The degree course in brief
The Master's degree course in Science and Technology for the Environment and Resources (STAR) at the University of Parma promotes comprehensive and specialised training in the fields of environmental protection and remediation, land development and resource use sustainability and evaluation and management aspects of environmental systems.
The STAR master's degree lasts two years divided into four semesters. It comprises teaching for 120 ECTS credits. Since the 2015-16 academic year, part-time students enrollment has been allowed.
The entire learning path is geared towards developing the ability to apply knowledge, understanding and skills to tackle environmental problems in an interdisciplinary approach and also using non-standard tools to solve novel problems. Autonomy of judgement is indispensable to identify key elements and processes of environmental complexity. Communication skills are stimulated and refined through the writing of technical-scientific reports, oral presentations of case studies with multimedia support, and simulated applications of environmental methods.
In the second year, students can choose between two different curricula: "Water Protection and Remediation of Contaminated Sites' and 'Protection and Enhancement of Natural Capital'.
Several course units involve laboratory experiences or field exercises. Relevant importance is attached to the development of the dissertation project. This activity involves experimental work, preferably interdisciplinary, which can also be carried out at institutions or companies outside the university or abroad. The promotion of international student mobility, including for study purposes, is a priority objective for the course of study.
The STAR master's degree prepares for access to professional activity and for continuing studies in phD programmes, mainly in the fields of environmental and ecological sciences.
The employment perspectives of the Master's degree in Science and Technology for the Environment and Resources graduates are in both private and public sectors with professional tasks in the analysis, assessment and management of environmental systems and specific skills in environmental data and integrated environmental measures processing, pollution assessment, depollution and bioremediation design/management, integrated waste and emissions management, environmental management systems and certification, environmental impact assessment (EIA), strategic environmental assessment (SEA), incidence assessment, environmental consulting to companies and agencies, environmental modelling, environmental support to planning and environmental education.