REALMATHS DOUBLE MSC • INTERMATHS NETWORK

INTERMATHS ERASMUS MUNDUS FULL PARTNER

University of L'Aquila (UAQ), Italy

www.univaq.it

At present UAQ counts over 20,000 students, around 650 teachers and researchers, and nearly 500 administrative and technical staff members. Officially established in 1952 (but its origins date back to the 16th century), UAQ has now 7 departments offering a wide range of Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes in biotechnologies, sciences, economics, engineering, education, humanities, medicine, psychology, and sport sciences. Internationalisation has played an increasingly important role at UAQ. The Engineering and the Sciences Faculties have a strong tradition of research in the area of Mathematical Modelling. The Dept of Pure and Applied Math has rich experience in managing International projects (starting in 1996 as coordinator of the FP4 "HCL" TMR , FMRX-CT96-0033). UAQ provides many services for its students, including Career Office, International Relations Office, Quality Assessment Office (of teaching, research and services), Centre for Students with Disabilities, Language Centre, Student Counseling Centre.

Shanghai World Ranking for Mathematics 151-200

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RealMathsConsortium & UAQCoordinator

Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, UAQ Italy

Bruno RubinoProfessor, Vice Rector for International Affairsbruno.rubino@univaq.it

RealMathsDeputyConsortium & UAQ Coordinator

Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, UAQ Italy

Corrado LattanzioProfessor in Mathematical Analysiscorrado.lattanzio@univaq.it

RealMaths Double MSc Degree :: Year 1 in L'Aquila

Campus

University of L'Aquila

Year

1

ECTS Credits

63

Language

English

Semester 1

Applied partial differential equations

Unit Coordinator: Corrado Lattanzio

Aims:

Students will know basic of properties (existence, uniqueness, etc.) and techniques (characteristics, separation of variables, Fourier methods, Green's functions, similarity solutions, etc.) to solve basic PDEs (conservation laws, heat equation, Laplace equation, wave equation).

Content:

Semilinear first order PDE's. Method of characteristics. Partial differential equations of second order. Classification, canonical forms. Well posed problems, IBV problems. The heat equation. Derivation, maximum principle, fundamental solution. Laplace's and Poisson's equations. Maximum principle, fundamental solution and Green's functions. The wave equation. One dimensional equation, fundamental solution and D'Alembert formula. Fundamental solution in three dimensions and strong Huygens' principle, Kirchoff’s formula. Method of descent and solution formula in two dimensions.

Additional info:

http://people.disim.univaq.it/~corrado/

Dynamical systems and Bifurcation theory

Introductory Real Analysis

Unit Coordinator: Rosella Sampalmieri

Aims:

The purpose of this introductory course is to give a uniform background of basic knowledge in mathematical analysis along with a common mathematical language. Indeed, due to the international nature of the course, Students come from different countries, with different study curricula and mathematical training. Furthermore, over the years it has been noted that most of the Students have a training in analysis that is more applied than theoretical (calculus-type courses), which prevents the full understanding of the more theoretical topics addressed in subsequent courses. Therefore numerous fundamental topics, traditionally present in mathematical analysis courses will be resumed and deepened. The Student who has successfully attended the course should be able to easily understand the presentation of more advanced and sophisticated mathematical arguments and proofs and be able to apply the theory to the proposed problems
On successful completion of this course, the Student should
1-have a clear understanding of the basic notions and concepts of the real analysis
2-know and know how to apply the theoretical results learned to the proposed problems
3-understand and consciously reproduce a demonstration

Content:

THE COURSE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

• Functions of real variable
Limits of functions, continuous functions, continuity and compactness, continuity and connection, uniform continuity, discontinuity, monotone functions.

• Derivation in IR
The derivative of a real function, rules of derivation, Taylor's theorem, study of the graph of a function.

• The Riemann integral in IR
Definition and existence of the integral, properties of the integral, integration techniques, improper integrals.

• Functions of several variables
Limits of functions of several variables, continuity, derivability and differentiability, derivatives of higher order, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of local and global extremes, extrema under constrains, implicit function theorem (several versions), vector-valued functions, coordinate transformations.

• Multiple integrals
Double and triple integrals, change of variables in multiple integrals.

• Curves and surfaces
Curves, regular curves, length of a curve, rectifiable curves, path integrals, surfaces, regular surfaces, area of a regular surface, surface integrals.

• Vector fields
Conservative vector fields, Green's formulas, Stokes 'theorem, Gauss' theorem.

• Sequences and series of functions
Pointwise convergence, uniform convergence for sequences and series of functions, total convergence for series of functions.

Pre-requisites:

The prerequisites to this course are the following:
Propositional logic. Propositional calculus.
Sets, set operations, relations, functions. Cardinality of sets, countable sets, uncountable sets. Elementary number sets. Integers and rationals. Induction principle.
More on functions: injective and surjective functions, invertible functions, image and pre-image.
The set of real numbers. Separation axiom, Dedekind cuts. Infimum and supremum. Archimedean property. Complex numbers: cartesian and trigonetric form, basic properties, powers, complex roots, fundamental theorem of algebra.
Introduction to functions of real numbers. Elementary functions: exponential and logarithmic function, trigonometric functions, irrational functions. Monotone functions.
The topology of real numbers: intervals, half lines, open sets, closed sets. The topology of the Euclidean space Rn: balls, open and closed sets. Compact sets in the Euclidean space.
The prerequisites to this course can also be found in the section ''Real Analisys: Foundations ''of the Pre-Master's Foundation Programme (PMFP) in Applied Mathematics whose purpose is homogenising the competencies portfolios of prospective students of the two Master's Programmes in Mathematical Modelling and Mathematical Engineering, in particular in Mathematical Analisys.

