Insegnamento a.a. 2017-2018

Classes: 23 (I sem.)

Instructors:
Class 23: LORENZO PECCATI

The modern approach to social sciences combines the traditional qualitative analysis typically suggested by a historic-philosophical perspective with a quantitative approach through models requiring basic notions of linear algebra and (infinitesimal) calculus. The course intuitively presents these notions. Some use of mathematical software is made and several indications about the relevance of the various topics for economics, politics and other social sciences are offered. The students are expected to receive from the course

• Clear and precise concepts and their relevance for applications.
• Results, which are relevant for the social sciences.
• Ability to handle elementary examples.
• Ability to construct and to analyze simple models.
  

• Linear algebra: vectors and matrices with applications.
• Linear algebra: solution of linear algebraic systems with applications.
• Differential calculus: basic notions (derivative, differential) both for functions of one and of several variables.
• Basic static optimization, both unconstrained and constrained, with applications.
• Integral calculus: definite and indefinite integrals.
• Simple ordinary differential equations: solution and qualitative analysis with applications.
• Discrete dynamic models with applications.

The final mark is the sum of partial marks, obtained through

• 4 individual homework assignments during the course [max 4 points].
• 2 written partial exams or a general written exam [max 13 points].
• 1 class assignment on modeling with MATHCAD.
• 1 oral exam consisting of two questions [max 13 points].
  

30 cum laude is obtained with 31 points.

There are not different assessment method/exam program between attending and not attending students.

• M. D’AMICO, L. PECCATI, Math for Social Sciences, Milano, Egea, 2017.
• Materials available on Blackboard platform.
  

Elementary algebra (monomials, polinomials, equations of the 1st and 2nd degree). Elementary analytic geometry (straight lines, parabolas, circles).