Earth Sciences
In-person programme
Earth Sciences
Course sheet
A.Y. 2026/2027
Master programme
LM-74 R - Scienze e tecnologie geologiche
Curriculum focuses on the education of professionals capable of working in the field of land and environmental management, with particular attention to the planning and design of monitoring systems aimed at defining hazard and risk scenarios, especially with regard to interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and cryosphere. Hazard and risk scenarios also take into account the effects of ongoing and past climate change. In addition, graduates of this curriculum will acquire skills in analysis and numerical modeling to define interactions between engineering structures and natural systems.
In particular, the curriculum explores topics that support the development of knowledge and skills related to the planning and design of geotechnical and geophysical investigations (both traditional and advanced, including those applied to engineering works), aimed at defining geological?technical and hydrogeological subsurface models. It also covers the planning, execution, and interpretation of field and laboratory tests for the characterization of geological media (soils, rocks, and water), supporting the reconstruction of a conceptual subsurface model.
Further emphasis is placed on geological?technical, photogrammetric, geomorphological, and Quaternary deposit surveying techniques, for the production of technical cartography, with a focus on territorial evolution. Knowledge and skills are developed for the creation of digital cartography through the use of GIS, remote sensing data, and the application of geospatial statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence methods. Surveying and cartographic activities are also aimed at the planning and design of applied geological interventions for land protection and management, as well as resource conservation, in response to hazard, vulnerability, and risk scenarios, including civil protection purposes.
In detail, within the framework of environmental protection and land conservation, the curriculum addresses topics related to hydrogeological instability and the application of numerical modeling methods for reconstructing evolutionary scenarios involving the hydrosphere, cryosphere, and lithosphere, and their interaction with the biosphere. Regarding the sustainable use of resources, the curriculum includes content relevant to the exploration, management, and protection of water resources, including the characterization and monitoring of contaminated sites, as well as hydrogeological activities related to site remediation. In the field of hydrogeology, topics related to the use of low-enthalpy geothermal energy are also addressed.
In particular, the curriculum explores topics that support the development of knowledge and skills related to the planning and design of geotechnical and geophysical investigations (both traditional and advanced, including those applied to engineering works), aimed at defining geological?technical and hydrogeological subsurface models. It also covers the planning, execution, and interpretation of field and laboratory tests for the characterization of geological media (soils, rocks, and water), supporting the reconstruction of a conceptual subsurface model.
Further emphasis is placed on geological?technical, photogrammetric, geomorphological, and Quaternary deposit surveying techniques, for the production of technical cartography, with a focus on territorial evolution. Knowledge and skills are developed for the creation of digital cartography through the use of GIS, remote sensing data, and the application of geospatial statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence methods. Surveying and cartographic activities are also aimed at the planning and design of applied geological interventions for land protection and management, as well as resource conservation, in response to hazard, vulnerability, and risk scenarios, including civil protection purposes.
In detail, within the framework of environmental protection and land conservation, the curriculum addresses topics related to hydrogeological instability and the application of numerical modeling methods for reconstructing evolutionary scenarios involving the hydrosphere, cryosphere, and lithosphere, and their interaction with the biosphere. Regarding the sustainable use of resources, the curriculum includes content relevant to the exploration, management, and protection of water resources, including the characterization and monitoring of contaminated sites, as well as hydrogeological activities related to site remediation. In the field of hydrogeology, topics related to the use of low-enthalpy geothermal energy are also addressed.
Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, students can spend a study or research period at a foreign university or research centre, to take classes and exams, carry out part of the research work for their final thesis, or complete the internship. Attending courses and taking exams at a foreign university is not only a life-shaping experience and an opportunity to learn the local language, but also a chance for students to experience a different teaching system and develop a more flexible approach to their studies, which they could later apply in their future career. By carrying out research activities or an internship abroad, students often gain access to resources that otherwise would not be available to them (for example, large equipment). They also have a chance to conduct applied research in specific fields, and to interact with wider research groups. Thanks to inter-institutional agreements, the Master's degree programme currently offers mobility opportunities for study (and in some cases research) at partner universities in France, Germany, Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey. In any case, the University is open to sign new agreements for study, research or internship purposes with any other university or research centre with which professors teaching in the Department already have an ongoing scientific collaboration, or wish to establish one. For any of these opportunities, and in general to carry out research abroad, students have to identify a Department professor willing to act as their supervisor or scientific coordinator of the project. Erasmus+ scholarships for study allow students to take exams and do research at foreign universities, while Erasmus+ Placement scholarships are only for internship and research activities. There are separate application processes for the two types of scholarships, with different paperwork requirements. All activities to be carried out abroad, whether study or research, must be approved by the relevant tutors (professors) at the home and host universities and specified in the learning agreement. This document, together with the transcript of records for any exam taken abroad and/or research reports, is essential for ensuring the recognition of such activities by the home university. Besides the Erasmus+ programme, the University offers Master's students the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to write their thesis abroad. Applications open twice a year and upcoming graduates can participate in the selection by submitting a detailed thesis project together with their supervisor.
Attendance is not compulsory, but highly recommended especially for all laboratories, field activities and many lectures of specialist courses with contents that are not easily available through textbooks.
Enrolment
Enrolment
Application for admission: from 22/01/2026 to 25/08/2026
Application for enrolment: from 05/05/2026 to 15/01/2027
Attachments and documents
Non-EU students visa applicants are required to apply for admission no later than 30 April 2026.
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Electrical, Electromagnetic and Gravimetric Methods for Environmental and Exploration | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-04/B |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Environmental Contamination and Mitigation | 9 | 76 | English | GEOS-01/C GEOS-01/D |
| Geotechnical, Hydrogeological and Geomorphological Survey | 9 | 96 | English | GEOS-03/A GEOS-03/B |
| Soil Geology and Applications | 9 | 92 | Italian | GEOS-02/A GEOS-02/B GEOS-02/C |
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Training | 9 | 0 | English | NN |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Examination | 27 | 0 | English | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| 3d Structural Analysis: Methods and Applications | 6 | 60 | Italian | GEOS-02/C |
| Applied Geomorphology | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEOS-03/A |
| Contamination and Remediation of Aquifers | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEOS-03/B |
| Geochemical Tracers and Applications | 6 | 52 | Italian | GEOS-01/C |
| Hydrostratigraphy | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEOS-02/B |
| Marine Geology | 6 | 52 | Italian | GEOS-02/A |
| Numerical Modeling for Geoengineering | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEOS-03/B |
| Paleontology and Paleoenvironments | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEOS-02/A |
| Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis for Geohazards and Georesources | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-03/A GEOS-03/B |
| Seismology | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-04/A |
| Stones and Their Analogues for Civil and Energy Engineering | 6 | 52 | Italian | GEOS-01/B |
| Subsurface Sedimentary Systems for the Energy Transition | 6 | 48 | Italian | GEOS-02/B |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Geographic Information System (GIS) | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-03/B |
| Geophysics for Natural Hazards | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEOS-04/C |
| Geotechnics | 6 | 60 | English | CEAR-05/A |
| Hydrogeology and Groundwater Assessment | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-03/B |
| Regional Geology | 6 | 64 | Italian | GEOS-02/C |
| Rocks and Minerals: Properties and Characterization | 6 | 56 | Italian | GEOS-01/A GEOS-01/B |
| Sedimentology and Applied Stratigraphy | 6 | 64 | Italian | GEOS-02/B |
| Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods | 6 | 60 | English | GEOS-03/B |
Not specified period
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Other Useful Knowledge for Entering the World of Work | 3 | 24 | English | NN |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - Students will have to choose 3 courses from the following list, maximum 2 per area, for a total of 18 CFU.
Area 1 = GEOS-02/A, GEOS-02/B, GEOS-02/C
Area 2 = GEOS-03/A, GEOS-03/B;
Area 3 = GEOS-01/A, GEOS-01/B, GEOS-01/C, GEOS-01/D.