Reading list:

-An Introduction to Real Analysis
John K. Hunter,
Department of Mathematics, University of California at Davis

- Calculus of several variables,
Serge Lang,
Yale University,
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company

-Principles of mathematical analysis -W.Rudin - McGraw-Hill 1976

Additional info:

Teaching methods

In addition to the classic lectures, the Students will be involved in informal discussions on the subjects presented, in order to stimulate a deeper understanding. Students will be asked to propose strategies to solve problems and exercises during the lessons. Moreover home-works will be assigned regularly and commented during the classes.
A support tutoring activity is also organized for the students.

Assessment methods

As far as summative assessment is concerned, there will be a written test followed by an oral examination.
There will also be 2/3 optional intermediate written tests, which aim to cover all the different parts of the program, whose passing will be equivalent to passing the written test.
The written tests will focus on both calculus and more theoretical exercises. A written test with a grade of 18/30 is considered sufficient. The oral tests will focus on definitions, statements of theorems and examples. The proof of 10 theorems presented in class will also be required, at the student's choice but within the whole program. The oral exam can add a maximum of 4 points to the mark of the written exam or decrease or cancel this mark if negative.

Control systems

Italian language and culture (level A1)

Semester 2

Functional and Complex Analysis

Unit Coordinator: Mariapia Palombaro, Michele Palladino

Aims:

Knowledge of basic topics of Functional Analysis, functional spaces and Lebesgue integral.
Knowledge of basic topics of complex analysis: elementary functions of complex variable, differentiation, integration and main theorems on analytic functions . Ability to use such knowledge in solving problems and exercises

Content:

Metric spaces, normed linear spaces.
Spaces of continuous functions. Convergence of function sequences. Approximation by polynomials. Compactness in spaces of continuous functions. Arzelà's theorem. Contraction mapping theorem.
Crash course on Lebesgue measure and integration. Limit exchange theorems. Lp spaces. Hilbert spaces.
Introduction to the theory of linear bounded operators on Banach spaces. Bounded operators.
Complex numbers. Sequences. Elementary functions of complex numbers. Limits, continuity. Differentiation. Analytic functions. Harmonic functions.
Contour integrals. Cauchy's Theorem. Cauchy's integral formula. Maximum modulus theorem. Liouville's theorem. Morera's theorem.
Series representation of analytic functions. Taylor's theorem. Laurent's series and classiScation of singularities.
Calculus of residues. The residue theorem. Application in evaluation of integrals on the real line and Principal Value. The logarithmic residue, Rouche's theorem.
Fourier transform for L^1 functions. Applications. Fourier transform for L^2 functions. Plancherel theorem.
Laplace transform and applications.

Pre-requisites:

Knowledge of all topics treated the Mathematical Analysis courses in the first and second year: real functions of real variables, limits, differentiation, integration; sequences and series of funcions; ordinary differential equations

Reading list:

J.E. Marsden, M.J. Hoffman, Basic complex analysis , Freeman New York. -
W. Rudin, Real and complex analysis , Mc Graw Hill.

Additional info:

Teaching methods

Lectures and tutorials

Assessment methods

Written and possibly oral exam

Parallel computing

Parallel computing laboratory

Pick 1 course unit

Combinatorics and cryptography

Unit Coordinator: Riccardo Aragona

Aims:

The course aims to provide the arithmetical and algebraic background and the basic techniques for symmetric cryptography, public-key cryptography and error correction coding. At the end of the course the student should be able to understand the fundamental concepts of modular arithmetic and Snite Selds and to be able to apply them to the study of basic cryptographic techniques and basic error correcting codes described during the course.
On successful completion of this course, the student should
1) have knowledge of the basic techniques of cryptography and error correction codes introduced;
2) understand the fundamental concepts of arithmetic and algebra and their interactions and be aware of their applications in cryptography and coding theory;
3) have knowledge of how to apply the notions of arithmetic and algebra to the study of cryptographic techniques and error correction codes;
4) understand and analyze the mathematical and application problems underlying the cryptographic schemes studied;
5) demonstrate skill in reasoning and arithmetic calculation and ability to understand the proofs of the theoretical and cryptographic results studied;
6) demonstrate ability to read and understand other scientiSc texts on related subjects.

