The course is aimed at the acquisition of the principles of analysis of regionalized variables and discrete time series, addressed to a geological-stratigraphic and paleoclimatic context. The course also aims at mastering the main numerical analysis tools and provides numerous practical examples with the help of a standard programming language for data analysis. The numerical analysis principles in this course have potential applications in many other fields and are an important tool for quantitative analysis.

The course will have a practical and computer-aided approach to the following topics :

1.     Introduction to geostatistics

1.1.   Geostatistical model

1.2.   Empiric semivariogram

1.3.   Parametric model of semivariogram

1.4.   Regional detrend

1.5.   Anisotropy

1.6.   Ordinary Kriging, theory

1.7.   Ordinary Kriging, predictor and variance

1.8.   Universal Kriging, theory

1.9.   Universal Kriging, predictor and variance

2.     Introduction to the time series analysis

2.1.   Introduction to discrete time series

2.2.   Discrete Fourier transform

2.3.   Aliasing

2.4.   Convolution theorem

2.5.   Power spectrum estimate

2.6.   Periodogram

2.7.   Frequency leakage

2.8.   Barlett Method

2.9.   Welch Overlapping Segment Average method (WOSA)

2.10.  Multi Taper Method (MTM).

2.11.  Noise and Signal

2.12.  Introduction to confidence levels

2.13.   Evolutive spectrum

2.14.  Introduction to Wavelets

No compulsory prerequisite, however, to follow profitably the course, the following preliminary knowledge are required:

1. Knowledge of algebra of vectors and matrices.

2. Basic knowledge of programming.

3. Basic knowledge in the use of personal computers.

·  The student must demonstrate the ability to master the numerical analysis methods envisaged by the course program.

·  The student must demonstrate the understanding of the concepts and theories provided by the course; be able to independently analyze complex data sets choosing the appropriate tools for specific cases; be able to write short data analysis programs; be able to assess the significance of the results.

·  The student must demonstrate possession of the ability to use knowledge and concepts that will allow him/her to reason according to the logical specificity of the discipline. In particular, he/she should be able to identify the analysis method appropriate to the contexts and to propose hypotheses of analysis of non trivial cases.

·  The student must show that he is able to communicate his knowledge, ideas and possible problems, clearly and using language properties.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Class lessons and exercises.

Autonomous implementation of simulation projects.

Attendance

Not required

Course books

1) Handbook of spatial statistics / [edited by] Alan E. Gelfand ... [et al.].
p. cm. -- (Chapman & Hall/CRC handbooks of modern statistical methods)

Assessment

Realization of a simulation project.  The project must be completed within a maximum time of two weeks.

The evaluation criteria consist of  the number of requirements actually implemented; the quality of the implementation; the correctness of the validity analysis of the results.

Subsequent oral exam will starts from the discussion of the project and is aimed to verify the knowledge on all other aspects of the program.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Same as attending students

Attendance

Same as attending students

Course books

Same as attending students

Assessment

Same as attending students

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.