GEOFISICA DI ESPLORAZIONE E APPLICATA Degree Programme Profile
Basic Information
Qualification awarded
Master Degree in GEOFISICA DI ESPLORAZIONE E APPLICATA
Qualification Type/Level
EHEA Second cycle, EQF level 7
Number of Years/credits
2 years; 120 ECTS
Mode of Study
Full-Time/Part-Time*
*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own pace. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.
Name of the Course Director and other contact information
President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof.
Email
Department of DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE DELLA TERRA
Internationalization Coordinator (CAI):
Prof. Luigi Folco
Email luigi.folco@unipi.it
Language of Teaching
English
Admission Requirements
Formal Requirements
Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or foreign equivalent in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if required competences are lacking.
Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences
Obligatory entrance exam for orientation purposes (non-selective).
Required knowledge and competences support programmes
Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.
General Information
Programme Profile
The MSc program in Exploration and Applied Geophysics has the objective of preparing student with a solid background on classical physics and mathematics the limitations of the geophysical methods of investigation. They will be able to use the existing physical, mathematical, and computational methodologies that together the related geosciences and engineering methods, allow for an effective exploration of the Earth, at various spatial and temporal scales, for either scientific or application purposes.
Key Learning Outcomes
Graduates of MSc in Exploration and Applied Geophysics will acquire:
• a basic complete education in physics, mathematics, and information technology;
• additional knowledge in geology, physics, and mathematics, focused on the geophysical phenomenology which constitutes the foundation of the geophysical prospecting and exploration methods;
• knowledge and training in signal analysis and geophysical data processing;
• an adequate mastery of the geophysical exploration methods and of the data analysis and interpretation techniques applied to the search for energy sources, to the estimation of the physical properties and of the structural features of the subsurface and of the investigated materials;
• the ability to develop and to make use of geophysical and mathematical tools applied to the study of the geophysical phenomena, to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources, to the prevention of natural and environmental risks, to the exploration of the Earth geological structures, to the investigations for the planning of engineering works and to the non-destructive testing for the conservation and safety of buildings and for the underground facilities;
• laboratory and field training with hands-on use of geophysical instrumentations, of digital processing and modeling tools, of remote sensing and topographic techniques and of visualization and interpretation tools;
• the ability to plan and to perform geophysical investigations, either field works and processing and interpretation works, interacting with the other professionals operating in the fields of geosciences and engineering, selecting the geophysical method(s) optimal either from a technical and an economical point of view;
• the ability of writing and speaking at least one European Community language besides Italian, also with reference to professional lexicons.
Occupational Profile/s of Graduates
The graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Geophysics Exploration and may exercise exploration geophysics, analytical and numerical treatment of the data geophysical, mathematical and numerical modelling of geophysical phenomena, while developing a strong interaction with other disciplines of geosciences and engineering. The acquired skills will support the integration of graduates in the areas of oil companies and the exploration and production of renewable energy, service companies and geophysical consulting freelance, public research institutions, and government institutions for monitoring and environmental protection.
Access to further study
The Laurea Magistrale degree in EXPLORATION AND APPLIED GEOPHYSICS allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.
Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading
Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**.
Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on the occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated based on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).
**The exam sessions are organised into sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The students choose which of the appelli they wish to respond to. In most cases, it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.
Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification
The required 120 credits must obtain at least 12 credits on Physics teachings, 12 credit on geological teachings, 27 on geophysical teachings. 15 credits (including a 6 credit course on Signal theory) are reserved to additional courses related to the spec