Content:

Overview of Cryptography and attack scenarios.
Elementary arithmetics: Integers, divisibility, prime numbers, Euclidean division and g.c.d., Bezout's Identity, Eucledian Algorithm, Extended Eucledian Algorithm, Congruence classes, Chinese remainder theorem, cyclic and abelian groups, Lagrange theorem, Fermat's Little Theorem, Euler theorem, the structure of invertible classes mod N, Fields with p elements, Primitive Roots, polynomials, Euclidean division and g.c.d., Congruence classes of polynomials, Finite Selds, primitive elements and polynomials.
Introduction to Probability. Probability and Ciphers, Introduction to Shannon Theory, Perfect secrecy, Shannon Theorem, one time pad, Substitution Ciphers.
Symmetric Cryptography, Feistel Networks, Substitution Permutation Networks, Advanced Encryption Standard - Rijandel.
Group generated by a round functions and Imprimitive attack.
Differential cryptanalysis, example of differential cryptanalysis on a small variant of PRESENT.
Public-key Cryptography, Discrete logarithms problem (DLP), Computational Diue-Hellmann Problem (DHP), between DLP and DHP, Diue-Helman Key exchange.
RSA Algorithm, Trial Division, Fermat's test, Miller Rabin Test, AKS primality test, Factoring and factoring-related problems (SQRROOT and RSA Problem), Security of RSA, Coppersmith Theorem, Hastad Attack, Wiener Attack.
Hash function, Digital signatures, RSA signatures, Hashing and signing, DSA.
Error correcting codes, Binary block codes, distance and correction of errors, singleton bound, Hamming bound, Gilbert-Varshamov bound, linear codes, Syndrome decoding, dual codes, Hamming codes, Simplex codes,cyclic codes, Reed-Solomon codes.

Pre-requisites:

Basics of Algebra

Reading list:

1) Trappe and Washington, "Introduction to Cryptography with Coding Theory", second edition, Pearson Pretince Hall, 2006;

2) Smart, "Cryptography made simple", Information Security and Cryptography, Springer, 2016;

3) Heys, "A Tutorial on Linear and Differential Cryptanalysis"

Kinetic theory and stochastic simulations

Pick 1 course unit

Data Analytics and Data Driven Decision

Unit Coordinator: Fabrizio Rossi

Aims:

Learn fundamental techniques to examine raw data with the purpose of drawing data-driven decisions. The course deals with the main methods for supervised and non-supervised learning. Particular attention will be given to the statistical foundations of learning. The most established techniques to extract information from data to orient decisions will be treated both in their theoretical motivations and in their practical details. Open source tools will support the course step by step, providing continuous veriScation of the material.

Content:

Introduction to analytics.

Data collection, cleaning and preprocessing.

Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization.

Statistical inference and regression models.

Optimization formulations of data analysis and learning problems.

Statistical foundations of learning.

Clustering and Principal Component Analysis.

Decision trees - Logic methods.

Support vector machines - Feature selection and extraction.

Methods and tools for supervised learning.

Pre-requisites:

Basic programming skills, introductory statistic.

Reading list:

Python Data Science Handbook. Essential Tools for Working with Data Jake VanderPlas O'Reilly Media (2016)

An Introduction to Statistical Learning Gareth James, Daniela Witten, Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani Springer Texts in Statistics (2015)

An Introduction to R Version 3.4.1 (2017) W. N. Venables, D. M. Smith and the R Core Team

Discrete and continuum mechanics with applications

Pick 1 course unit

Numerical methods for linear algebra and optimisation

Unit Coordinator: Raffaele D'Ambrosio

Aims:

The Aim of this course is to provide the student with knowledge of Numerical Linear Algebra and Numerical Optimisation and ability to analyze theoretical properties and design mathematical software based on the proposed schemes.

On successful completion of this module, the student should

have profound knowledge and understanding of the most relevant numerical methods for Numerical Linear Algebra and Numerical Optimisation and the design of accurate and eucient mathematical software;
demonstrate skills in choosing the most suitable method in relation to the problem to be solved and ability to provide theoretical analysis and mathematical software based on the proposed schemes;
demonstrate capacity to read and understand other texts on the related topics.

Content:

MATRIX FACTORIZATIONS
LU decomposition, Cholesky decomposition. Singular value decomposition and applications (image processing, recommender systems). QR decomposition and least squares. Householder triangularization. Conditioning and stability in the case of linear systems.

EIGENVALUE PROBLEMS
Approximation of the spectral radius. Power method and its variants. Reduction to Hessemberg form. Rayleigh quotient, inverse iteration. QR algorithm with and without shift. Jacobi method. Givens-Householder algorithm. Google PageRank.

ITERATIVE METHODS FOR LINEAR SYSTEMS
Overview of iterative methods. Arnold iterations, Krylov iterations. GMRES. Lanczos method. Conjugate gradient. Preconditioners. Preconditioned conjugate gradient.

NUMERICAL OPTIMISATION
Continuous versus discrete optimization. Constrained and unconstrained optimization. Global and local optimization. Overview of optimization algorithms. Convexity.
Line search methods. Convergence of line search methods. Rate of convergence. Steepest descent, quasi-Newton methods. Step-length selection algorithms. Trust region methods. Cauchy point and related algorithms. Dogleg method. Global convergence. Algorithms based on nearly exact solutions. Conjugate gradient methods. Basic properties. Rate of convergence. Preconditioning. Nonlinear conjugate gradient methods: Fletcher-Reeves method, Polak-Ribiere method.

Pre-requisites:

Basic Numerical Analysis and Linear Algebra.

Reading list:

J. Stoer, R. Bulirsch, Introduction to numerical analysis , Springer. 2002.
J. Nocedal, S. J. Wright, Numerical optimization , Springer. 1999.
A. Quarteroni, R. Sacco, F. Saleri, P. Gervasio, Numerical Mathematics, Springer (2014).

