Outline of science communication, problems related to popularisation, both in presence and through media. The uncertainty on scientific results (both experimental and theoretical). Probability theory as the logic of the unknown. Uses and abuses of statistics. Modelling phenomena: virtues and shortcomings of models. Examples: models of growth, of epidemic, etc. Science as a public undertaking. Evaluating scientific papers. Consensus building. Open access: the example of arXiv. Some major scientific topics and their popularisation: energy, climate, etc.

The experimental method. Theory of measurement. Features of scientific instruments. Descriptive statistics. Uncertainty evaluation for direct measurements. Elements of probability theory. Limiting distribution and the Gaussian distribution. Probability distributions for discrete and continuous random variables. Properties of the Gaussian distribution. Computer practice on probability distributions. Moments, quantiles and percentiles of probability distributions. The Gaussian test for the comparison between two measurements. Chi-squared test. Introduction to le least squares method, application to the linear regression. Uncertainty evaluation for indirect measurements. Confidence intervals and Student’s correction. The binomial distribution. The Poisson distribution. Correlations, linear correlation coefficient and covariance. Laplace model for random measurement errors. The maximum likelihood principle and the derivation of the least squares method. LABORATORY PRACTICE: Introductive experiments: 1) measuring the period of a simple pendulum, 2) measuring the speed of sound. Mechanics experiments: 1) Accelerated motion, 2) Sliding friction, 3) Stiffness constant of a spring, 4) Measuring g with Kater’s pendulum, 5) Density measurements. Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics experiments: 1) Calorimetry measurements, 2) Law of cooling and phase transitions, 3) Gas laws, 4) Measuring surface tension, 5) Measuring viscosity and fluid dynamic drag.

Introduction to the course. Units of measure. Size of physical quantities. Vectors algebra. Scalar and vector. Kinematic: motion in one or more dimensions. The motions in the plane. Dynamics. Work and energy. Rotational kinematics. Rotational Dynamics. Solid body statics. Elasticity. Wave mechanics. Acoustics. Ideal fluids. Motion of the ideal fluids. Real fluids. Surface phenomenon. Temperature and Heat. Heat propagation. Kinetic gas theory. The laws of thermodynamics. Heat machines. Thermodynamic functions.

Elements, compounds, mixtures, formulas. The Avogadro constant and the mole concept. Elements of stoichiometry. Structure of the atom: nucleus, isotopes, radioactivity. The atomic theory: atomic spectra, the Bohr model, many-electron atoms. The periodic table and periodic properties of the elements. Basic concepts of the chemical bond: Lewis theory, shape of molecules using the VSEPR model. Models of covalent bonding. Ionic and metallic bond. Intermolecular forces, states of matter and their main properties. The solutions and their properties: solubility, vapor pressure, osmotic pressure. The chemical reactions and the chemical equation: balancing a chemical reaction. Thermodynamics: enthalpy, entropy and free energy. The principles of chemical equilibrium; the equilibrium state and the equilibrium constant; the response of equilibria to changes in conditions. Acid-base equilibria. Solubility equilibria. Electrochemistry: redox reactions and oxidation states; standard potentials and equilibrium constants. Chemical kinetics: rate law and reaction orders; activation energy; reaction mechanisms; catalysis.

The course aims to provide the basic notions of vector and matrix calculus and of differential and integral calculus for functions of several real variables. The main topics that will be covered in this course are the following: vector spaces and basis, operations between vectors, matrices and operations between matrices, linear systems, linear applications, eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors, diagonalization of symmetric operators, numerical series, partial derivation, multiple integration, line and surface integrals, differential and potential forms, Gauss-Green, divergence and curl formulas.

Vector spaces and basis, operations between vectors, matrices and operations between matrices, linear systems, linear maps, eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors, diagonalization of symmetric operators.

The course aims to provide the basic notions of differential and integral calculus for functions of several real variables. The main topics that will be covered in this course are the following: numerical series, partial derivation, multiple integration, line and surface integrals, differential and potential forms, Gauss-Green, divergence and curl formulas.

Basics on set theory. Numeric sets, construction of the real numbers, complex numbers. Functions, composition between functions, injectivity, surjectivity, bijectivity, invertibility, cardinality of a set. Real sequences, limit of a sequence and classical theorems. Limit of a real function of one real variable; right limit and left limit; classical theorems. Continuity for real functions of one real variable; basic properties and classical results. Differential Calculus for real functions of one real variable; fundamental theorems. Local maxima and minima; monotonicity of a function and first derivative; convex and concave functions and second derivative. Riemann integral: classical theorems and integral calculus. Numeric series and power series. Basics on ordinary differential equations.

