Earth Sciences for Sustainable Development is a three-year degree programme belonging to Class L-34 (Geological Sciences).

The distinctive features of this programme are:

• A focus on geo-resources and geo-hazards, framed within the broader context of sustainable development.
• An international profile, with all teaching conducted in English.
• A curriculum that, in addition to providing a solid foundation in core geoscience disciplines, emphasizes the discussion of major themes related to geo-resources and geo-hazards. This includes a broad perspective on their impact on emerging and developing countries.
• Potential attractiveness to students from emerging and developing countries.
• A significant component of laboratory activities and fieldwork, which are typical of degree courses in geology.
• A limited annual intake of up to 50 students.

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda underscores sustainable development as a crucial theme for the future of society. Geo-resources—including not only mineral and energy resources but also water—and geo-hazards are two key areas of action in addressing this challenge. Geoscientists are, and will increasingly be, instrumental professionals in researching and implementing practical solutions to problems connected to sustainable development, the energy transition, and resilience against natural hazards, both in Italy and abroad.

Graduates in Earth Sciences for Sustainable Development will possess skills enabling them to work as geoscientists at national and international levels, in public administrations, institutions, and private companies. Their fields of work include, but are not limited to:

• Assessment of geological hazards.
• Identification and characterization of geo-resources through the acquisition of field and laboratory data.
• Planning for the sustainable management of geo-resource retrieval activities.
• Geognostic, geotechnical, and geophysical investigations.
• Direct and indirect analyses for subsurface exploration.
• Protection and valorisation of geo-heritage.
• Environmental impact assessment, remediation, and environmental restoration.

The professional roles for which this degree prepares graduates include technical/operational and coordination duties appropriate for a bachelor's degree holder. In non-European countries, this qualification may allow access to managerial or highly specialised tasks, whereas such roles in more developed countries generally require higher-level qualifications (a master's degree or higher). In Italy, graduates may take the State Examination (Esame di Stato) for the qualification of 'Junior Geologist'. The degree also enables graduates to continue their studies by enrolling in Master's degree programmes (LM-74 and LM-79 in the Italian system), which in turn may provide access to further specialisation through PhD programmes in Earth Sciences in Italy and abroad.

The study plan first provides fundamentals in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. From the second year onwards, the focus on geo-resources and geo-hazards progressively increases. To improve connections among disciplines, the programme features "integrated courses". A key component involves the practical activities typical of Class L-34, comprising extensive laboratory and field work.

The courses concentrate on the geological application of basic sciences, integrated with digital and IT skills. They train students in the application of the scientific method, adopting a quantitative approach to problem-solving. The programme is completed by a mandatory internship, which may be carried out with national or international public or private bodies, and a final thesis.

The programme's structure is designed to give students a clear sense of their developing professional profile from the outset, while also allowing for personalisation through free-choice courses, the internship, and the final thesis. The internship is mandatory for the award of the degree.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and Understanding

Basic Mathematical, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Area

Graduates will acquire a solid foundation in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, which are essential for understanding and quantitatively studying the phenomena governing the Earth System. Specifically, they will gain knowledge to:

1. Understand the foundations of the scientific method;
2. Comprehend the basics of differential and integral calculus;
3. Grasp the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry;
4. Understand the principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.

Knowledge and understanding will be assessed through final written and/or oral examinations. Mid-term assessments may be conducted as tests, practicals, or written exams.
 

Basic Geological Sciences Area

Graduates will develop competencies in fundamental geological disciplines and their applications from the basic sciences, such as geochemistry and geophysics. This preparation, reinforced by field and laboratory work, will provide knowledge to:

1. Understand exogenous and endogenous geological processes, the genesis of rocks and Quaternary deposits, the concept of geological time, and the fundamentals of cartographic methods;
2. Comprehend the principles of sedimentary geology and palaeontology, including sedimentation processes, the genesis of sedimentary rocks, fossilization, and the basics of paleoecology, paleogeography, and biostratigraphy;
3. Analyze the distribution of elements in minerals, rocks, soils, and fluids; understand key chemical processes on continents and in oceans, the availability and geochemical classification of elements, and the principles of isotopic geochemistry and geochronology;
4. Define a mineral, understand chemical bonding in crystals, the basics of crystal chemistry, the physical properties of minerals, and their systematics;
5. Understand the formation processes of igneous and metamorphic rocks, the characteristics and genesis of magmas, and the principles of petrographic analysis of thin sections;
6. Grasp the principles of plate tectonics, rock mechanics, and deformational processes; identify the main deformational structures; and understand the principles of solid Earth geophysics, including seismology, gravity, geomagnetism, and the Earth's thermal state.

Assessment will occur through final written and/or oral examinations. Mid-term assessments may be conducted as tests, practicals, or written exams.
 

Acquisition, Analysis, and Integration of Geological Data Area

Graduates will learn the principles of acquiring geological data through various direct and indirect methods in the field and laboratory, along with techniques for their analysis and interpretation. Specifically, they will acquire knowledge to:

1. Apply rigorous methods for collecting geological data in the field and laboratory, and understand descriptive statistics and geostatistical methods for data processing;
2. Understand the principles of geological mapping, stratigraphy, and geological surveying;
3. Navigate major public geological databases and use IT methods to access and consult them;
4. For geological studies of an area, understand the main methods of data acquisition (e.g., logging, surveying, boreholes, remote sensing, geophysics), the principles of integrating surface and subsurface data, and the concepts of uncertainty and their implications for geological interpretation.

Assessment will involve final written/oral examinations, individual outputs (e.g., geological maps), reports, and field notebooks. Mid-term assessments may be conducted as tests, practicals, or written exams.
 

