The course of "Mathematics and principles of statistics" aims at providing students with the basic tools of mathematical analysis and statistics in order to be able to study, analyze and discuss real situations and phenomena through the use of mathematical models and statistical tools.
With specific reference to the Dublin Descriptors, the learning objectives are set out as follows:

Knowledge understanding : at the end of the course, students will acquire specific knowledge on the methodologies of mathematical and statistical analysis to read, describe, specify and interpret a real phenomenon through technical tools of mathematical and statistical nature. With reference to the topics of mathematical analysis, students will develop methodological knowledge and will be provided with the basic tools to study linear and transcendental functions both through the study of limits and of differential calculus; they will also be able to elaborate real problems through the use of linear algebra and matrix calculus. As far as the notions of statistics are concerned, the aim of the course is to provide students with the methodological knowledge and the ability to use methods and tools for: a) the descriptive analysis of data; b) the introduction to the study of phenomena under conditions of uncertainty, through the notions of probability theory and random variables; c) the study of relationships between variables both from a descriptive point of view and an introduction to modelling through linear functions.

Applying knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course, students will have acquired methodological knowledge and analytical skills and will be able to autonomously interpret analyses and empirical researches on the most relevant areas of intervention, also applied, relevant and related to the degree course. Students will be able to: i) evaluate the results of empirical analyses; consider the appropriateness of the mathematical and statistical methodologies used; identify any limitations of the analyses carried out and consider the use of alternative approaches;.

Making judgements: the course is aimed at encouraging a critical approach to the use of different approaches, methods and techniques for mathematical-statistical modelling and data analysis for the interpretation of phenomena applied in the fields of interest of the degree course. Students: i) will develop critical skills on the use of various methods in relation to the analysis objectives of the phenomenon under study; ii) will be able to evaluate the contribution of a specific mathematical and data analysis methodology to the study of real phenomena, including complex ones; iii) will develop the ability to coherently integrate the contribution provided by quantitative analysis methods with the student's interdisciplinary skills.

Communication skills: students will have developed specific skills to communicate unambiguously and clearly the analysis scheme adopted for the empirical study and to model, through mathematical analysis and statistics, real phenomena. The ability to communicate effectively will also be validated through the verification of logical-argumentative and synthesis skills.

Learning skills: the teaching methodologies used during the course and the use of learning verification methods focused on the study of real functions and analysis of problems based on the study of empirical distributions will contribute to strengthen the students' ability of autonomy of judgement and the development of self-learning skills.