Learning objectives

The Second-cycle Degree Course in Applied Geological Sciences for Environmental Sustainability is aimed at providing adequate knowledge and skills for the achievement of a high scientific and technical-professional profile in the field of Earth Sciences, with particular reference to the contribution they can provide for sustainable development (e.g. in the field of geo-resources, reclamation and environmental protection, etc.) and, therefore, on the broad context of 'environmental sustainability'.
Basic knowledge in the field of earth sciences is deepened through the quantitative understanding of geological processes s.l., also through the application of technologies and simulation models, leading to specialised training. The graduate must also have the ability to use the English language in written and oral form, in addition to Italian, and is therefore expected to be tested for the possession of disciplinary vocabulary at B2 level.

The training activities are organised into compulsory and free-choice course units, internships and a final examination (thesis) that contribute to qualifying the graduate student in Geological Sciences applied to Environmental Sustainability as an expert in the following main fields:

- geomorphological hazards, hydrogeological risk and slope instability;

- geology applied to construction and slope stability;

- research, capture, management and protection of groundwater resources;

- securing and remediation of contaminated aquifers;

- hazardous seismogenic structures and seismic microzonation;

- water quality and interaction processes between hydrosphere-geosphere and biosphere;

- geological-structural evolution of sedimentary bodies and their modelling, also in relation to the retrieval of geo-resources in the subsoil;

- sedimentology and integrated stratigraphy of sedimentary basins for palaeo-geographical, palaeo-environmental and palaeo-climatic reconstructions;

- geochemical and isotopic methodologies applied to stratigraphic sequences of various kinds (marine, from continental waters, glacial, archaeological) for palaeo-climatic and palaeo-environmental reconstructions;

- geological and geophysical exploration of the subsurface for the retrieval of fluid resources (water, hydrocarbons);

- geochemical, mineralogical and petrological processes characteristic of the various geodynamic environments, as well as mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of materials using innovative analytical techniques.

The training activities are organised in such a way as to effectively transfer knowledge, experience and analytical, laboratory (including fieldwork) and modelling skills related to the topics summarised above. In particular, knowledge and skills related to the following macro-themes will be deepened: (i) fluids, magmas, georesources and applications for the environment, (ii) climate and environmental change, (iii) mitigation and management of natural hazards.
Students may also avail themselves of external activities such as internships at companies, public administration facilities and laboratories, as well as study stays at other Italian, European and non-European universities, also within the framework of national and international agreements and programmes.