Geophysics

formazione geologica
Geophysics
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Master programme
LM-79 - Geophysics
Master programme
120
ECTS
Access
Open with entry requirements examination
2
Years
Course location
Milan
Language
English
The specific objective of the Laurea magistrale (MS degree) in Geophysics is to train master's doctors who have the ability to:

a) develop and apply mathematical and numerical models of geophysical and environmental systems and processes involving atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and interior of the Earth;
b) design and carry out geophysical observation and exploration of the planet Earth at different scales, with particular reference to geophysical surveys applied to the environment, cultural heritage, civil and infrastructural engineering, research and exploitation of natural resources;
c) analyze and design activities for the mitigation of natural and environmental risks, also aimed at intervention in the prevention and emergency phases, independently or in working groups together with professionals with other specializations.

In this context, the MS program aims to provide an in-depth broad-spectrum preparation in geophysics, based on a solid knowledge of physics and geological sciences. This is guaranteed through characterizing activities, which are divided into two exams in the physical disciplines (12 credits), two exams in the geological disciplines (12 credits, with extensive field activity) and four exams in the geophysical disciplines (24 credits), in order to provide a common in-depth knowledge. These activities provide the student with an adequate mastery of the scientific method of investigation, strengthening the knowledge acquired in the first level degree courses. The teaching activities in the physical and geological disciplines play a fundamental role to align the preparation of students. In fact, the MS in Geophysics can be attended by students with a very diversified background: students with a bachelor or first-level academic degree in different courses of the scientific area; students from different universities and from different countries, not only European, but also from other continents. To facilitate the alignment of students' preparation, the more traditional teaching activities in the physical and geological disciplines are accompanied by supplementary tutorial activities, dedicated to sub-groups of students, and almost "personalized".

Akin and integrative activities (3 exams, 18 credits) include exams in the engineering area (geomatics), environmental physics and legal and/or economic/managerial issues. They also include exams of geophysical disciplines, but with a specific focus on the development and use of mathematical models of geophysical processes and methods of geophysical data analysis, also with the use of the most modern techniques of data mining and machine learning. These activities can provide graduates in Geophysics with adequate digital and general skills in STEM disciplines (development and application of data analysis and interpretation techniques), but also with transversal skills very useful for the employability of the graduates and for their ability to adapt to a rapidly evolving world of work.
Through the elective activities (12 credits), the student can acquire more specific skills, in one or more of the following aspects: solid Earth geophysics (dynamics of the lithosphere and the Earth's mantle; seismology); geophysics of the fluid Earth (physics of the atmosphere; transport of contaminants; water circulation in the subsoil and in the seas); applied geophysics (exploration and monitoring of the subsoil, for the characterization of energy, water, mineral resources, cultural and environmental heritage and seismic and hydrogeological risk). Among the elective activities, it is also possible to find course units that are taught, within the framework of specific agreements, by high-quality technical and scientific personnel of institutions and companies outside the university environment and who provide more operational training in the professional field.
All course units include laboratory or field exercises, to complement "theoretical" training with practical activities, especially for the physical-mathematical modelling of phenomena and the geophysical processing and interpretation of data, also through the development of dedicated software. These activities provide the student with advanced operational skills both in laboratory work and in the collection of geophysical data in the field and in physical-mathematical modelling and its applications. These activities are also aimed at encouraging the acquisition of transversal skills, such as critical and innovative thinking, presentation and communication skills, organizational and teamwork skills, self-discipline.
The student completes his/her preparation by carrying out an internship (internal, i.e. at the University laboratories, or external, at external bodies), also aimed at improving transversal skills, and with the preparation of a MS thesis that will commit the student to work for at least one semester on an argument of basic or applied research.
The student can carry out part of the teaching activities, including the MS thesis, at foreign universities and research centers, as part of the international mobility programs for students and teachers.
Professional profile: Specialist in modeling of geophysical processes and in acquisition and analysis of geophysical data.

Function in a work context
The role of the graduate in Geophysics in a working context concerns the analysis and solution of geophysical problems lato sensu, as well as scientific research and applicative studies on geophysical aspects concerning the Earth system. This function can be carried out both as an employee within the technical roles of public and private entities, even at a high professional and managerial level, and as a freelancer.
The graduate in Geophysics can carry out development and application activities of mathematical and numerical models of geophysical and environmental systems and processes, which involve atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and interior of the Earth, and can plan and carry out geophysical observation and exploration activities of the planet Earth at different scales, with particular reference to geophysical investigations with various application fields.
The final objectives, both in the public and private sectors, include: the production of data, processed from raw data, which can be obtained from the geophysical instrumentation for measuring the different components of the Earth system and at different spatial and temporal scales; the elaboration, through "forward" models, of forecasts of the evolution in time and space of processes concerning different components of the Earth system.
Graduates in Geophysics can also carry out, independently or in working groups, activities for the mitigation of natural and environmental risks, especially in relation to the hazard linked to seismicity, extreme weather events, environmental contamination. In particular, they can share their skills with professionals who have different backgrounds, such as engineers, geologists, computer scientists, in order to optimize and harmonize activities concerning environmental issues, natural risks, management of natural resources and of the territory, both in the private and public sectors. This kind of professional figure is particularly useful, as it can also act as a link between companies, public bodies or offices with stakeholders or decision makers.
The refinement of transversal skills, such as problem solving, team work, coding, qualifies the graduates in Geophysics also in view of professional opportunities not strictly related to geophysics.
Finally, the skills acquired in the operational and management field, combined with the general preparation on the topics central to the MS degree, can also allow graduates in Geophysics to assume responsibility and coordination functions both in public administration and in the private sector.

