B1750 - Mathematics for Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course the student learns the basic and multivariate calculus ropes. These mathematical tools allow the student to set up and solve models arising in social sciences, as tourism, that are connected to unconstrained optimization for functions of one and several variables and to linear constrained optimization. Some up to date applications inherent in tourism sector are analysed in the laboratory.

Course contents

The fundamental contents of the course include mathematical notions that are essential for studying models used in the social sciences, such as Tourism Economics. These cover a review of key topics in single-variable calculus, unconstrained optimization for functions of several variables, selected aspects of constrained optimization, and examples of mathematical models applied to tourism.

Within the associated laboratory of mathematics, further insights will be provided on elementary financial mathematics, the basics of integral calculus, and critical readings of papers applying mathematics to tourism.

Readings/Bibliography

Some lectures notes will be distributed during the course, however all the topics can be found in the books:

K. Sydsaeter, P. Hammond, A. Strom "Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis", Pearson

K. Sydsaeter, P. Hammond, A. Seierstad, A. S. "Further Mathematics for Economic Analysis", Prentice Hall

Teaching methods

Due to the different levels of mathematical background among students, a crash course is organized before the beginning of the lectures. Attendance is strongly recommended.

During lectures, students will be involved in the analysis of selected examples and are invited to solve problems, individually or in groups, in preparation for the following lecture.

Assessment methods

The written final test is based on the solution of ten exercises (3 points for each correct exercise). The oral part is elective.

The mark is out of 30 points, and the minimum required to pass the exam is 18/30.

It is an open book exam.

Registration for the exam is compulsory, and students have to register through AlmaEsami according to the general rules of the Department of Economics.

Personal work on several in-depth studies is generally encouraged by the teacher, in relation to individual interests.

The use of AI tools is prohibited in all assessments. Any use of AI tools constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. These accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their appropriateness, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

A booklet based on exercises and solutions can be downloaded at the beginning of the lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Letizia Guerra