Stochastic Processes

Italian language and culture for foreigners (level A2)

Practical Information about your Year in L'Aquila

Academic Calendar & Term dates

Key Dates	2023/24
Semester 1	25 September - 14 January (PDF Schedule)
Christmas vacation	23 December - 6 January
Semester 1 examinations	15 January - 25 February
Semester 2	26 February - 9 June
Easter vacation	28 March - 2 April
Semester 2 examinations	10 June - 31 July
Re-sit examination period	2 - 13 September
Italian Holidays	1 November, 8 December, 6 April, 25 April, 1 May, 2 June, 10 June, 15 August

Visa information

Applying for an Italian study visa

Non-EU students selected to study at the University of L'Aquila will need to apply for a student visa at the nearest Italian Embassy/Consulate. The visa application requirements and processing time can be lengthy, taking anywhere from a few weeks up to several months. It is very important that you contact the nearest Italian Embassy for information as early as possible in the application process.

Please notice that, before joining our programmes, you will only need to apply for one visa only at an Italian Embassy/Consulate, as Italy is the location for your first semester/year. Afterwards, while you're spending your semester(s) in Italy, you will have the chance to apply for another visa, e.g. a German one if you're spending your Semester 2 in Hamburg, at the Germany Consulate based in Rome.

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Not sure whether or not you need a visa?

Find the nearest Italian consulate/embassy

Web-based visa application on Universitaly.it

Starting from Academic year 2020-2021, the visa application procedure is completely web-based. Non-EU students not living in Italy are requested to pre-enrol using the online platform called UNIVERSITALY. Once your pre-enrolment request on Universitaly.it has been approved by the University of L'Aquila, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will have to get in contact with the local Italian Diplomatic-consular mission for the visa request process. Please note that the university confirmation email does not automatically imply the issue of a study visa for you, which is all up to the Diplomatic mission you're in contact with, instead.

Pre-Enrol on Univeristaly.it

Documents required

Please get in contact with the local embassy/consulate to learn more about the specific requirements they might have in that region.

Passport

valid until 3 months after the expiry of your visa

Admission letter

Previous qualification

Proof of accommodation

See here for more information.

Financial proof

Italian Residence Permit

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If you need a visa to stay in Italy, remember that you will also have to apply for an Italian residence permit within 8 days after arriving in our country. A residence permit is indeed required when a foreigner stays in Italy for longer than three months.
The InterMaths team will assist you with preparing all the required documentation, which includes a couple of forms to be filled in and, among others:

A full copy of your passport (every single page, cover included)

A copy of your health insurance card

Accommodation proof

Financial proof

Enrolment certificate

All you need to do is visit an Italian post office and withdraw the required form known as "kit permesso di soggiorno" ("soggiorno" sounds like "sojjorno"). Then, bring it to campus and we'll fill it in together!
After that, put all the required documents (including blank forms) back in the envelope, visit an Italian post office once again and complete the submission process (including payment of the required fees) with the post office clerks. After that, your application will be submitted to the L'Aquila police station ("questura" in Italian, which sounds like "kuestura") via the post office itself. Note that you may withdraw and drop your application form at any Italian post office, not necessarily the ones in L'Aquila, but the envelope must be addressed to the L'Aquila Questura, as it's the one in charge of the place where you're going to live and study.

At the end of the submission process, the clerk at the post office will hand you out three receipts, which will be considered as your temporary residence permit (always carry a copy with you whenever you're around and drop one to our Registrar's Office to confirm your enrolment).
On such receipts you'll also find the date and time of the appointment fixed for you at the L'Aquila police station (Questura) to complete the rest of the required procedures, which includes an interview for fingerprints (carry with you passport & ID-size photos). Eventually, you'll be summoned for another appointment to collect your final (plastic) permit card - the one you can see on this page.
The whole process will be complete in approximately 2 months (but it might even take longer) and will cost you around 120 euros.

Check the status of your Residence Permit

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Enrolment procedure

After getting to L'Aquila, you'll have to complete your enrolment at the University of L'Aquila, which is the coordinating institution of your MSc programme.
The enrolment process involves a preliminary online phase to be performed on our university info system "Segreteria Virtuale", which is usually taken care of by the InterMaths consortium.
The process consists of:

Account registration
Online pre-enrolment (it has nothing to do with the Pre-Enrolment on Universitaly.it to get a study visa)
Fee payment.

Afterwards, to finalize your online enrolment, you'll have to submit verification of your previous university qualifications. To do so, you'll have to submit ONE of the following certificates:

CIMEA Statements of comparability

CIMEA (ENIC/NARIC network) has implemented a service of certification and comparison of Italian and foreign qualifications. The University of L'Aquila has established an agreement with CIMEA to issue statements quicker and at discounted prices for UAQ prospective students. To take advantage of such advantages, following this link.
Note that you'll only need to request a statement of comparability.

Declaration of Value (DoV)

The DoV is a document providing an official description of your academic certificates, duly legalized by the Consular office of the Italian Embassy in the country where such degree was gained. For specific requirements, please contact the Italian Embassy/Consulate operating in the same area/region as your home university.

Diploma Supplement

You may submit a Diploma Supplement to verify your previous qualification only if it is issued by the institution where you gained your undergraduate degree.