Applications of the Geological Sciences Area

Graduates will develop a strong foundation in applying basic knowledge and learned techniques, with an emphasis on geo-resources and geohazard. They will acquire knowledge to:

1. Understand geomorphological processes, landscape evolution, and their relationship to climate change and sustainability;
2. Address the technical and socio-political issues related to the identification and sustainable, ethical exploitation of geo-resources;
3. Plan and implement surveys to identify and conduct preliminary qualitative and quantitative characterizations of geo-resources in various operational contexts;
4. Plan the sustainable exploitation of geo-resources using appropriate methods and necessary restoration measures;
5. Understand the concept of geohazard and its impact on sustainable development;
6. Implement actions to prevent and mitigate geohazards such as landslides, earthquakes, and floods;
7. Understand the geological issues associated with infrastructure construction.

Assessment will occur through final written/oral examinations and individual project evaluations. Mid-term assessments may be conducted as tests, practicals, or written exams.
 

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

Basic Mathematical, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Area

The knowledge acquired will enable graduates to:

1. Operate effectively in various Earth science research and professional fields;
2. Employ quantitative methods based on the scientific method and their knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science.

Students may acquire further knowledge in relevant basic fields through free-choice course credits.
 

Basic Geological Sciences Area

Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of basic geological sciences to:

1. Describe and recognize main rock types; interpret landforms and landscapes; use cartographic products; apply relative dating methods; interpret the genesis of sedimentary rocks and their physical properties; identify main fossil groups; produce stratigraphic logs; and apply chemistry knowledge to study rocks and characterize their properties using key laboratory techniques;
2. Identify main mineral types in the laboratory (e.g., under a microscope) and in the field, in relation to their host rocks;
3. Recognize igneous and metamorphic rocks, interpret their petrographic features, and conduct thin section analyses;
4. Recognize and describe brittle and ductile deformational structures and link them to their genetic processes;
5. Understand the physical processes of the Earth System using data from seismic waves, gravimetry, magnetism, and heat flow.

These skills will be developed through classroom, laboratory, and field activities.
 

Acquisition, Analysis, and Integration of Geological Data Area

Graduates will be able to:

1. Apply key methods for collecting geological data in the lab (e.g., geochemical) and field (e.g., sampling, borehole description), and perform descriptive statistical analyses for interpretation;
2. Produce geological and thematic maps using traditional and digital tools (PDA, GIS), integrate field and indirect data, and draw geological cross-sections;
3. Conduct preliminary geological studies by combining surface and subsurface data from direct/indirect methods and public databases to produce simple subsurface models.

These objectives will be achieved through classroom, lab, and field activities, including group work to develop soft skills and teamwork.
 

Applications of the Geological Sciences Area

Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge in practical contexts. Specifically, they will be able to:

1. Plan and conduct preliminary surveys to identify geo-resources in various geological and operational contexts;
2. Perform preliminary qualitative and quantitative characterization of geo-resources (e.g., mineral, water, geological heritage) and analyse their distribution;
3. Implement simple strategies for the ethical and sustainable planning of geo-resource exploitation, including environmental restoration measures;
4. Assess the types, locations, and dynamics of geohazards;
5. Evaluate the impact of geohazards on sustainable development;
6. Define and apply preliminary strategies to mitigate geohazards;
7. Conduct geological investigations and preliminary assessments for infrastructure projects.

These skills will be developed through classroom, lab, and field activities, including group work to foster soft skills and teamwork.

Career Prospects

Employment and professional opportunities for graduates

Geologist Specialising in the Study of Geo-resources and Geohazard

Graduates will possess both foundational knowledge and specialised skills in geo-resources and risk, enabling them to pursue careers at national and international levels.

Graduates will bring technical and operational competencies to the global labour market, typically in roles as employees with technical, coordination, or executive duties (non-managerial). Potential employers include:

• National public bodies (e.g., Civil Protection, ISPRA, INGV, CNR, local authorities, nature parks);
• Corresponding institutions abroad;
• Supranational institutions (e.g., UNESCO);
• Companies of all sizes (e.g., in energy, civil engineering, mining, environmental remediation);
• Professional consultancies in Italy and abroad;
• Geological analysis laboratories in Italy and abroad.

In Italy, the degree allows graduates to practice as a junior geologist upon passing the professional licensing examination.
 

Competences Associated with the Role

Geologist Specialising in the Study of Geo-resources and Geohazard

Graduates will possess competencies for professional activities in various sectors, including:

• Foundational knowledge in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computing for describing and interpreting geological processes;
• Basic competencies in Earth sciences for understanding the theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of planetary evolution;
• Ability to use disciplinary methods for laboratory and field investigations;
• Operational skills in using tools to understand geological systems and processes;
• Technical and operational competencies;
• Effective written and spoken communication skills in both Italian and English;
• Competence in using communication and information management tools;
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Graduates will also possess specific competencies in:

• Basic geological mapping;
• Surveying geological hazards;
• Analysing geohazard and implementing prevention and emergency safety measures;
• Conducting geognostic investigations and subsurface exploration using direct and geophysical methods;
• Identifying geo-resources, including water resources;
• Assessing and preventing the degradation of cultural and environmental assets; analysing and certifying geological materials;
• Environmental impact assessment;
• Conducting geodetic, topographical, oceanographic, and atmospheric surveys;
• Performing tests and analyses in geotechnical laboratories.
   

Role in the Workplace

Geologist Specialising in the Study of Geo-resources and Geohazard

Graduates will be qualified for tasks involving the collection, analysis, and management of geological data, with a focus on geo-resources and geohazard. These roles are typically technical, operational, or coordinative in nature, rather than managerial, which generally require a master's degree.

Final examination and degree

Characteristics of the final examination

The programme concludes with a final examination in English, consisting of an original written dissertation on a theme addressed during the programme. The dissertation may also incorporate the placement or internship activity required by the study programme.