An Invitation to Probability and Data Analysis for Physicists

This book is an introduction to probability, statistics, data analysis, and hypothesis testing in physics. It is designed to be taught at different levels, from basic to advanced, and to be enjoyed by anyone doing research in the physical sciences or related subjects. It aims to be a companion in a journey leading the reader to appreciate and enjoy the major role of these subjects in all aspects of the physical sciences. With specific examples, the book encourages readers to meditate on the distinctive meaning of probability in classical and quantum physics. The author draws on his teaching experience in statistical physics and data analysis, as well as his research work in fields like complex systems and soft matter, to provide a comprehensive introduction to statistical methods.

​Roberto Piazza earned an M.Sc. degree in physics from the University of Milan in 1981 and a Ph.D. in quantum electronics from the University of Pavia in 1987. Since 2005, he has been a professor of Condensed Matter Physics at Milano Politecnico. He has also been an invited professor at Ecole Normale Superieure Lyon (2011), Cambridge University (2013), and Utrecht University (2015). He has been the principal investigator of the ESA project ’Colloidal Solids’ and the principal investigator of the NASA ACE T10 Mission on board the International Space Station. The research he performed has inspired him to write a rather general interest book on soft matter physics published by Springer in Italian, English, and Chinese.