Note that the local Diplomatic-consular mission might still require that you obtain a Declaration of Value (DoV) before they issue your study visa, although our university accepts either CIMEA or Diploma Supplement by now. If that is the case, you will have to go through the DoV request process instead of the CIMEA statements or Diploma Supplement, otherwise you will never obtain any visa from that embassy. And that can be much lenghtier, so make sure you start the whole process in good time in advance.

For further information on this topic, check out the related webpage on the UAQ site: www.univaq.it/international

Insurance

All our students, no matter if they are EU or not, must hold valid insurance covering risks related to health, accidents, death, permanent invalidity, and civil responsibility (including travel assistance) while they are outside their home country.

An insurance card will also be necessary to apply for a residence permit.

Erasmus Mundus (EMJMD) students (either scholarship holders or not)

Prior to their arrival, they will receive from the InterMaths consortium an insurance card covering risks related to health, accidents, death, permanent invalidity, and civil responsibility, as per the minimum requirements set out by EACEA

Other students (enrolled in the RealMaths or MathMods programs).

Non-European students must ensure they hold valid insurance fulfilling the requirements established by local authorities in the country where they will be studying that will enable them to obtain a visa, a residence permit, and enrolment at university. Note that requirements may vary a lot from country to country even within the Schengen area. Generally speaking, such insurance must offer coverage of medical costs for min. 30,000 EUR, as well as risks related to health, accidents, permanent invalidity, urgent health attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or even death, including possible repatriation for medical reasons.
EU students, on the other hand, won't need to purchase any additional private insurance if they don't think they need one, as long as they hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Though you may get an Italian residence permit even by providing cheap insurance, we encourage everybody to ensure that the insurance coverage you are about to purchase is as comprehensive as possible.

Note that some of the options listed below, though officially valid throughout the Schengen area, may not be sufficient to obtain a visa/permit when you are going to spend a semester in another country, in Germany or Austria for instance. Please double-check before completing your purchase for a whole year or more, and contact the related staff at our partners in advance, because in other countries than Italy, they might require that you purchase a more comprehensive one and/or even public health insurance to obtain a visa/permit and even to seek enrolment at their university.

All the below-listed companies offer insurance that complies with the minimum requirements to obtain an Italian residence permit. Once again, though they are all officially valid within the Schengen area, they might not be enough to obtain visa/residence/enrolment in other countries.

AON
[AON 24/7 emergency assistance: # +31 10 448 8260]
Expat & Co
Protrip-World by DrWalter
Waitaly This is the cheapest option BUT note that it is not EACEA compliant (thus, not valid for Erasmus Mundus students), but it is still valid to obtain an Italian residence permit to attend other programmes, like RealMaths for instance.
[Waitaly 24/7 emergency assistance via Europ Assistance # 800046421 (toll free from Italian phones only)
or # +39 0258286966]

Housing options in L'Aquila

Our university hasn't got its own halls of residence, though there is one in town managed by the Abruzzo Regional Agency for Education, aka A.D.S.U. However, as L'Aquila is undergoing huge reconstruction after the 2009 earthquake, we strongly suggest you opt for renting a flat from private owners. The cost per person ranges from 150 to 350 euros per month depending on several factors (e.g. shared or private rooms, utility bills included or not, area). Living near the campus (the area is in a suburb in west L'Aquila known as Coppito) can be cheaper but this means staying on the outskirts away from the city life (events, nightlife, restaurants...).
Lately, a new student hall has opened up in town - it's known as Camplus. It is a private one, with no relation whatsoever with our university, but it is ideally located in the heart of the city centre, it can be booked online in advance and their fares include Wi-Fi, cleaning, maintenance etc. Check out their website to submit your application and find out more.

Please make contact with Aquilasmus - ESN L'Aquila to receive support with finding a place to stay in L'Aquila

Housing Contact Form by Aquilasmus

Camplus is a newly-established hall of residence located right in L'Aquila city centre. It includes single and double ensuites, maintenance, wifi, cleaning, utilities etc. Check out the current selection announcement for more details and the applicaion form.

Camplus Application form

Temporary accommodation in L'Aquila & Useful links

The Aquilasmus staff will typically meet you within a few days after your arrival to help you find a place to stay. For your first days in L'Aquila you may refer to the links below

ADSU Hall of Residence

ADSU (Abruzzo regional agency for education)

Adverts on Univaq.it

Online ADs from private owners available on our university website

FB group

"Cerco/Affitto Casa a L'Aquila!" Facebook group

Bacheca Affittasi/Cercasi alloggio a L'AQUILA

Booking.com

Idealista.it

Rooms for rent - Ads in English

airbnb

Vacation rentals in L'Aquila

Erasmusu.com

Immobiliare.it

Bed & Breakfast in L'Aquila

Vacation rentals in L'Aquila

Periscopio

Subito.it

How to get to L'Aquila

Ideally located in central Italy, L'Aquila is around 110 Km (68 miles) east of Rome and 100 Km (62 miles) west of Pescara. Choose one of the following means of transport to find out more.

By air

The closest international airports are:

01

Rome Fiumicino

main hub, aka Leonardo Da Vinci Airport

02

Rome Ciampino

aka G.B. Pastine Airport

Both airports are connected to L'Aquila by express coach service operated by Gaspari or Flixbus. Read the section below ("By Bus") for further information.
Additional coach services (operated by T.U.A., aka as A.R.P.A. and Itabus) are available from the "Tiburtina train station" (Stazione Tiburtina) located in East Rome. But that means you'll have to first get on a train/bus/undeground from the airport to get to the "Tiburtina train station", which will take you one hour or so, at least. So, we strongly suggest you use the other option above, as those coaches will be departing right from inside the aiport parking area.
Lastly, be informed that a bunch of European cities are also connected to the Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, located at about 100 km to the east of L'Aquila.

