Elements of Economics and Statistics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce students to jargon and basic principles of economics and statistical sciences. The module of Economics is meant to explain laws describing behavior and interaction among economic agents (families and firms) at micro level (microeconomics). The module of statistics introduces descriptive statistics and treats some topics of inferential statistics.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will be able to understand and manage economic information concerning issues on supply and demand of agri-food and catering markets, reported both by newspapers and by economics and food science reviews. Students will be able to correctly understand and represent statistical data both in tabulation and in diagram.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Economics- Introducing Economics - What do economists study? Different economic systems. The nature of economic reasoning. Supply and Demand - Demand. Supply. Price and output determination. The control of prices. Markets in Action - Elasticity. The time dimension. Agriculture and agricultural policy. Background to Demand - Marginal utility theory. Indifference analysis. Background to Supply - The short-run theory of production. Costs in the short run. The long-run theory of production. Costs in the long run. Revenue. Profit maximization. Profit Maximising Under Perfect Competition and Monopoly - Alternative market structures. Perfect competition. Monopoly. The theory of contestable markets. Profit Maximising under Imperfect Competition - Monopolistic competition. Oligopoly. Game theory. Price discrimination.
Statistics - Language of statistics. Graphical representation of data. Numerical description of data. Bivariate data analysis. Probability. Random variables and probability distribution. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing.
Statistics - Language of statistics. Graphical representation of data. Numerical description of data. Bivariate data analysis. Probability. Random variables and probability distribution. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of algebra and analytic geometry is required, including percentage calculations, graphical representation of linear functions and solution of simple systems of linear equations. These competencies facilitate the understanding of the quantitative topics covered in the course.
Teaching methods
Teaching activities include lectures and practical exercises aimed at developing knowledge and analytical skills in economics and statistics. Additional self-assessment activities and online exercises, managed by the lecturer through digital platforms associated with the reference textbooks, are assigned during the course.
Practical exercises allow students to apply theoretical concepts to problem solving and to the interpretation of economic and statistical data. Students who successfully complete the online activities with at least 70% correct answers may obtain up to 2 additional points on the final grade, provided that they achieve a passing mark in the final examination.
Attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.
Practical exercises allow students to apply theoretical concepts to problem solving and to the interpretation of economic and statistical data. Students who successfully complete the online activities with at least 70% correct answers may obtain up to 2 additional points on the final grade, provided that they achieve a passing mark in the final examination.
Attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Economics: Sloman, J., Wride J, Garrat D. Economics, Pearson.
Statistics: Pelosi M. K. e Sandifer T. M. (2009). Elementary statistics from Discovery to Decision, McGraw-Hill.
Statistics: Pelosi M. K. e Sandifer T. M. (2009). Elementary statistics from Discovery to Decision, McGraw-Hill.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Student learning is assessed through a final written examination lasting 90 minutes.
The examination consists of:
· approximately 30 true/false questions;
· approximately 30 multiple-choice questions;
· three numerical exercises (two in statistics and one in economics);
· one open-ended question in economics.
The examination is designed to assess:
· knowledge and understanding of the main economic and statistical concepts;
· ability to apply quantitative methods to problem solving;
· ability to interpret economic and statistical data;
· correct use of disciplinary terminology.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and is based on the accuracy of answers, the ability to apply the methods learned, and the quality of the discussion provided in the open-ended question.
Students with specific learning disabilities or disabilities are invited to contact the lecturer at least 10 days before the examination date to arrange any necessary accommodations, copying [email protected] or [email protected] as appropriate.
The examination consists of:
· approximately 30 true/false questions;
· approximately 30 multiple-choice questions;
· three numerical exercises (two in statistics and one in economics);
· one open-ended question in economics.
The examination is designed to assess:
· knowledge and understanding of the main economic and statistical concepts;
· ability to apply quantitative methods to problem solving;
· ability to interpret economic and statistical data;
· correct use of disciplinary terminology.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and is based on the accuracy of answers, the ability to apply the methods learned, and the quality of the discussion provided in the open-ended question.
Students with specific learning disabilities or disabilities are invited to contact the lecturer at least 10 days before the examination date to arrange any necessary accommodations, copying [email protected] or [email protected] as appropriate.
AGRI-01/A - Agricultural and Food Economics, and Rural Appraisal - University credits: 8
Exercises: 16 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Professor:
Raimondi Valentina Maria Paola
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Raimondi Valentina Maria PaolaProfessor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Lecturer’s office – 1st floor, DESP (via Celoria)