Area 1 = GEOS-02/A, GEOS-02/B, GEOS-02/C
Area 2 = GEOS-03/A, GEOS-03/B;
Area 3 = GEOS-01/A, GEOS-01/B, GEOS-01/C, GEOS-01/D.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3d Structural Analysis: Methods and Applications | 6 | 60 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-02/C |
| Applied Geomorphology | 6 | 56 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-03/A |
| Geographic Information System (GIS) | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-03/B |
| Hydrogeology and Groundwater Assessment | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-03/B |
| Hydrostratigraphy | 6 | 56 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-02/B |
| Marine Geology | 6 | 52 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-02/A |
| Rocks and Minerals: Properties and Characterization | 6 | 56 | Italian | Second semester | GEOS-01/A GEOS-01/B |
2 - Students will have to choose 3 courses, equal to 18 cfu from the following list:
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contamination and Remediation of Aquifers | 6 | 56 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-03/B |
| Geochemical Tracers and Applications | 6 | 52 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-01/C |
| Geophysics for Natural Hazards | 6 | 56 | Italian | Second semester | GEOS-04/C |
| Geotechnics | 6 | 60 | English | Second semester | CEAR-05/A |
| Numerical Modeling for Geoengineering | 6 | 56 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-03/B |
| Paleontology and Paleoenvironments | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-02/A |
| Regional Geology | 6 | 64 | Italian | Second semester | GEOS-02/C |
| Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis for Geohazards and Georesources | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | GEOS-03/A GEOS-03/B |
| Sedimentology and Applied Stratigraphy | 6 | 64 | Italian | Second semester | GEOS-02/B |
| Seismology | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | GEOS-04/A |
| Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods | 6 | 60 | English | Second semester | GEOS-03/B |
| Stones and Their Analogues for Civil and Energy Engineering | 6 | 52 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-01/B |
| Subsurface Sedimentary Systems for the Energy Transition | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | GEOS-02/B |
3 - The student must acquire 12 ECTS by freely choosing from all the courses activated by the University as long as they are culturally consistent with his/her educational path and do not overlap, in content, with the fundamental and optional courses already used in the study plan.
Therefore, all the courses present in this Study Manifesto that meet these criteria are included in the choice of 12 ECTS credits.
Therefore, all the courses present in this Study Manifesto that meet these criteria are included in the choice of 12 ECTS credits.
4 - 3 CFU of "Other knowledge useful for entering the world of work" to be acquired through a theoretical-practical course relating to the topics covered in the study path, held by freelancers or experts in some production sectors and teachers belonging to the degree course to illustrate and discuss topics useful for entering the world of work or among the Transversal Skills selected by the Teaching Board: https://scienzeterra.cdl.unimi.it/en/courses/soft-skills
There are no preparatory courses between the teachings.