Fiumicino Airport Ciampino Airport Abruzzo Airport

By bus

By train

Getting to campus

The University of L'Aquila is made up of several campuses spread over the whole city, each of which with its own focus and identity. To get an overview, check out this interactive map

Our programmes are coordinated and hosted by D.I.S.I.M. (Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics) located on the Coppito campus in via Vetoio - West L'Aquila. The Coppito campus also hosts other departments (biology, chemistry, physics, medicine) and, most notably, the main city hospital (in Italian ospedale). Keep that in mind whenever you will be asking for directions, as everybody knows where the hospital is.

Local buses are operated by A.M.A. For more information and timetable see here

The webpage is in Italian, but all you need to do is enter the word "ospedale" or "Università - Polo Coppito" in the search box.
Number 1 or 2U Bus are very likely the ones you'll need most, as they connect our campus to the bus station at the Hotel Amiternum, the "L'Aquilone" shopping centre, as well as the main terminaus/bus station (known as Collemaggio or Terminal) in the old city centre.

Travel Links

About L'Aquila

The City of L'Aquila in brief

Reasonable cost of living
A town of artistic interest
Safe and quiet but also a lively university town
Direct buses to Rome in little more than 1 hour
Three popular ski resorts nearby as well as three national parks
Sandy beaches at a short distance

L'Aquila is an Italian city with about 70,000 inhabitants and around 20,000 university students. It is the capital of the Abruzzo region and it is conveniently located 100 km (62 miles) east of Rome. The city is on a hill at 720 m (2365 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains, most notably to the north by the Gran Sasso range, which includes the highest peaks (up to 2,900 m) of the Apennines, with several small lakes, trails and mountain climbing routes as well as deep caves. Within the province of L’Aquila there are also two national parks (Parco Nazionale Gran Sasso Monti della Laga and Parco Nazionale della Majella).
The city itself is full of history, traditions, beautiful buildings (like the Spanish Fortress) and churches (most notably, the Collemaggio Basilica). There are also a lot of good restaurants, pubs and places where students get together at night (most remarkably, on Thursdays and Saturdays). The city is also the home of L'Aquila Rugby - this team won the Italian championship five times.
For more practical and historical information about L'Aquila, click here.

Sightseeing information

Living costs

A student will spend approximately 500 euros a month:

around 200-300 euros for accommodation and related expenses (gas, electricity bills, Internet...);
about 300 euros for meals (reduced fares or even free access to canteen available in L'Aquila if you're awarded a Regional Grant), transports (a monthly bus pass in L'Aquila costs around 30 euros), books, sports centres and the like.

Canteen at the Math Department (Coppito campus)

Location: car park of our Department (opposite the "Coppito 1" building, main entrance).
Opening time: 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm Mon-Fri

Main university canteen

Open for lunch and dinner even at week-ends
Location: premises of the ADSU Regional Office (Località Casermette /S.S. 80 – 67100 L’Aquila), at just 2 minute's walking distance from the Hotel Amiternum (first stop for coaches arriving from Rome).

Top Restaurants in L'Aquila JustEat - home delivery Online grocery shopping

Free Time

Aquilasmus

Aquilasmus is an official student association, part of ESN (Erasmus Student Network). Aquilasmus offers several services to Erasmus students, like organizing parties, trips, international dinners, cine forums and more. Take a look at their website, join their Facebook group and check out their Instagram page to get to know other international students and be involved in their activities.

Bars, restaurants, pubs & clubs, discos

Although several buildings in the old city are still to be reconstructed after the 2009 earthquake, dozens of bars and clubs have proudly reopened their doors. You will find lots of students hanging out mostly on Thursday nights (knonw as university night) and Saturday nights. Just ask the taxi/bus driver to drop you at "Fontana Luminosa" (the big fountain near the castle) and walk into the main road "Corso Federico II". You'll see that most people gather in a small square a few steps ahead near "via Garibaldi".

Cinemas

Movieplex, Via Leonardo Da Vinci, Pettino, L'Aquila (25 mins walk from the Math Dept.)

Theatres

TSA Teatro Stabile dell'Aquila
Auditorium del Parco (near the Spanish fortress/castle)

Music

Being L'Aquila ideally located in central Italy, you'll have lots of opportunities to visit Italy's top destinations: Rome, Naples, Pompei, Sicily, Florence, Venice, Verona, Milan, Turin, to mention just a few. The easiest and most convenient way to reach any of these destinations is from the bus/train stations in Rome, where you can get to by TUA/ARPA coach or Flixbus from L'Aquila (either from the bus station "Collemaggio" or from the Hotel Amiternum). Some destinations (Bologna, Venice, Verona to the North or the whole beautiful Apulia region in Southern Italy - most notably the Salento Peninsula) are more easily accessible from Pescara train station, where you can get to by TUA/ARPA coach from L'Aquila bus station or even by train (you'll have to change trains in Sulmona). Recently, most popular Italian cities have also been connected to L'Aquila by direct coaches (Flixbus).

