Why choose this course?

The Master’s Degree Programme in Geophysics and Geodata (Class LM-79) aims to equip students with a comprehensive and solid foundation in the essential areas of geophysical, geological, and physical sciences related to the study of the Earth system and its dynamic processes. Additionally, the program focuses on developing specific skills in data science and scientific computing as they relate to these disciplines.

Geophysics is the scientific study of the Earth's structure, physical properties, and dynamics. It involves measuring the Earth's gravitational, magnetic, electrical, and electromagnetic fields, as well as its radioactivity and the propagation of elastic and electromagnetic waves. Geophysics develops and applies methods and technologies for non-invasive investigations of the Earth's interior, including both solid and fluid components, along with the processes that influence their distribution and characteristics.

The Programme trains geophysicists with an advanced foundational preparation and the specialised capabilities required to address and solve problems relating to the study and characterisation of the subsurface and of artefacts, both for applications in Engineering and the Geosciences and for potential continuation into doctoral studies, research institutions and the education sector. The program trains geophysicists to address and solve problems related to the study and characterization of the subsurface. This has applications in various industrial and professional sectors, including engineering, geosciences, natural resources and hazards, and the environment. It also provides a pathway for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies or careers in scientific research and education.

The Programme arises from collaboration among the Departments of Mathematics and Geosciences, Physics, and Engineering and Architecture at the University of Trieste, with the support of bodies such as the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, as well as key industrial partners at national level (ENI) and international level (Shearwater, Halliburton, Schlumberger, GVerse Geographix). Teaching is delivered in English. The Programme has established an extensive network of exchanges with foreign universities under the Erasmus+ scheme and offers internship opportunities with industry and research bodies. There is also an active Student Chapter of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, which organises supplementary activities (workshops, webinars, courses/lectures by international experts) and supports participation in training and guidance programmes organised by the scientific societies in the field. The program was collaboratively designed by the Departments of Mathematics, Informatics, Geosciences, Physics, and Engineering and Architecture at the University of Trieste. It is offered in partnership with the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, and significant industrial partners both nationally (ENI) and internationally (including Shearwater, Halliburton, Schlumberger, and GVerse Geographix). Instruction is provided in English. The program has established extensive exchange opportunities with foreign universities under the Erasmus+ scheme and offers internships with various industry and research organizations. Additionally, there is an active Student Chapter of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, which organizes supplementary activities such as workshops, webinars, and lectures by international experts. This chapter also supports participation in training and guidance programs organized by scientific societies in the field.

Further study at the University of Trieste is available within the PhD programme in Earth Science, Fluid-Dynamics and Mathematics. Interactions and Methods. The program lasts for two years and offers specialization in five areas: 

1. 1Exploration Geophysics
2. Solid Earth Geophysics and Geodynamics
3. Seismology and Natural Hazards
4. Computational Geophysics
5. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 

Students will work with an academic tutor, who will be assigned after successfully passing the admissions interview, to create a personalized study plan. Additionally, further studies are available at the University of Trieste through the PhD program in Earth Science, Fluid Dynamics, and Mathematics: Interactions and Methods.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and Understanding

GEOLOGY AREA

Graduates will achieve a high level of general knowledge and critical understanding of various aspects of geology that are essential for the practice of geophysics. This will lead to in-depth knowledge and operational skills in the area relevant to their chosen educational path. Specifically, graduates will acquire: 

• A solid cultural foundation in geology, integrated with the geological knowledge necessary to understand the geophysical phenomena that underpin prospecting and exploration methodologies.
• Adequate knowledge of scientific methods for geological investigation and the genesis of georesources, along with an understanding of seismotectonic and geomorphological processes, enabling them to extract valuable information about subsurface morphology and potential resources.
• The ability to critically interpret results from measurements or models.
• The capacity to apply their knowledge to cutting-edge research in their field. 

These competencies and skills are developed through lectures, exercises, lab work, field practice, and especially during the preparation for the final examination. Knowledge and understanding will be assessed through individual written and oral examinations, as well as practical work conducted in the laboratory and in the field.

