 2
Computation of limits of functions with basic techniques (list of limits of elementary functions, de l'Hopital or Taylor formula). Evaluation of minima and/or maxima (both local and global) of functions. Analysis of graphs of functions. Integral calculus with the usage of the integration techniques provided during the course.

Arguments

Module: Mathematics 1
N/D
Module: Mathematics 2
N/D

  • Academic year2024/2025
  • Degree program to which the course belongsBiotechnologies
  • Mandatory presenceNo
  • Languageita
  • CFU6 CFU, distributed among 2 integrated didactic modules
  • Total duration48 hours