And, if you're into art, don't miss out the opportunity to visit Rome museums for free on every first Sunday of every month!

Short excursions around L'Aquila

Amiternum archeological site

amiternum site On the way to Pizzoli (west L'Aquila) you may stop by and visit the stunning archaeological site of Amiternum, an ancient Italic town founded by the Sabines and conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century B.C.!

The site features an amphitheatre, a theatre, public baths as well as an aqueduct.

For more information and opening times, visit this link.

Gran Sasso and other ski resorts

Gran Sasso is Italy's second highest mountain (2,912 m asl). From the bus station in L'Aquila you can catch a number M6 bus (free shuttle buses at weekends!) bound for Assergi/Fonte Cerreto (1150 m above sea level), which is the base of the cableway that will take you to Campo Imperatore (around 2100 m asl). Campo Imperatore is a ski resort where you'll also find an astronomic observatory, a hotel (where Italian dictator Mussolini was held captive), an alpine garden, lakes and several breathtaking trails. The cableway may not be available all year round (it's usually closed in summer). Anyway, if it's closed, you may still decide to get to Fonte Cerreto to go on a hiking trip: there are several amazing hiking paths starting there!

If you are into skiing, there are another 2 popular ski resorts at a short distance from L'Aquila, with better facilities than Campo Imperatore:

- Campo Felice: see here
- Ovindoli: see here

Stiffe Caves (Grotte di Stiffe)

Another place worth visiting in the neighbourhood is Stiffe (the nearby village is called San Demetrio dei Vestini), located at only 18 km from L'Aquila. The tour of these spectacular caves takes about one hour, but do not go there between November and April, as they may be closed because of the high water level inside. According to its official website, there are two buses going there every day from Collemaggio bus station in L'Aquila: one leaving at 8.15 am, the other one at 2 pm. Click here for details.

Lake Campotosto (Lago Campotosto)

Located at about 1,300 m asl, this lake is part of the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. It was created back in the 1940s to produce electric power. In winter the lake gets almost completely frozen, while in spring and summer, lots of people get there for canoeing, windsurfing, bird-watching, fishing (a permit is usually required) or just for picnicking. The road around the lake is ideal for walking or cycling. Several hiking paths connect Campotosto to nearby villages like Capitignano, Montereale and Amatrice. Click here for more information. The easiest way to get there is by catching an ARPA bus from Pizzoli to the village of Capitignano, then walk up to the lake, but it is going to be a 1-hour hike up to the lake and could be a bit strenuous for some. If you wish to get straight to the lake, you'll have to first get to the bus station in Collemaggio (L'Aquila city centre), then catch a TUA/ARPA bus to "Lago Campotosto".

Marmore Waterfalls (Cascata delle Marmore)

Marmore waterfalls are a man-made waterfall created in ancient times by Romans. Its total height is 165 m (541 feet), making it the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. Its source is a portion of the waters of river Velino (the rest of the river flows into a hydroelectric power plant), after flowing through Piediluco Lake near the community of Marmore. It pours into the valley below formed by the river Nera. Its flow is turned on and off based on a specific schedule, to satisfy the needs of tourists and the power company alike. Tourists try to be there the moment the gates are opened to see the powerful rush of water.
How to get there: catch a train from L'Aquila to Terni (a town in the nearby region called Umbria), then board a special bus called "Marmore link" which will take you from the Terni train station to the waterfalls in 20 minutes.

Adapted from Wikipedia

Gran Sasso National Laboratory

screenshot 2013-08-18 at 23.26.35 From the official web-site
The Gran Sasso National Laboratory is one of the four INFN laboratories. It is the largest underground laboratory in the world for experiments in particle physics, particle astrophysics and nuclear astrophysics. It is used as a worldwide facility by scientists, presently over 900 in number, from 29 different countries, working at about 15 experiments in their different phases. It is located between the towns of L'Aquila and Teramo, about 120 km from Rome. Go to www.lngs.infn.it for more details and guided tours.

Beaches on the Adriatic coast

There are many amazing sandy beaches on the Adriatic coast at only 1 hour-ride from L'Aquila. The easiest one to get to is Giulianova. All you have to do is get to the bus station in L'Aquila and buy a ticket at the TUA/ARPA office on the -2 floor. Get off at Giulianova Stazione (train station) and walk to the beach, it's just a few steps away. Alternatively, you can catch a Gaspari bus to another well-renowned seaside resort: San Benedetto del Tronto.

Other popular places are Alba Adriatica, Pineto, Pescara and Vasto. Pescara is by the way Abruzzo's largest city, with lots of shops, clubs and great nightlife, too. Just get to the main train station (Pescara Centrale, 2 hours away from L'Aquila, change trains in Sulmona; or just get there by TUA/ARPA bus). Outside the train station, you'll find yourself in the city centre with lots to do and see on the promenade that will take you right to the beach!

Calascio Fortress (Rocca Calascio)

rocca calascio

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocca_Calascio

How to get there: get to the bus station in Collemaggio (L'Aquila city centre), then catch a TUA/ARPA bus to Calascio (check out the TUA/ARPA website)

Sporting facilities

CANADA' Fitness Club [link]

WHERE. Coppito, campus of the Math Dept., just 2 minutes' walking distance from our teaching buildings. MAP
DETAILS. Access to the area with weights machines ("sala pesi") costs only 15 euros/month (the average fare in other gyms is 40 euros) - a free trial pass is also available. You can join extra courses like pilates, yoga, zumba, fitbox, body pump, as well as reserve the outdoor fields. Check timetables and fares from the url.