 

GEOPHYSICS AREA

Graduates will achieve a high level of general knowledge and critical understanding of various aspects of geophysics, with a focus on in-depth knowledge and operational skills related to their chosen educational path. Specifically, they will acquire: 

• A solid foundation in physics and geology, integrated with essential physico-mathematical and geological knowledge required to understand geophysical methods and their applications in Earth Sciences.
• Complementary skills in computing and scientific computing for processing and analyzing geophysical data.
• Adequate knowledge of scientific methods for geophysical investigation, including seismological, electrical, electromagnetic, gravimetric, magnetometric, and ground-penetrating radar techniques, as well as data analysis and interpretation methods. This knowledge will enable them to obtain valuable information on subsurface structures and evolution, physical properties of materials, natural resources (such as minerals, water, and heat), and structures relevant to monitoring and preventing natural hazards (such as earthquakes, eruptions, tsunamis, collapses, and landslides), as well as human-induced issues (like soil and aquifer contamination).
• The ability to critically interpret results from measurements or models.
• The ability to apply their knowledge to cutting-edge research in their field. 

These competencies and skills are developed through lectures, exercises, laboratory work, field practice, and particularly during the preparation for the final examination. Knowledge and understanding are assessed through individual written and oral examinations, as well as practical work in the laboratory and field.

 

MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AREA

Graduates will possess a strong general knowledge and critical understanding of the essential aspects of computer science and mathematics necessary for accurately processing geophysical data and for the application and development of mathematical models increasingly utilized in Earth Sciences. They will gain in-depth knowledge and operational skills relevant to their chosen educational path. Specifically, they will acquire: 

• A solid foundation in physico-mathematical knowledge, which, when combined with knowledge of geology, physics, geophysics, and engineering, is crucial for understanding the geophysical phenomena that underlie prospecting and exploration methodologies.
• Complementary skills in computing for the processing and analysis of geophysical data. - Techniques for data analysis and interpretation to extract useful information about the morphology, physical characteristics, and potential resources of subsurface materials.
• The ability to critically interpret results from measurements or models.
• The capability to apply their knowledge to cutting-edge research in their field. 

These competencies and skills are developed through lectures, laboratory exercises, and particularly during the preparation for the final examination. Knowledge and understanding are assessed through individual written and oral examinations.

 

PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING AREA

Graduates will achieve a comprehensive understanding of the general principles and critical concepts in Physics and Engineering, particularly those that are increasingly relevant to the Earth Sciences. They will develop an integrated knowledge base and practical skills related to their chosen educational path. Specifically, they will acquire: 

• Knowledge of physics that is essential for a complete understanding of geophysical instrumentation and the geophysical phenomena involved in prospecting, exploration methodologies, and the analysis of natural hazards.
• Knowledge of engineering principles that are closely related to solid and fluid Earth sciences, including fluid mechanics, computational mechanics, surveying, and geomatics.
• The ability to critically interpret results from measurements or models.
• The ability to apply their knowledge to cutting-edge research in their field. 

These competencies are developed through lectures and computer laboratory exercises, particularly during the preparation for the final examination. Knowledge and understanding will be assessed through individual written and oral examinations.

 

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

GEOLOGY AREA

Graduates are specifically prepared to:

•  Work with a high degree of autonomy, taking responsibility for projects and teams.
• Interact within a multidisciplinary environment and develop the ability to apply their scientific and technological knowledge while collaborating with other professionals in the field of Geology.
• Acquire and analyze experimental data by comparing it with relevant theories and models.
• Perform research roles at universities, as well as in public and private laboratories and institutes, both in Italy and abroad.
• Utilize their knowledge for problem-solving and effectively applying the scientific method. 

These skills are developed throughout the program via course-related exercises, laboratory experience, and, most importantly, during the period dedicated to preparing their thesis. The ability to apply the knowledge acquired is assessed through individual written, oral, and laboratory examinations, including the final examination.

 

GEOPHYSICS AREA

Graduates are specifically prepared to: 

• Work with a high degree of autonomy, including taking responsibility for projects and units.
• Interact within a multidisciplinary work environment and develop the ability to apply their specific scientific and technological knowledge while collaborating with other professionals in the fields of geosciences and engineering.
• Acquire and analyze experimental data by comparing it with theories and models.
• Perform research roles at universities and in public and private laboratories and institutes, both in Italy and abroad.
• Use their knowledge for problem-solving and apply the scientific method effectively. 

