Master in Civil engineering

The course covers the most advanced aspects of analysis, design and construction of civil structures in earthquake zones with reference to geotechnical issues.

The training provides a preparation capable of supporting traditional knowledge of civil engineering skills that enable to exploit adequately the possibilities now offered by modern technology, from electronic calculators to increasingly sophisticated computer codes, advanced techniques of analysis of experimental materials and structures to monitoring technologies and remote transmission of data, as well as by the development of new materials.

The course organization ensures the necessary background for professionals with a solid knowledge in the fields of structural and geotechnical engineering, as well as related topics in civil engineering. The preparation is integrated by other engineering disciplines and broad scientific knowledge.

Graduates will also have to be able to communicate effectively in written and oral form, in at least one language of the European Union in addition to Italian.

Graduates in Civil Engineering have the cognitive tools to continuously update their knowledge. Graduates of the Master of Science in Civil Engineering should have developed the learning skills that are necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.

Specialist in Civil Engineering can work in several areas, such as construction of residential and services buildings, industrial plants, water works (dams and reservoirs), large sport facilities, maritime coastal and offshore infrastructures, superficial and deep foundations, retaining structures, embankments of loose materials, and underground constructions.

The modern action field of the Civil Engineer specialist deals with the importance of structural and seismic safety issues related to the above-mentioned constructions, with the consequent need for detailed risk assessments, and with the consolidation and repair of existing buildings (old building, old towns).

Skills merge traditional competences in the field of Civil Engineering with recent advances in computer sciences, material sciences and new material development, monito¬ring technologies, and remote data transmission.

Graduates in Civil Engineering careers include consulting activities for private and public entities, design activities for engineering companies and engineering associates, as well as employment in enterprises, and government agencies.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Civil Engineering should have developed the learning skills that are necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy. Each student is offered several tools to develop learning skills enough to undertake higher level studies (second level master and possibly PhD). The learning schedule enables personal work time for self-skill development and self-evaluation for improved learning ability. Learning goals are achieved with lectures, classroom exercises, laboratory work, design training in various sectors of civil engineering, integrative seminars and presentations by corporate, technical visits, internships at public institutions, companies, professional associates and/or engineering companies, and companies providing services. Verification of learning outcomes may consist of written tests to be held during the semester by previous agreement, and scheduled examination for final evaluation of training objectives, with marks to be expressed in fractions of thirty.

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering is awarded after having passed a final examination consisting in the discussion of a written thesis. The thesis focuses on a specific subject, under the guidance of at least one teacher (advisor) of the Classes or the University, which will oversee the activity.

With other words, Civil Engineer graduates should be able to apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work, and must possess skills for devising and sustaining arguments, as well as solving typical Civil Engineering problems. The teaching approach, common to all the classes, provides theoretical training integrated by examples, applications, individual and group tests which encourage active participation, proactive attitude, the embedded intelligence and reporting results of the work done. Personal study assumes considerable importance in this regard, enabling a self-evaluation of learned skills.

Finally, laboratory activities carried out in groups and classroom exercises are important complements that can be integrated by guided tours, study tours, training courses, internships and laboratory simulation of business realities with the level of specialist degree in question.