The course will deal with content and problems related to basic skills that are required to face the DiSIT first year courses. Scientific texts, that include mathematical representations and notations, will be analyzed and problem solving activities will be carried out. In particular they will be studied: 1) Some fundamental features of scientific texts. 2) Different representations of number and measures. 3) Algebraic notations proprieties. 4) Graphic representations of phenomena

1. present tenses 2. past tenses 3. the future 4. passive form 5. modal verbs 6. questions 7. verb structures 8. indirect speech 9. hypothetical sentence 10. nouns, articles and pronouns 11. prepositions, phrasal verbs 12. adjectives and adverbs 13. sentence structure 14. vocabulary

Coulomb’s law and electric field; Gauss’s law; Electric potential; Conductors, capacitance and dielectrics; Current and resistance; Direct current circuits. Magnetic field; Magnetic force; Sources of the magnetic field; Ampère’s law; Magnetic properties of materials. Variable fields and electromagnetic induction: self- and mutual-inductance; Electrical oscillations and alternating currents. Maxwell equations and electromagnetic waves. Derivation of light’s propagation laws and applications: Reflection and refraction; Geometrical optics; Interference; Diffraction. Introduction to special relativity and relativistic transformations of electric and magnetic fields. Photoelectric effect and corpuscular nature of light. Gender integration: the importance of gender integration in research, teaching programs and training will be discussed.

PROBABILITY AND STATISTIC: - Basic probability theory: fundamental axioms, space with equally likely outcomes and combinatorics, conditional probability, Bayes' formula - Random variables: discrete and continuous variables, most relevant variables, independent variables, expected value - Limit theorems: law of large numbers, central limit theorem - Basic inferential statistics: sample statistics, maximum likelihood estimators, hypothesis testing NUMERICAL METHODS: The course provides notions on error analysis, finite precision number system and arithmetic, efficient methods for the solution of systems of linear. The course also approaches the main issues related to function approximation and numerical integration. Finally, the use of the OCTAVE software from the command window and by using M-files is presented.

- Basic probability theory: fundamental axioms, space with equally likely outcomes and combinatorics, conditional probability, Bayes' formula - Random variables: discrete and continuous variables, most relevant variables, independent variables, expected value - Limit theorems: law of large numbers, central limit theorem - Basic inferential statistics: sample statistics, maximum likelihood estimators, hypothesis testing

The course provides notions on error analysis, finite precision number system and arithmetic, efficient methods for the solution of systems of linear. The course also approaches the main issues related to function approximation and numerical integration. Finally, the use of the OCTAVE software from the command window and by using M-files is presented.

Rational Mechanics. Lagrangian formalism. Symmetries and conservaiton laws. Hamiltonian formalism and canonical transformations. Function spaces. Fourier series. Fourier and Laplace transform. Generalized functions and Dirac delta function. Fourier analysis of generalized functions. Applications to partial differential equations.

0 - Recalls of mechanics and thermodynamics from physics I and physics II courses. 1 - Introduction to statistical mechanics and statistical variables. 2 - Classical statistical mechanics: the Gibbs ensembles. The microcanonical ensemble: Connection with thermodynamics. Entropy formula. Examples and applications of the microcanonical ensemble. Gibbs' paradox and its resolution. The canonical set: Partition function and Helmoltz free energy. Examples and applications of the canonical set. Nernst's theorem. The gran-canonical set: The gran-canonical partition function. Examples and applications of the gran-canonical set. 3 - Introduction to quantum statistical mechanics. The density matrix. Examples and applications for one-particle systems. The density matrix of the harmonic oscillator. Systems of identical particles: Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics. The density matrix for N free particles. Quantum ideal gases. 4 - Atomic physics: Physics of many-electron atoms -. Helium atom and independent electron approximation methods Periodic system of the elements 5 - Molecular Physics: Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Ion-hydrogen molecule and method of molecular orbitals. Ionic bonding. Diatomic and polyatomic molecules. Hybridization. 6- Solid state physics: Periodic crystal structure and reciprocal lattice. Diffraction. Banded structure. Free electron and electrical conductivity in solids.

