Università degli Studi di Parma

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First cycle degree

GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

COD. 3029
WEBSITE
A.Y. 2017/2018
CLASS:
L-34 - Classe delle lauree in Scienze geologiche
Years of study: 3
Credits (CFU): 180
Mode of study: full-time

COURSE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM WITH CREDITS

PERCORSO COMUNE (curriculum)

Year of study: 1

Year of study: 2

Year of study: 3

Profile of the programme

The Geological Sciences degree course aims to provide graduates with a thorough grounding in basic geology and the knowledge and operative instruments for continuing their studies at a higher level, as well as a solid general preparation for working in the professional field. Accordingly the Course, which focuses mainly on educational and methodological aspects, is essentially structured around the core subjects of the single programme. The Course provides basic knowledge and understanding of chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science and of a number of theoretical, experimental and practical aspects of geology. In order to further develop their theoretical knowledge, students will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with investigation methods and data processing both in the laboratory and in the field, including through the use of GIS computer technologies. Lastly, the Course provides the opportunity for using the English language effectively in a scientific-technical context. The different subject syllabuses involve, in addition to lectures, laboratory exercises and activities in the field dedicated to learning the use of specific instruments and methods of geological survey. In order to acquire experience and knowledge from both the worlds of work and academia, the programme includes external activities such as internships in companies, public organizations and laboratories, and study experiences at Italian, European and extra-European universities, within the context of international agreements. Category L-34 graduates will have a solid foundation of knowledge and abilities that will enable them to continue on profitably to second cycle studies (LM-74 Geological sciences and technologies). From the professional standpoint, the training provided by the Course allows graduates to enrol in the relevant professional roll as Junior Geologists once they have passed the State examination.

Admission requirements

Admission to the First Cycle Degree Course in Geological Sciences requires a secondary school qualification or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad according to current legislation. Students must have a good command of Italian language, capacity of reasoning and suitable basic scientific knowledge.
In order to attend the Course, the students’ preparation will be assessed with a preliminary test organised at a national scale by an external institution according to a certified procedure. Admission to the Course is not subject to the outcome of the test, which instead aims to assess the students’ preparation and competences and provides an indication of any knowledge shortfalls to be solved within the first year of the course. This must be achieved by taking part in various support activities, as well as through individual study and/or support activities and tutorials organised by the Macedonio Melloni Department of Physics and Earth Sciences or by the Course itself.
Further information regarding assessment modalities and learning gaps fulfilment will be published on the Course Regulations.

Key learning outcomes

The specific objectives of the Degree Course in Geological Sciences include providing a solid grounding in geology (in compliance with the qualifying objectives described in the first part of this document) as well as knowledge and operational instruments to be used in the work field, (including, amongst other aspects, those necessary for enrolment in the roll of "Junior Geologists". These objectives are achieved by acquiring:
- the ability to interpret geological phenomena according to different space and time analysis scales;
- basic knowledge related to locate georesources;
- basic knowledge regarding natural risks;
- the capacity to produce geological and geothematic maps from land surveys;
- the capacity to use technologically advanced and/or innovative working instrumentation;
- the ability to draft precise reports on the activities conducted in the laboratory and in the field;
- the capacity to correlate the various Earth Science fields with other technical-scientific subjects.
The lessons conducted in the various subject areas involve obligatory field work dedicated to using specific instrumentation and to adopting suitable surveying methods. In order to ensure work experience is achieved, the training internship (in companies, public facilities and laboratories) is obligatory. The Degree Course provides the means for using the English language in a scientific and technical context. Checks to assess the knowledge and degree of understanding are conducted with a variety of assessment means, including oral tests, guided presentations, reports and essays and written examinations carried out both during and at the end of the educational activities, traineeships and the final examination. In order to conclude the Course, the results must meet the five key points specified in the Dublin Descriptors, namely:
- Knowledge and understanding;
- Applying knowledge and understanding;
- Making judgements;
- Communication skills;
- Learning skills.
The knowledge acquired constitutes the essential basis for being able to tackle the content of the Second Cycle Degree Course in Geological Sciences and Technologies (LM-74), and any other related second cycle degree courses. It also aims to enable students to enter the working world effectively.

Final examination, if any

The final examination is geared towards assessing the body of knowledge accumulated by the candidate, and his or her ability to draft and process data and observations autonomously and in such a way as meets the Course standards. The final examination consists of an experimental and/or compilation thesis, conducted under the guidance of a speaker assigned by the Degree Course Council and presented by the student to a Board appointed by the Head of the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences. This thesis must focus on a number of subjects of a geological nature which may revolve around the activities conducted in the internship. The student must produce and present work which includes written text, bibliographic references, tables, images and maps.