Course-specific learning objectives
The degree course in Civil and Environmental Engineering specifically aims to train professionals with a solid background in mathematical, physical and chemical disciplines and with generalist engineering skills in civil and environmental engineering. Taking into account the current system of studies, which is divided into two levels, the degree course aims to balance the needs of two parallel training programmes, one for those who only aim to obtain a first-level degree, the other for those who intend to continue towards a second-cycle degree. In particular, since the University of Parma offers both a second-cycle degree in Civil Engineering and a second-cycle degree in Environmental Engineering, this course prepares students to access either of these, with no training gaps.
The focus on foundation subjects provides students who will be pursuing their studies with the required physical-mathematical preparation and methodology for studying technical-scientific disciplines. The professionalising subjects, spread over a broad spectrum of the characterising sectors, enable the acquisition of a well-articulated - though necessarily non-specialised - body of knowledge on the issues of the design, construction, maintenance and management of structures and infrastructures in the civil and environmental sectors. The course units on characterising areas are designed to train students to approach engineering problems methodologically. To reflect the interdisciplinary context typical of an engineer's work, the course also aims to train students to work both independently and as part of a team.
The educational and professional profile of the Civil and Environmental Engineering graduates is therefore that of a technician with a suitable educational background and solid preparation in the basic disciplines and in the most important characterising disciplines of the sector of civil structures and infrastructures as well as territorial interventions of an environmental nature. This background will enable them to design simple civil works, plan land interventions and manage civil installations.
Training programme
The training programme is aimed firstly at providing a solid physical-mathematical background and, subsequently, a broad basic preparation in the fields of civil and environmental engineering.
The training programme is divided into four learning areas:
- Basic technical-scientific knowledge
- Basic and complementary engineering training
- Professionalising engineering training
- Complementary IT and communication skills
The first area deals with training in the disciplines of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Geology; approximately 30% of the total ECTS credits are allocated to these, distributed over the 1st and 2nd years of the course to allow sufficient time for assimilation and to structure the courses appropriately in terms of prerequisites.
The second area introduces the engineering approach to problem solving, to solid and fluid mechanics, to the ability to represent the built environment, and provides complementary knowledge of materials and thermal exchange management that are preparatory to further studies.
The third area includes courses with a more professional and applied focus on construction technology, road infrastructure, flood event forecasting and topographic surveying techniques for civil engineering.
The fourth area, in parallel with the previous ones, introduces communication in technical fields, provides basic computer skills and a basic level of English.