Master degree in Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards

The University of Pavia and the School of Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia present a new international Master of Science programme in Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards. The programme is structured in two curricula:

• Reduction of Seismic Risk (ROSE)
• Hydrogeological Risk Assessment and Mitigation (HYRIS)

Courses are taught in English by highly qualified professors with an internationally recognized scientific activity.

The Master in Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards is jointly offered by the University of Pavia and the School of Advanced Studies of Pavia (IUSS).

The University of Pavia is one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 825. Many renowned humanists and scientists studied and taught at the Alma Ticinensis Universitas, such as Cardano, a mathematician who found out the Cardanic joint and the solution of cubic equations, and Alessandro Volta, the inventor of electric piles. Nowadays, the multidisciplinary University of Pavia includes nine faculties, three campuses covered by free WiFi access and the largest Residence Hall system in Italy. The University Sports Center (CUS) offers modern training facilities for track and field, canoeing, rowing, volleyball, rugby, fencing, archery, sports for physically disabled persons, aerobics, basketball, swimming, and sailing.

The University School of Advanced Studies of Pavia (IUSS), is the last step of a long-lasting higher education process started on 825 when King Lotharius appointed Pavia, the ancient capital of the Lombard kingdom, as the site for higher education of his kingdom. IUSS Pavia fulfills, since 1997, an advanced teaching and research model successfully implemented by other prestigious institutions in Italy, like the Scuola Normale Superiore and the Scuola Sant’Anna in Pisa. Due to the completeness of its education and training fields, which allows a strong interdisciplinary approach, the mission of IUSS is that of contributing to the growth of a small number of ed students by offering them, at any step of their higher education, qualified programs enhancing their capabilities and knowledge. IUSS Pavia is also committed to scientific progress by preparing young researchers and developing scientific research programs.

Objectives

Environmentally-related risks are critical for human communities, productive activities, infrastructure network as well as the cultural heritage. In our modern societies, civil engineers play a key role in mitigating the risks caused by natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, flooding, and landslides.

The Master in Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards is jointly offered by the University of Pavia and the School of Advanced Studies of Pavia (IUSS) and it provides advanced technical education in the field of structural and geotechnical earthquake engineering, hydraulic engineering and hydrogeology.

The courses are taught by highly-qualified local faculties as well as top international specialists invited to teach selected subjects.

The two-year programme will provide students with the proper theoretical background in fundamental disciplines including applied mathematics, solid and fluid mechanics to fully master the topics taught in advanced technical courses. As a part of their training, students will be required to spend a whole semester to work on a master thesis where they may have the opportunity to participate in national and international projects. They may also be involved in the use of cutting-edge experimental facilities such as the EUCENTRE shake table, currently the largest and most powerful earthquake simulator existing in Europe.

Course Structure and Organization

The Master Programme has a two-year duration. It begins in late September and calls for a full-time commitment. Courses are programmed according to a dual system. While some courses are scheduled over the typical semester time-frame, others are contracted to last 4 weeks. The Master Course is structured in two curricula:

• Reduction of Seismic Risk (ROSE)
• Hydrogeological Risk Assessment and Mitigation (HYRIS)

Cooperation Agreements

Cooperation agreements of the University of Pavia and IUSS Pavia with a number of renowned academic institutions worldwide actively involved in risk mitigation from natural disasters are currently active. This allows for joint collaboration in research activities, an organization of international conferences and seminars, sharing publications and technical data, implement student exchange programs. Formal agreements have currently been established with top universities in Europe, USA, Canada, South America, China and New Zealand.

Admission Requirements

A three-year Bachelor Degree in Civil and/or Environmental Engineering acknowledged by the Italian Government is the minimum requirement to apply for the Master Programme. In some cases, a legalized Italian translation of DegreeCertificates by the Italian Consulate is also required. Additionally, an adequate knowledge of the English language is mandatory (B2 level or equivalent).

Low-income students are entitled to apply for EDISU scholarships.

Admission Procedure

Selection is based on an assessment of academic qualifications and English proficiency. Appropriate certificates should be submitted in the online application procedure.

Career Opportunities

This Master Course is designed to shape civil engineers with outstanding scientific and professional skills that are fully aware of the multi-faceted aspects of the seismic and hydrogeological risk. Graduates may find employment in engineering design and consulting offices, construction companies, agencies of civil protection, governmental institutions, regional authorities, management offices, international organizations, insurance and reinsurance companies, research institutions.

Location

Classes and other academic activities of the Master Programme are hosted both at the “Cravino Campus” of the University of Pavia and at the IUSS headquarters in downtown Pavia.

Experimental research activities connected to the Master dissertation of students enrolled in the ROSE Programme will be carried out at the EUCENTRE TREES Lab facility.