Mathematics

The course is designed to review the basic mathematical knowledge required for solving problems and performing quantitative analysis in the economic and social sciences. The topics covered by the course include a refreshment of algebra and the solution of systems of linear equations, the study of functions, including limits, derivatives, simple integrals, the analysis of functions with two variables to address problems of constrained optimization, and linear approximation with Taylor series.

At the end of the course, students will master the fundamental mathematical tools used in the quantitative approach to the social sciences, and understand what they represent in real life situation. They will know how to analyse simple functions in order to answer to economic and political optimization problems, and will possess the mathematical competences for tackling the more complex statistical problems offered in econometric and polymetric courses.