Masters degrees in Environmental Physics equip postgraduates with the skills to use principles in Physics to understand properties and processes within the environment, including the atmosphere and oceans.
Related postgraduate specialisms include Ecotoxicology and Applied Meteorology. Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as Environmental Science or Physics.
Sample modules:
For an idea of what topics you may be able to study, view our 2017/18 modules list (2018/19 modules may differ).
Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.
As one of our graduates, you will be well placed to pursue a scientific career in weather forecasting and meteorological research.
In recent years, our students have been recruited by the Met Office, MeteoGroup, FUGRO Geos, Arup, AIR and RMS. Others pursue careers associated with diverse aspects of environmental measurement, risk management and policy development.
The M.Sc. in Engineering for Natural Risk Management aims to train professionals capable of working in all sectors of safety and civil protection, both public and private, at national and international level. Thanks to its multidisciplinary nature, the program will provide the skills to coordinate the activities of a complex system such as civil protection.
The student of the M.Sc. in Engineering for Natural Risk Management at the end of his studies will have the following knowledge and understanding capabilities:
a) Knowledge of physical phenomena that generate disasters
b) Capacity of understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between natural events and industrial activities that can generate technological risk
c) Ability to understand and evaluate the legal implications related to the management of emergency situations.
The acquired knowledge may be applied for the:
a) Use the most advanced technologies in order to assess risk exposure and vulnerability, predict the occurrence of catastrophic events and post disasters impact assessment.
b) Assessment of environmental impact of natural disasters
c) Definition of emergency plans for the integrated risk management and decisions support in emergency situations
The courses are fully taught in English. The fourth semester is mainly devoted to internships and thesis work to facilitate international exchanges and contacts with the labour market.
The program has the support of CIMA Foundation, expert center of the national civil protection, which is based in the University Campus of Savona. CIMA has the University of Genoa, the Department of Civil Protection, the Liguria Region and the Province of Savona as founding members. CIMA will provide laboratories, researchers and administrative staff to support the teaching activities.
Students are offered the opportunity to carry out internships/periods of study at Italian and foreign institutions and universities.
1. public organizations and administrations;
2. international organizations that deal with emergencies and disasters;
3. international development cooperation;
4. humanitarian organizations;
5. private sector, insurances;
6. professional services;
7. research facilities;
8. operational centers for forecasting natural disasters and decision support.
Typical career opportunities for graduates in Engineering for Natural Risk Management are:
a. responsible for managing emergencies in public institutions/government (civil protection);
b. responsible in entities involved in the management of emergency conditions (eg. the fire-fighters, Forestry Police);
c. expert in risk monitoring in public bodies and international organizations;
d. responsible for planning the phases of management of emergencies in public bodies;
e. risk expert in insurance companies;
f. expert in operational management of emergencies in international governmental organizations, non-governmental and development cooperation;
g. expert in mapping of hazardous conditions with reference to security from natural and industrial risks working for professional offices, public/private institutions, public administration.
The MSc in Science of Energy consists of six taught modules worth 10 ECTS each. These are structured around a cross-cutting introductory module. The introductory module is designed to furnish students with all of the basic physics, chemistry and engineering concepts that are required to become an "Energy Scientist". These basics are complemented by essential "Economics of Energy" and "Principles of Energy Policy".
Now with the ability to understand and analyse the competing aspects of all of the essential science, engineering and economics pertinent to the energy discipline, the students proceed to Five specialised technically orientated core modules; "Conventional Energy Sources & Technologies", "Electric Power Generation and Distribution", "Sustainable Energy Sources & Technologies I & II", and "Managing the impact of Energy Utilisation".
With these modules completed and examined in the months September to April, students proceed to a 15 week research project worth 30 ECTS in a leading research laboratory or in industry in the months of May-August.
The curriculum is designed to allow students from a science, engineering, or other backgrounds with relevant experience, to gain the scientific knowledge needed to contribute to the energy sector. This can be through industry, business, academia, government policy or media communication. Students will examine the fundamental and applied science of how energy resources could be diversified from conventional polluting sources (e.g. CO2, NOX, SMOG) to renewable sources, where the sustainability of both the energy source and the conversion technology is presently unknown.
1. Introductory Module - September to November
2. Specialised Modules - December to March
3. Dissertation by Research - April to August
The programme includes interactive lessons, workshops and group projects. Students can also undertake research in the form of a company project instead of the standard dissertation.