- The crisis of Classical Physics and the dual wave-particle nature of matter and radiation. - The wave function and the Schrödinger equation. - Plane waves and wave packets. - Coordinate space and momentum space. - Physical quantities and quantum operators: commutation rules, eigenvalue equations. - Measurements in QM, simultaneous measurement of several quantities, uncertainty principle. - Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of momentum and orbital angular momentum operators. - States of a quantum system, stationary states and time evolution. - One-dimensional problems: step potential, potential barrier, potential well, bound states. - Linear harmonic oscillator. - Central problems. - The two-body problem. - Hydrogenoid atoms: eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian. - Dirac formalism. Heisenberg states and operators, Heisenberg's equation of motion. - Symmetries and conservation laws in Quantum Mechanics. - Spin. - Composition rules of angular momenta. Case of two spin 1/2. - Time independent perturbation theory: stationary states with non degenerate and degenerate discrete energy spectra. - Time dependent perturbation theory (basic introduction). - Systems of identical particles, bosons and fermions, Pauli exclusion principle. - Density matrix.

The course is divided into two parts, one of which focuses on grammar and corresponds to the following units from the book Destination B2: Grammar and Vocabulary: (present time: present simple and continuous, present perfect simple and continuous, state verbs) 3 (past time: past simple and continuous, past perfect simple and continuous, would, used to/ be/get used to) 5 (future time/ present tenses in time clauses/ prepositions of time and place) 7 (articles/ countable and uncountable nouns/ quantifiers) 9 (conditionals: zero, first, second, third, mixed, inverted/ unless, in case, as/so long as, provided (that)) 11 (modals: ability, permission, advice, criticism, obligation and necessity, degree of certainty) 13 (the passive/ the causative /direct and indirect objects) 15 (-ing form or infinitive/ prefer, would rather, had better/ infinitive of purpose) 17 (questions/ question tags/ indirect questions) 19 (reported speech/ reported questions/ reporting verbs) 21 (relative clauses / participles) 23 (unreal past, wishes / contrast), and a section on Scientific English, corresponding to the 10 units from the book Cambridge English for Scientists: 1. Getting started in research (planning a career in science, applying for research funding, writing up a résumé or CV, preparing for an interview) 2. The scientific community (communicating with scientific communities, writing a critical review) 3. Finding a direction for your research (doing a literature review, using evidence in arguing a point, taking part in a meeting) 4. Designing an experiment 1 (describing approaches to data collection, designing an experimental set-up, describing material phenomena and forces, making predictions of experimental results) 5. Designing an experiment 2 (describing a process, evaluating the results of an experiment, describing problems with an experiment, keeping a lab notebook) 6. Writing up research 1 (describing states and processes, describing data: numbers/ numerical values, writing up from lab notes) 7. Writing up research 2 (analysing data-statistical analysis, summarising data in visual form, writing captions for figures, describing visual data) 8. Writing up research 3 (organising the results and discussion sections, preparing and writing the results section, preparing and writing the discussion section) 9. Writing up research 4 (writing the introduction, writing the abstract, giving a title to your paper, contacting journals) 10. Presenting research at a conference (giving a paper at a conference, socialising at a conference, presenting a poster)

The Atomic Nucleus – A Brief History of Nuclear Physics. Stable and Unstable Nuclei and Radioactive Decay. Natural Radioactivity. Radiation-Matter Interaction, Heavy Charged Particles and Light Charged Particles. Interaction of Photons with Matter. Interaction of Neutrons with Matter. Energy Transferred to Matter by Radiation and the Different Modes of Energy Transfer. Interaction of Radiation with Biological Tissue. The Effects of Energy Transfer in Biological Tissue. Radiation Detectors and Early Applications to Environmental and Health Physics. Basic Instruments of Diagnostic Radiology. Elements of Environmental and Personal Radiation Protection. Operating Principles and Applications of Fiber Optics in the Medical Field.

The course is divided into 4 modules. The first concerns the economic impacts of sustainability, the second presents some mathematical models for sustainability, the third concerns biological aspects and physiological data analysis, finally the fourth is composed of seminar activities held by experts of sustainability in different fields. Mathematical models module: definition of model and mathematical model, examples of mathematical models applied to energy and economy, choice at the students' pleasure of mathematical models to deepen. Title of the module: Ecological transition and economic implications in the energy sector. Description: The module provides an introduction to the analysis of the economic implications related to the ecological transition in the energy field. The main economic impacts of the change in the energy mix will be examined, with reference to price dynamics, environmental policies and European strategies (e.g. Green Deal). Biological methods module. The educational activities involve interactive frontal lessons and analysis of data and empirical evidence. Methods of visualization of brain activity (MRI and PET) and their use for communication with patients in vegetative state, somatosensory system and cortical control of movement, brain-machine interfaces and interfaces between neurons in culture and actuators also for energy saving (biological computers). Organization of the nervous system. The neuron. The action potential. The synapses. The peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system. The cerebral cortex: anatomical, functional organization and synaptic plasticity. Biophysics of the neuron and theoretical models. The membrane potential: Nernst-Planck equation, Nernst equation, Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. The equivalent electrical circuit of the membrane. Passive membrane properties and cable equations. The Hodgkin-Huxley model. Markov models for ion channels. Integrate-and-Fire models. Investigation techniques. Electrophysiological techniques: the patch-clamp technique. Multi-electrode arrays (MEA). Live-imaging microscopy. Optogenetics.

