Current Courses · 2025–2026
First Cycle (Undergraduate)
00686 · 8 CFU
Analytical Mechanics (A–L)
First cycle degree in Physics · Bologna campus
From a recap of Newtonian mechanics to the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations: the course covers the rigorous mathematical framework of classical physics, including phase space analysis, variational principles, canonical transformations, Noether's theorem, small oscillations, central fields and Kepler's problem, and the rigid body.
Second Cycle (Graduate)
77802 · 6 CFU
Complex Systems
Second cycle degree in Science of Climate · Bologna campus · Sep–Dec 2025
An introduction to dynamical systems theory with a strong emphasis on deterministic chaos and predictability: stability analysis via linearization and Lyapunov functions, ergodic theory, hyperbolicity, attractors, bifurcations, and the statistical description of deterministic systems. A companion module addresses data assimilation and emergent self-organization in complex physical, biological, and social systems.
99512 · Module 2
Statistical Physics for Climate Science
Second cycle degree in Science of Climate · Bologna campus · Sep–Dec 2025
A two-module course covering the mathematical foundations of probability — probability spaces, random variables, limit theorems including the Central Limit Theorem, and Bayes' theorem — followed by an introduction to classical statistical mechanics: thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, microcanonical and canonical ensembles, and applications to paradigmatic models relevant to climate science.
Collegio Superiore (School of Excellence)
C7690 · 1 CFU
Conterintuitive Results in Probability and Related Sciences
Ordinary Programs of the Collegio Superiore · Bologna campus · Mar 2026
A seminar exploring celebrated paradoxes and counterintuitive phenomena in probability, statistics, and related sciences. Starting from a rigorous introduction to the foundations of probability theory, the course examines striking examples that confound common sense — discussing their cognitive and social dimensions, and stressing the importance of a precise logical-mathematical framing of any problem.
Most Frequently Taught Courses · Bologna (before A.Y. 2022/23)
Graduate (MSc Mathematics)
76304 · 6 CFU
Information Theory and Complexity
Second cycle degree in Mathematics (cod. 8208 / 5827) · Bologna campus · Taught 6 times: 2015/16, 2017/18–2021/22
Foundations of information theory: entropy of partitions and random variables, joint and conditional entropies, relative entropy, mutual information, and the Shannon-McMillan-Breiman theorem for i.i.d. and stationary processes. Applications to data compression: Kraft inequality, optimal codes, Huffman and Shannon-Elias-Fano codes, universal codes, algorithms LZ78 and LZW. Introduction to Kolmogorov algorithmic complexity: Turing machines, universal computation, the halting problem, and Chaitin's numbers.
Undergraduate (BSc Mathematics)
28360 · 7 CFU
Mathematical Physics 1
First cycle degree in Mathematics (cod. 8010) · Bologna campus · Taught 5 times: 2010/11–2014/15
An introduction to the physical and mathematical foundations of classical mechanics for mathematics students. Using elementary physical phenomena as motivation, the course develops core analytical tools — limits, derivatives, integrals, and vector calculus — in a scientific context. Topics include one-dimensional kinematics, harmonic motion, Newtonian dynamics, and an introduction to the scientific method, with the dual goal of familiarizing students with classical physics and illuminating the original motivations behind fundamental mathematical definitions.
Architecture · Single-Cycle Degree (Cesena campus)
00674 · 8 CFU · Module 1
Mathematics — Module 1: Calculus I
Single-cycle degree in Architecture (cod. 0881) · Cesena campus · Taught 5 times: 2016/17–2020/21
First module of a two-semester integrated mathematics course for architecture students. Covers single-variable calculus: functions of a real variable, limits and continuity, differential calculus and its applications (relative and absolute extrema, graph sketching), and integral calculus. The second module (Linear Algebra and Geometry, taught by a colleague) covered first-order ODEs, linear algebra, and three-dimensional analytic geometry.
70463 · 4 CFU
Fundamentals of Mathematics II
Single-cycle degree in Architecture (cod. 0881) · Cesena campus · Taught 5 times: 2016/17–2020/21
A follow-up mathematics course for architecture students, extending calculus to several variables. Topics include differential calculus for vector-valued functions and arc length; differential and integral calculus for scalar functions of several real variables; free and constrained optimization; and elementary second-order linear ODEs, with applications to areas, volumes, and moments.
Chemistry (Bologna campus)
15578 / 16954 · Module 2
Mathematics II / Mathematics 2
First cycle degree in Chemistry · Bologna campus · Taught 4 times: 2006/07–2009/10
Second module of the integrated two-semester course "Mathematics (I.C.)" for Chemistry students. The course covered standard Calculus 2 topics: linear algebra (vectors, linear independence, matrices, determinants, and linear transformations) and multivariable calculus (functions of several real variables, limits and continuity, partial derivatives, optimization of functions of several variables, and multiple integrals).

Teaching in the United States (1996–2006)

Courses taught at Rutgers University, SUNY Stony Brook, and Stevens Institute of Technology, covering topics from calculus to advanced topics in mathematical physics and dynamical systems.

View US Teaching Archive →
Teaching
Philosophy

I believe that as academics, we should value teaching as deeply as we do our research. It requires genuine effort and intentionality, not just because our students deserve it, but because it is fundamental to the long-term growth of science. By prioritizing how we share knowledge, we ensure that our field remains sustainable and continues to contribute to the common good.

I also care deeply about outreach: the belief that the beauty and importance of mathematics and physics should not be the business of specialists only. On the contrary, it is the responsibility of the scientific community to share this treasure and let a wider population benefit from it.