These skills are developed through course-related exercises, laboratory experience, and particularly during the thesis preparation period. The ability to apply the knowledge acquired is assessed through individual written, oral, and laboratory examinations as well as in the final examination.

 

MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AREA

Graduates are specifically prepared to: 

• Work with a high degree of autonomy, including taking responsibility for projects and units.
• Interact effectively within a multidisciplinary work environment, utilizing their scientific and technological knowledge while collaborating with professionals in the fields of geosciences and engineering.
• Acquire and analyze experimental data by comparing it with theories and models.
• Perform research roles in universities and in both public and private laboratories and institutions, both in Italy and abroad.
• Apply their knowledge generally to problem-solving while utilizing the scientific method. 

These skills are developed throughout the program through course-related exercises, laboratory experiences, and, most importantly, during the thesis preparation period. The ability to apply the acquired knowledge is evaluated through individual written, oral, and laboratory examinations, as well as in the final examination.

 

PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING AREA

Graduates are specifically prepared to: 

• Work with a high degree of autonomy, taking responsibility for projects and units.
• Interact within a multidisciplinary working environment, effectively utilizing their scientific and technological knowledge while collaborating with other professionals in the fields of geosciences and engineering.
• Acquire and analyze experimental data by comparing it with established theories and models.
• Assume research roles at universities and in public and private laboratories and institutes, both in Italy and abroad.
• Apply their knowledge generally in problem-solving situations and while using the scientific method. 

These skills are developed throughout the program via course-related exercises, laboratory experiences, and particularly during the thesis preparation period. The ability to apply the acquired knowledge is evaluated through individual written, oral, and laboratory examinations, as well as in the final examination.

Career Prospects

Employment and professional opportunities for graduates

Geophysicist

 Graduates will find wide opportunities for employment in the following areas:

• Public administrations
• National and foreign Geological Surveys
• National and foreign Seismological Services
• Oil companies and companies for the research and production of energy sources
• Mineral exploration and extraction companies
• Companies for the research, monitoring and management of water resources
• Design and engineering companies
• Companies providing geophysical services and consultancy
• Independent practice
• Agencies responsible for environmental monitoring and protection
• Public and private research bodies.

In addition, graduates of the Master’s Degree in Geophysics and Geodata, through registration in Section A of the Register of Geologists, as provided by the regulations governing the profession of geologist, will be able to undertake activities involving responsibility for the planning, design, implementation and technical-managerial coordination of interventions relating to the specific competences outlined above. Graduates of the Master's Degree in Geophysics and Geodata will be eligible to register in Section A of the Register of Geologists, as outlined by the regulations governing the geologist profession. This registration will enable them to take on responsibilities related to the planning, design, implementation, and technical-managerial coordination of projects that fall within their specific expertise.

 

Competences Associated with the Role

Geophysicist

 Graduates will possess a solid cultural foundation in physics, mathematics and computer science, together with notions of geology essential for understanding topics of interest within the Earth Sciences that underpin geophysical investigation methodologies, and will also acquire:

• specific skills for the processing and analysis of geophysical data;
• an adequate command of scientific methods for geophysical investigation—such as seismological, electrical, electromagnetic, gravimetric, magnetometric and radar methods—and of techniques for data analysis and interpretation, in order to obtain useful information on subsurface structure, active processes and the evolution of the Earth system, on the physical characteristics of materials, on subsurface resources (water, heat, minerals), on risks linked to subsurface structure and evolution (earthquakes, eruptions, tsunamis, collapses and landslides, fluid migration and contamination), and on the dynamics of fluids in the subsurface and at the surface;
• the ability to develop and use geophysical and mathematical tools applied to the study of geophysical phenomena at both large and small scales; to the exploration, monitoring and extraction of natural resources; to the study and prevention of natural and environmental hazards; to the exploration of large terrestrial geological structures; to prospecting for the planning and construction of major engineering works; and to non-destructive investigations for preventive archaeology and for the maintenance and safety of buildings and urban subsurface infrastructure;
• laboratory and field competences including the practical use of geophysical survey instruments, numerical signal-processing methodologies, modelling of geophysical phenomena, surveying using innovative topographic and satellite techniques, and the visualisation and interpretation of results;
• the ability to plan and carry out geophysical investigations, comprising both field activities and numerical processing in the laboratory, interacting with other professionals operating in geosciences and engineering, and identifying optimal prospecting methodologies from both technical and economic standpoints;
• the ability to use, in written and oral form, at least one European Union language other than Italian, including discipline-specific terminology.Graduates will have a strong cultural foundation in physics, mathematics, and computer science, along with essential knowledge of geology that is crucial for understanding key topics in Earth Sciences related to geophysical investigation methods. They will acquire the following skills:
• Expertise in processing and analyzing geophysical data.
• Proficiency in various scientific methods for geophysical investigation, including seismological, electrical, electromagnetic, gravimetric, magnetometric, and radar techniques, as well as data analysis and interpretation. This knowledge will help them gather useful information about subsurface structures, active geological processes, and the evolution of the Earth system. They will also learn about the physical characteristics of materials, subsurface resources (such as water, heat, and minerals), and risks associated with subsurface structures and their evolution (including earthquakes, eruptions, tsunamis, collapses, landslides, fluid migration, and contamination). Additionally, they will study the dynamics of fluids both underground and on the surface.
• The ability to develop and utilize geophysical and mathematical tools to study geophysical phenomena at various scales. This includes applications in the exploration, monitoring, and extraction of natural resources, as well as the study and prevention of natural and environmental hazards. Graduates will be equipped to explore large geological structures and assist in the planning and construction of significant engineering projects. They will also be prepared to conduct non-destructive investigations for preventive archaeology and to ensure the maintenance and safety of buildings and urban subsurface infrastructure.
• Laboratory and field competencies that involve hands-on experience with geophysical survey instruments, numerical signal-processing methodologies, modeling of geophysical phenomena, and innovative surveying using topographic and satellite techniques. They will be trained in visualizing and interpreting results effectively.
• The ability to plan and execute geophysical investigations that include both fieldwork and numerical processing in the laboratory. Graduates will collaborate with other professionals in geosciences and engineering, ensuring they can identify optimal prospecting methodologies from both technical and economic perspectives.
• Proficiency in at least one European Union language other than Italian, with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms, including the use of discipline-specific terminology.

 

Role in the Workplace

Geophysicist

 The geophysicist is a scientist and technologist with high-level expertise in the development and application of physical methods for the Earth Sciences. Graduates may carry out geophysical prospecting activities (feasibility analysis, design, implementation), analysis and numerical processing of geophysical data, mathematical and numerical modelling of geophysical phenomena, data inversion and interpretation, including methods based on Machine Learning techniques, in close interaction with other disciplines of the geosciences, physics and engineering. A geophysicist is a scientist and technologist with advanced expertise in developing and applying physical methods for Earth Sciences. Graduates in this field may engage in geophysical prospecting activities, which include feasibility analysis, design, and implementation. They analyze and numerically process geophysical data, conduct mathematical and numerical modeling of geophysical phenomena, and perform data inversion and interpretation. This work often incorporates Machine Learning techniques and involves close collaboration with other disciplines within geosciences, physics, and engineering.

Final examination and degree

Characteristics of the final examination

The final examination will consist of a dissertation prepared in an original manner under the guidance of a supervisor. The work is defined according to the interests of the candidate and may focus on the topics characterising the Master’s Degree. The experimental thesis work may be carried out in a research laboratory or at a partner company. The thesis must include an experimental component, with field or laboratory activities, and a critical analysis of the results of the experimental work carried out. The final dissertation must demonstrate the ability to work independently in the collection of data and information, in their logical organisation, in the critical analysis and in the synthesis of results. The final examination will consist of an original dissertation prepared with the guidance of a supervisor. The topic of the dissertation will align with the candidate’s interests and may focus on areas relevant to the Master’s Degree. The experimental thesis work can be conducted either in a research laboratory or at a partner company. The thesis must incorporate an experimental component involving either fieldwork or lab activities, along with a critical analysis of the results obtained. The final dissertation should demonstrate the candidate's ability to work independently in collecting data and information, organizing it logically, analyzing it critically, and synthesizing the results.