65793 - Mathematics and Statistics

Course contents

Mathematics

- teaching framework (contents; booklet; examination). Basic algebra.

- Simple algebraic equations and inequations; linear systems.

- Cartesian plane. One variable function: definition; plot; linear f.; domain and range; inverse f.; f. monotony.

- Geometrical study of the linear function.

- Basic functions. Rational, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic equations.

- Trigonometry: relationship between angles and sides of a square triangle.

- Limits: definition, geometric meaning, asymptotes, continuity.

- Derivative. Definition and geometrical meaning; calculus.

- Maximum/minimum points; curvature.

- Function plotting by qualitative and quantitative methods.

- Integral: definition; geometrical meaning; calculus.

- Simple numerical methods.

Statistics

- Frequency distribution.

- Position and dispersion indices. Index number.

- Interpolation and approximation. Least square method. Correlation.

Readings/Bibliography

Teacher booklet available on teacher website [http://angelofabbri.altervista.org/] and Virtuale [https://virtuale.unibo.it] printable at student office.

Possible references for further study:

- Statistica, Murray R. Spiegel; Ed. Mc Graw Hill

- https://almaorienta.unibo.it/it/futuri-studenti/almamathematica

- Thomas' Calculus; Ed. Pearson

Teaching methods

Room lessons and practice on PCs. Given the capacity of the computer lab (which is almost always available to students) the exercises require a shift (the timetable is shown during the lessons). Normally, an interval is placed by breaking the three-hour lesson into two blocks. As a result of the intensive nature of the lessons and their sequential structure, attendance is strongly recommended. I would advise students that does not plan to follow the entire course to attend at least the first lessons. The geometric meaning of each mathematical new concept is also presented, in order to promote understanding and learning also through intuition. Preparatory courses are not recommended, but knowledge of mathematics studied in secondary school cycles is required as a prerequisite.

Assessment methods

Subscription to examination list is made by Almaesami services (https://almaesami.unibo.it).

The teaching of Mathematics and Statistics is made up of two modules but there is only one exam.

The verification of the skills acquired during the course usually takes place in the computer laboratory of the Food Science Campus/Villa Almerici, through a multiple-choice test;

- examination text can concern both numerical exercises and theoretical aspects, coming directly from the one presented during the lessons. There are no more or less recurring topics. A multiple-choice questionnaire facsimile is available in the same online space that hosts the study material and an online test is always available on EOL (https://eol.unibo.it);

- exams are generally held in shifts of 25 students/hour. Enrollment and subsequent inclusion in a specific shift are carried out through the AlmaEsami service: https://almaesami.unibo.it. The list usually closes 2 days before the exam;

- even if the exams start at 10 am, it is sufficient for each student to go outside the computer lab at the start of their shift;

- during the exams it is necessary to have a pen, an identification card and remember one's University accreditation coordinates (in particular, it is useful for the student to verify its functionality in time). On the other hand, the consultation of books, handouts, notes or electronic devices is not permitted, with the exception of non-programmable calculators with no graphic capabilities;

- the student can see the outcome of the test immediately upon conclusion of its end and this result remains valid for the exam day only. If necessary, it is recorded (and signed by the student) before the start of the next shift. At this stage you should avoid disturbing the activity of other students.

- I invite students with disabilities to contact the specific University service in advance in order to agree on the activation of any adaptations.

- At the request of the student, it is possible to take the test in English.

The structure of the scores is reminded at the beginning of each test. This will vary a bit but is generally as follows:

- multiple-choice test on the EOL platform;

- maximum time available to answer the questions: 20-30 minutes, even if the student can obviously finish earlier. A timer on the screen shows continuously residual time. All the answers remain editable until the conclusion and sending of the test (this also implies that it is possible to answer the questions in any order);

- the test consists of at least 12 questions, for each of them several alternative answers are proposed, only one is correct;

- a negative score is provided for wrong answers, in order to discourage random compilation.

- to pass the test with a minimum score, it is necessary to answer correctly at least 4 questions, while 11 correct answers (with the possible integration of an interview) can lead to the attribution of honours.

Teaching tools

Blackboard; video projector; PC; Internet access; computer lab; software [particularly Excel (Microsoft), WZgrapher, GeoGebra].

Links to further information

http://angelofabbri.altervista.org/

Office hours

See the website of Angelo Fabbri

See the website of Chiara Cevoli