Prescribed foundation courses
| Learning activity | Prescribed foundation courses |
|---|---|
| Contamination and Remediation of Aquifers | Hydrogeology and Groundwater Assessment (optional) |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Earth and Planetary Materials: from Nature to Experiments | 9 | 84 | English | GEOS-01/A GEOS-01/B |
| Earth Surface Dynamics and Applied Geology | 9 | 84 | English | GEOS-03/A GEOS-03/B |
| Physics of the Earth's Interior | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-04/A |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Geological Process and Field Geology | 9 | 90 | English | GEOS-02/A GEOS-02/B GEOS-02/C |
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Training | 9 | 0 | English | NN |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Examination | 27 | 0 | English | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Basement Geology and Microtectonics | 6 | 64 | English | GEOS-02/C |
| Climate and Hydro-Geological Hazard | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-03/A GEOS-03/B |
| Crystal Chemistry and Crystallography | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-01/A |
| Metallogenesis-Ore Minerals | 6 | 64 | English | GEOS-01/D |
| Micropaleontology | 6 | 64 | English | GEOS-02/A |
| Physics and Chemistry of Minerals | 6 | 52 | English | GEOS-01/A |
| Quaternary Landscapes and Human Landuse | 6 | 52 | English | GEOS-03/A |
| Sedimentology | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-02/B |
| Stratigraphy and Paleogeography | 6 | 52 | English | GEOS-02/B |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Biostratigraphy and Biochronology | 6 | 48 | English | GEOS-02/A |
| Economic Geology and Sustainability | 6 | 48 | English | GEOS-01/D |
| Experimental and Computational Modeling in Petrology | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-01/B |
| Geochemical Data Lab | 6 | 60 | English | GEOS-01/C |
| Geodynamics | 6 | 64 | English | GEOS-02/C |
| Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-04/C |
| Raw Materials: from Prospection to Recycling | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-01/C GEOS-01/D |
| Rocks and Fluids: Analytical Methods and Data Management | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-01/B GEOS-01/C |
| Sedimentary Basins: Processes and Evolution | 6 | 48 | English | GEOS-02/B |
| Sedimentary Rock Diagenesis and Environmental Record | 6 | 52 | English | GEOS-02/B |
| Seismic and Wave Field Exploration | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-04/B |
| Technological Properties of Minerals, Cements and Ceramics | 6 | 56 | English | GEOS-01/A GEOS-01/D |
Not specified period
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Other Useful Knowledge for Entering the World of Work | 3 | 24 | English | NN |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - Students will have to choose 3 courses from the following list, maximum 2 per area, for a total of 18 CFU.
Scope 1 = GEO/01, GEO/02, GEO/03,
Scope 2 = GEO/04, GEO/05;
Scope 3 = GEO/06, GEO/07, GEO/08, GEO/09.
Scope 1 = GEO/01, GEO/02, GEO/03,
Scope 2 = GEO/04, GEO/05;
Scope 3 = GEO/06, GEO/07, GEO/08, GEO/09.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geodynamics | 6 | 64 | English | Second semester | GEOS-02/C |
| Micropaleontology | 6 | 64 | English | First semester | GEOS-02/A |
| Quaternary Landscapes and Human Landuse | 6 | 52 | English | First semester | GEOS-03/A |
| Raw Materials: from Prospection to Recycling | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-01/C GEOS-01/D |
| Rocks and Fluids: Analytical Methods and Data Management | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-01/B GEOS-01/C |
| Sedimentology | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | GEOS-02/B |
| Technological Properties of Minerals, Cements and Ceramics | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-01/A GEOS-01/D |
2 - Students will have to choose 3 courses, equal to 18 cfu from the following list:
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basement Geology and Microtectonics | 6 | 64 | English | First semester | GEOS-02/C |
| Biostratigraphy and Biochronology | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | GEOS-02/A |
| Climate and Hydro-Geological Hazard | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | GEOS-03/A GEOS-03/B |
| Crystal Chemistry and Crystallography | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | GEOS-01/A |
| Economic Geology and Sustainability | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | GEOS-01/D |
| Experimental and Computational Modeling in Petrology | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-01/B |
| Geochemical Data Lab | 6 | 60 | English | Second semester | GEOS-01/C |
| Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-04/C |
| Metallogenesis-Ore Minerals | 6 | 64 | English | First semester | GEOS-01/D |
| Physics and Chemistry of Minerals | 6 | 52 | English | First semester | GEOS-01/A |
| Sedimentary Basins: Processes and Evolution | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | GEOS-02/B |
| Sedimentary Rock Diagenesis and Environmental Record | 6 | 52 | English | Second semester | GEOS-02/B |
| Seismic and Wave Field Exploration | 6 | 56 | English | Second semester | GEOS-04/B |
| Stratigraphy and Paleogeography | 6 | 52 | English | First semester | GEOS-02/B |
3 - The student must acquire 12 ECTS by freely choosing from all the courses activated by the University as long as they are culturally consistent with his/her educational path and do not overlap, in content, with the fundamental and optional courses already used in the study plan.
