Presentation

The Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences is certainly one of the most complex institutes within the University as it comprises different scientific and research areas that are in some ways similar, but also very different, spanning from mathematics to chemistry, from physics to information science, from geology to biology and biotechnology, from natural sciences to astronomy, from the environmental science to conservation and restoration of the cultural heritage.

What are the common denominators that allow so many subjects to coexist "under the same roof"? Certainly one of these is scientific methodology, that is the precise systemic methodology used in dealing with the research activity in these fields, using models and the experimental procedures as the normal analytical method. In addition, these disciplines are traditionally based on the so-called "basic science", devoted to enhancing human knowledge and not just "limited" to the development of technological applications. The existence of close-knit direct interactions between the various scientific areas is undeniable, not just in relation to Mathematics, the "mother of all the sciences", but also, for example, between Chemistry, Biology and Geology, or between Computer Science and all the other disciplines.

The Faculty's broad teaching provision is therefore entirely justified by the numerous studies and skills that are developed within it. We should also underline that, as high teaching standards cannot exist without close ties with scientific activities, in our Faculty teaching is wholly designed and delivered within the single Departments. The Departments are chiefly devoted to the organisation of scientific activities, but have also a primary role in the training of our students. The Faculty Departments are seven altogether: the Department of Astronomy, the Department of Experimental Evolutionary Biology, the Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", the Department of Physics, the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Geological and Geomineralogical Sciences, the Department of Computer Sciences, and the Department of General Pathology. The Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Sciences based in Ravenna is also a Faculty department. In these pages, you will find further details on the specific teaching activities.

The Dean of Faculty