- Special Relativity: invariance of the speed of light, space and time, Lorentz transformations and their consequences; relativistic paradoxes; - Classical electromagnetism: Maxwell's equations and their transformation properties, covariant formulation of Maxwell's equations; concept of electromagnetic field. - General relativity: equivalence principle; geometry of space-time, connection and curvature; Einstein’s equations; Schwarzschild’s solution and black holes; gravitational waves; elements of cosmology. - Gauge theories and their applications to the physics of fundamental interactions.

For each of the physical constants that will be measured in the laboratory, a historical introduction will be provided on how the constants were defined, the measurement methodologies used, and possible alternative methodologies to those adopted in the course. The evolution of measurement precision will also be discussed, and those obtained in the laboratory will be compared with currently available reference values ​​for all the planned measurements: 1) Measurement of the speed of light using a laser diode and oscilloscope; 2) Measurement of the electron charge; 3) Measurement of the Boltzmann constant; 4) Measurement of the Planck constant using various LEDs; 5) Measurement of the temperature T and extrapolation 6) Measurement of the muon lifetime

1) History of physics. The “new physics” between the 19th and 20th centuries: eletrons, radiation, radioactivity. The electrodynamics of moving bodies and special relativity. The reality of atoms. Atomic models. The old quantum theory, from Planck to de Broglie. Quantum mechanics from its birth to maturity, 1925-1935. 2) Physics teaching. The physics curriculum in secondary schools Experimental proposals. The teaching of modern physics. The historical dimension in physics teaching. In-depth analysis of some conceptual issues. Analysis of physics textbooks.

Basic concepts of photovoltaic and wind power generation. Techniques for measuring efficiency of photovoltaic cells and modules. Simulation of photovoltaic systems. Laboratory evaluation of solar panel characterization with self-built and commercial equipment. Field measurements of solar radiation. Principles of electrical characterization (I-V, C-V and other) of semiconductor devices. Laboratory electrical characterization of semiconductor devices, both discrete and on wafer. General principles of the MonteCarlo method; introduction to the physics of fourth-generation nuclear fission reactors; computer practice on MonteCarlo methods for the simulation of the propagation of neutrons and photons in a nuclear reactor.

Basic concepts on technological networks: electricity network, railway, gas network, district heating, water distribution network. Analytical representation of voltages and currents in sinusoidal alternating current circuits. Basic knowledge of three-phase alternating current systems: star and delta connections; single-phase equivalent circuit; structure of a low voltage distribution network with MV/LV transformer, line and load. Power factor correction for an inductive load. Structure of the national electricity system: generation, transmission, distribution and utilization. Determination of the voltage level based on the maximum power of the user. Global frequency regulation and local regulation of the RMS value of the mains voltage. Daily load curves and generation share with renewable energy sources and fossil fuels. From the centralized grid to the smart grid. Structure and operating principle by means of appropriate equivalent circuits of: three-phase AC static machines (transformer) and rotating electric machines (synchronous and asynchronous); electronic DC-DC and DC-AC converters for grid connection of photovoltaic generators and variable-speed wind turbines; transmission/distribution lines (pi-greek models for long lines and for short lines) and protection components (power circuit breakers, equipped with relays, and fuses); photovoltaic and wind systems, connected to the grid in order to obtain their best integration, based on geographical location and through storage systems. Frequency regulation with the active power-frequency control; regulation of the RMS voltage with the reactive power-voltage control. Management, when fully operational, of the electricity transmission system through the modeling of meshed transmission networks with a large number of nodes or radial distribution networks (node potential method for the solution of the load flow problem or power flow problem). Thermal and environmental part: gas networks and thermal networks; environmental sustainability issues; carbon cycle; global, European, national energy needs. Environmental impact of energy production and transport systems: chemical emissions, thermal effects, noise, electromagnetic compatibility.

Semiconductor materials and the limits of classical physics -Crystal structure and covalent bonding - Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors - Lattice vibrations and phonons - Energy bands in semiconductors -Effective mass -Statistics of charge carriers - Charge transport: drift and diffusion - Thermal out-of-equilibrium semiconductors - Magnetostransport and transport in nanostructured semiconductors - Optical properties of semiconductors - p-n junction - Metal Semiconductor junction - Heterojunctions.