CUS - Centro Universitario Sportivo [link]

WHERE. Statale 17 Bis (aka "Centi Colella", on the way from L'Aquilone Shopping Centre towards the Hotel Amiternum - around 20 minutes walking distance from our department, but mind the traffic! Or just board AMA bus no. 2 or 19 from our department)
DETAILS. Large university sports centre with several halls and rooms for most popular sports (fitness, spinning, judo, climbing etc.), including outdoor fields (football, volleyball, rugby, tennis, etc.). Reduced fees for university students.

Piscina Comunale L'Aquila [link]

WHERE. Viale Ovidio 3 - L'Aquila (city centre, close to the castle)
DETAILS. City pool offering reduced fees for university students.

Circolo Tennis L'Aquila [link]

WHERE. Viale Ovidio 1 - L'Aquila (city centre, close to the castle)

SKI Resorts

Campo Imperatore [link]
Campo Felice [link]
Ovindoli [link]

L'Aquila Rugby [link]

WHERE. Strada Statale 17 Ovest, Centi Colella, L'Aquila (opposite the main Post Office)

L'Aquila football (soccer) Team [link]

There are quite a few private gyms (and swimming pools too) across the city, just google "palestra l'aquila" or "piscina l'aquila"

Library in Coppito

(biblioteca in Italian), ground floor, Coppito1 building, DISIM (Math Dept.)
Open: Mon-Thu: 8.30 am – 7 pm, Fri: 8.30 am - 2 pm
The first time you enter the library you will be asked to register. So, bring with you an ID document and your student card.
More details can be found here

Library in the Department of Humanities (downtown, old city centre, address: viale Nizza 14)

Opening hours:
Mon - Fri: 8.30 am - midnight!
Sat: 9 am - 5 pm
Sun: 3 pm - 8 pm

Study & Computer rooms

You can find study rooms in the Canadà centre, which is at 2 minutes' walk from the main teaching building (aka Coppito1), (Math Dept).
There you'll also find a bar, a gym and a computer room, too.
Click here to view a map
Click here for their Facebook page

University library system Online catalogues MLOL - digital borrowing Ebooks & dictionaries

REALMATHS DOUBLE MSC • INTERMATHS NETWORK

INTERMATHS ERASMUS MUNDUS FULL PARTNER

University of L'Aquila (UAQ), Italy

RealMathsConsortium & UAQ Coordinator

RealMathsDeputy Consortium & UAQ Coordinator

RealMaths Double MSc Degree :: Year 1 in L'Aquila

Year

ECTS Credits

Language

Semester 1

Semester 2

Combinatorics and cryptography

Kinetic theory and stochastic simulations

Data Analytics and Data Driven Decision

Discrete and continuum mechanics with applications

Numerical methods for linear algebra and optimisation

Stochastic Processes

Practical Information about your Year in L'Aquila

Academic Calendar & Term dates

25 September - 14 January (PDF Schedule)

23 December - 6 January

15 January - 25 February

26 February - 9 June

28 March - 2 April

10 June - 31 July

2 - 13 September

1 November, 8 December, 6 April, 25 April, 1 May, 2 June, 10 June, 15 August

Visa information

Applying for an Italian study visa

Web-based visa application on Universitaly.it

Documents required Please get in contact with the local embassy/consulate to learn more about the specific requirements they might have in that region.

Italian Residence Permit

A full copy of your passport (every single page, cover included)

A copy of your health insurance card

Accommodation proof

Financial proof

Enrolment certificate

Enrolment procedure

Declaration of Value (DoV)

Insurance

Housing options in L'Aquila

Temporary accommodation in L'Aquila & Useful links

How to get to L'Aquila

Rome Fiumicino

Rome Ciampino

Coaches departing from the two Rome airports: Fiumicino or Ciampino

Coaches departing from Tiburtina station in East Rome

Getting to campus

Travel Links

About L'Aquila

The City of L'Aquila in brief

Living costs

Canteen at the Math Department (Coppito campus)

Main university canteen

Free Time

Aquilasmus

Bars, restaurants, pubs & clubs, discos

Cinemas

Theatres

Music

Short excursions around L'Aquila

Amiternum archeological site

Gran Sasso and other ski resorts

Stiffe Caves (Grotte di Stiffe)

Lake Campotosto (Lago Campotosto)

Marmore Waterfalls (Cascata delle Marmore)

Gran Sasso National Laboratory

Beaches on the Adriatic coast

Calascio Fortress (Rocca Calascio)

Sporting facilities

CANADA' Fitness Club [link]

CUS - Centro Universitario Sportivo [link]

Piscina Comunale L'Aquila [link]

Circolo Tennis L'Aquila [link]

SKI Resorts

L'Aquila Rugby [link]

Library in Coppito

Library in the Department of Humanities (downtown, old city centre, address: viale Nizza 14)

Study & Computer rooms

L'AQUILA

RealMathsConsortium & UAQCoordinator

RealMathsDeputyConsortium & UAQ Coordinator

Documents required

Please get in contact with the local embassy/consulate to learn more about the specific requirements they might have in that region.