Statistics, Data Intelligence, and the Foundations of the Sciences (SDIFS)

General Description

The Center for Philosophy, Science, and Policy (CPSP) at the Marche Polytechnic University invites applications for the Master in “Statistics, Data Intelligence, and the Foundations of the Sciences”

The Master aims to fill a gap in the Data Science and STEM fields by integrating theoretical tools and empirical methods for an educated approach to data analysis, scientific experimentation, use of simulation tools in scientific inference and forecasting, as well as evaluation of evidence for policy purposes. The uniqueness of the Master’s training offer is linked to three aspects:

  1. The integration of courses on advanced data analysis and inferential techniques (machine learning, deep learning, AI), as well as tutorials on some of the most widespread data processing tools (Python, STATA, R, Matlab), with courses dedicated to the foundations of the scientific method, epistemology, and philosophy of science. A particular focus is directed towards the theoretical foundations of the scientific methods.
  2. Emphasis on the distinction between pure “truth-conducive” aims and strategic goals at play in scientific practice. Formal analysis of strategic interactions in the scientific ecosystem as well as political and economic analysis of science in society. Identification of the various scientific sub-systems (scientific, governmental, socio-economic institutions and society at large) and their joint work within broader socio-economic structures.
  3. Policy-making and the role of scientific evidence in decision-making, both personal and collective, with particular attention to the debate on the so-called “Evidence-based policy” and the related political and civil implications.

The Master is aimed at students and scholars from both the human sciences and STEM disciplines, but also at professionals who want to enrich their skills in the field of data analysis, science epistemology, and evidence-based policy.

The master is fully in English and takes one year to complete.

The master allows for enrollment as a regular student or an auditor. Regular students are required to attend 70% of the lectures in person and receive a master degree after successful completion of the program. Auditors are not obligated to attend lectures in person and receive a certificate of participation instead of the degree. Course materials such as video recordings of the lectures will be available online. There will also be opportunities for online interactions, including Q&A sessions.

Extended deadline for application: 15th of July

The deadline to submit the application for this year has passed, but a new call for applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will soon be open and we are accepting informal expressions of interest on an ongoing basis. Please send your expression of interest to: michalpsikorski@gmail.com 

University website of the program (contains forms and admission details): https://www.univpm.it/Entra/Didattica/Master_Universitari/Master_in_Statistics_Data_Intelligence_and_the_Foundations_of_the_Sciences

Regulations: https://www.univpm.it/Entra/Engine/RAServeFile.php/f/REGOLAMENTO_ENG.pdf

Admission regulations (guidelines for application): https://www.univpm.it/Entra/Engine/RAServeFile.php/f/master/2023-2024/Admission_regulations_Master_Statistics_V2_23-24_d.pdf

Guidelines for online registration and enrollment procedure:

https://www.univpm.it/Entra/Engine/RAServeFile.php/f/Guidelines_for_registration_and_enrolment_R.pdf

Venue and time: 

Polytechnic University of the Marche, Ancona, September 2024 – June 2025.

Program

The master is divided into a winter and a summer semester, each consisting of two parts A and B. The first part of the master, part A of the winter semester, starts at the beginning of September 2024.

Part A Winter Semester

CourseLecturerHours
Foundations of the SciencesBarbara Osimani
Epistemology IMichał Sikorski
Epistemology IIAlexander Gebharter
Causation and ProbabilitiesAlexander Gebharter
Tutorial: Introduction to STATA for Data AnalysisRiccardo Cappelli
Tutorial: PYTHONAdriano Mancini
Tutorial: R & MatlabFederico Giri
Risk and Decision-Making for Data Science and AINorman Fenton
The Philosophy of Evolutionary TheoryElliot Sober

Part B Winter Semester

CourseLecturerHours
Foundations of Econometrics IClaudia Pigini
Artificial Intelligence & Logic Programming IAldo Dragoni
Fundamentals of Machine Learning
Bayesian InferenceEric-Jan Wagenmakers
Introduction to EpidemiologyRosaria Gesuita
Principles of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysisMarica Iommi
Experimental Study DesignEdlira Skrami
Study protocol and Sample Size EstimationAndrea Faragalli
Statistical Schools: Concepts of Probability, Statistical Inference, and Data Analysis

Part A Summer Semester

CourseLecturerHours
Bayesian Philosophy of ScienceStephan Hartmann
Formal Epistemology IMichal Sikorski
Formal Epistemology IIAlexander Gebharter
Time-series forecasting with Deep LearningAlessandro Galdelli
Foundations of Econometrics IIClaudia Pigini
Rationality in the SciencesBarbara Osimani
Beyond Inferential Statistics: Abduction and Q MethodologyRaffaele Zanoli
Causal InferenceAlexander Gebharter

Part B Summer Semester

CourseLecturerHours
Imprecise Probabilities
Rational Choice Theory
Economics of Science and TechnologyNicola Matteucci
Economics of Regulation in Science-Based DomainsNicola Matteucci
Artificial Intelligence & Logic Programming IIAldo Dragoni
Time Series EconometricsGiulio Palomba
Integrity of ResearchAndrea Saltelli
Ethics of QuantificationAndrea Saltelli
Questionnaire development: How to collect data from surveys. Do’s and Don’tsSimona Naspetti

The City

Ancona is a captivating city situated along the stunning Adriatic coast, renowned for its abundance of natural and cultural splendor, as well as its exceptional cuisine and wines. It is conveniently located in central Italy and is well connected via public transport, making it a perfect starting point for trips to both northern and southern Italy. For more information, please visit https://anconatourism.it/en/.

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