Therefore, all the courses present in this Study Manifesto that meet these criteria are included in the choice of 12 ECTS credits.
Therefore, all the courses present in this Study Manifesto that meet these criteria are included in the choice of 12 ECTS credits.
4 - 3 CFU of "Other knowledge useful for entering the world of work" to be acquired through a theoretical-practical course relating to the topics covered in the study path, held by freelancers or experts in some production sectors and teachers belonging to the degree course to illustrate and discuss topics useful for entering the world of work or among the Transversal Skills selected by the Teaching Board: https://scienzeterra.cdl.unimi.it/en/courses/soft-skills
There are no preparatory courses between the teachings.
Prescribed foundation courses
| Learning activity | Prescribed foundation courses |
|---|---|
| Contamination and Remediation of Aquifers | Hydrogeology and Groundwater Assessment (optional) |
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment
Milan
Course locations
Teaching infrastructures for the Bachelor's degree programme in Earth Sciences are located in the three structures of the Department of Earth Sciences "A. Desio". The main teaching areas are: Geology and Paleontology (via L. Mangiagalli, 34); Mineralogy, Petrography, Geochemistry and Mineral Fields and Geophisics via Botticelli, 23/via L. Mangiagalli, 32.
Laboratory locations
Lab activities take place both in the department laboratories, which boast technical and scientific equipment and collections, as well as on the field, thanks to customised logistics solutions.
Educational collections for the recognition and study of fossils, minerals and rocks are available in classrooms and ad-hoc teaching laboratories. Computer classrooms offer software for data processing and for the simulation of geological processes.
Scientific instruments available at the Department of Earth Sciences (https://distad.unimi.it/en/teaching/projects-and-workshops/lab-activities) offer students the chance to learn and apply techniques for the characterisation of minerals, fossils, rocks, soils, other natural or synthetic materials, as well as water and other terrestrial fluids. Practical exercises are carried out in laboratories of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectrometry, micro-Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and experimental petrology, mechanics of rocks and sedimentology.
Field laboratories take place in areas which are particularly suited for learning geological mapping techniques. These laboratories also rely on the collaboration with data processing facilities, for example the Valchiavenna station.
Educational collections for the recognition and study of fossils, minerals and rocks are available in classrooms and ad-hoc teaching laboratories. Computer classrooms offer software for data processing and for the simulation of geological processes.
Scientific instruments available at the Department of Earth Sciences (https://distad.unimi.it/en/teaching/projects-and-workshops/lab-activities) offer students the chance to learn and apply techniques for the characterisation of minerals, fossils, rocks, soils, other natural or synthetic materials, as well as water and other terrestrial fluids. Practical exercises are carried out in laboratories of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectrometry, micro-Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and experimental petrology, mechanics of rocks and sedimentology.
Field laboratories take place in areas which are particularly suited for learning geological mapping techniques. These laboratories also rely on the collaboration with data processing facilities, for example the Valchiavenna station.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Study plan tutor
Internship tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Teaching Office
Via Botticelli, 23 Milano piano terra
solo su appuntamento attraverso InformaStudenti https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML - Student Secretariats
Via Celoria, 18 Milano
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/segreterie-informastudenti
+390250325032
solo su appuntamento attraverso InformaStudenti - Director of the Departmental Library: Dr. Fabio Bottazzi
Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 34 piano terra
[email protected]
solo per appuntamento via mail - Contact person for Disability: Prof.ssa Maria Rose Petrizzo
Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 34
[email protected]
solo per appuntamento via mail
For students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes, tuition fees are to be paid in two instalments:
- the amount of the first instalment is the same for all students and is due upon enrolment
- the amount of the second instalment varies according to each student's ISEE University value and the degree programme in which they are enrolled
- for international students with income and assets abroad, the second instalment varies according to their country of origin.
Education incentive programmes and other benefits
The University offers scholarships, cafeterias, subsidised accommodation and other forms of financial support to students meeting specific economic and merit requirements.
More information
Official documents