Skills associated with the function
Graduates in Geophysics are able to use the most advanced methodologies to examine and describe, with extreme scientific rigor, the physical phenomena and processes that modify the territory, which is a strongly integrated system between the compartments of solid Earth, hydrosphere, cryosphere and atmosphere. They are able to develop the physical-mathematical formulation of phenomena and to implement this formulation in computational codes, through the most efficient and advanced programming languages, computing facilities and data processing systems. Therefore, they are able to develop "forward" modelling that allows to predict the evolution and effects of these phenomena on the environment, both at global and local scale, in order to minimize any negative impacts on the population and on society. At the same time, graduates in Geophysics are able to measure the different parts of the Earth with the most sophisticated techniques, in order both to monitor changes and to validate the software and modelling algorithms developed.
The skills of graduates in Geophysics can therefore address a wide range of environmental issues, related to land control, seismic risk, other natural risks, natural resource management and geophysical exploration. These skills may also include the implementation of algorithms and computer codes, developed by the graduates themselves independently or with the collaboration of other professionals. Therefore, graduates in Geophysics have complete control of the results of the developed or applied software and this makes them highly competitive in the job market, which nowadays requires important skills both in the field of software development and in the processing of large amounts of data. Graduates in Geophysics bring new skills with a strong technological-algorithmic base to the professions concerning territorial control, renewing and pushing the methodologies for the control of the different components of the Earth and the territory to today's technological frontier.

Professional opportunities
Graduates in Geophysics can find various immediate professional opportunities: technical roles in bodies or institutions that explicitly deal with geophysics (for example, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, which has over 1000 staff units, about half of which in the roles of researchers or technologists with permanent employment contracts, and the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics) and/or environmental issues, natural risks, management of natural resources; positions for carrying out research and development or technical-scientific activities in companies operating in the fields of geophysical exploration, environmental protection, meteorology, development of instrumentation and software for geophysical modelling and data mining. Graduates in Geophysics can carry out professional consultancy activities in the same areas and apply to the state exam for "geologist" (Section A of the professional register of the order of geologists, pursuant to DPR 05/06/2001, n. 328), for the passing of which a targeted training course plan will be required, through an appropriate selection of elective activities, also after the degree, e.g., as a trainee in professional offices.
Graduates in Geophysics can also continue their studies in doctoral courses, both in Italy and abroad, to start an international career in the academic field, in research institutions or in geological services, or to pursue a career in high-level technical-scientific roles, also with responsibility for projects, laboratories and structures, in organizations, institutions and companies.
Thanks to the flexible and technological training based on the most advanced data acquisition and software development methodologies, the professionalism of graduates in Geophysics can also be appreciated in fields different from those relating to the components of the Earth system to which the course of study is dedicated, with the possibility of also playing a managerial role.
Finally, graduates in Geophysics can access training courses for teaching in Italy in lower secondary school (Scuola secondaria inferiore) in classes A-28 (Mathematics and science) and upper secondary school (Scuola secondaria superiore) in classes A-20 (Physics) and A-50 (Natural, chemical and biological sciences). This opportunity is subject to the fact that the student has acquired, during his/her university career, the minimum credits required in appropriate scientific disciplinary sectors (see Table A attached to DPR 14/02/2016, n. 19) and 24 credits in anthropo-psycho-pedagogical disciplines and in teaching methodologies and technologies, specifically related to the class for which he/her intend to apply for access, in accordance with current legislation (D.Lgs. 13/04/2017, n. 59).

Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Students have the opportunity to attend course units at foreign universities. They can also spend some months at foreign universities, research centers and international organizations to complete their MS thesis. Host institutions can be chosen among those with which the course faculties have research cooperation.
Attendance at lessons is strongly recommended. Attendance to practical activities and exercises is mandatory; alternative activities will be offered to students who cannot attend for justified reasons.
Enrolment
The admittance to the MS in Geophysics requires the possession of curricular requirements relating to the first-level degree, the skills and knowledge acquired in specific scientific-disciplinary sectors, as well as the possession of adequate personal preparation.
The mathematical, physical and computer disciplines constitute the methodological substrate used in the geophysical field. Adequate knowledge of these disciplines is provided by many first-level university courses in science and engineering. Therefore, to be admitted to the MS in Geophysics, the student must hold a scientific or engineering degree (Laurea), according to the system governed by DM 270/04 or DM 509/99, or other qualification obtained abroad recognized as suitable based on current legislation, which satisfies the following minimum curricular requirements:
at least 60 credits in total, in the following scientific-disciplinary sectors (SSD): physics (FIS/01-08); mathematics (MAT/01-09); statistics (SECS-S/01-02); computer science (INF/01); information engineering (ING-INF/01-05, 07); chemistry (CHIM/01-07, 12); geosciences (GEO/01-12); civil engineering (ICAR/01-03, 06-09); industrial engineering (ING-IND/01-07, 09-12, 18-20, 28-30);
of which at least
- 15 credits in scientific-disciplinary sectors of physics and geosciences (FIS/01-08; GEO/01-12);
- 15 credits in scientific disciplinary fields of mathematics and computer science (MAT/01-09 and SECS-S/01-02; INF/01 and ING-INF/05).
The above criteria are met by graduates in Laurea (bachelor) degree courses of the class L-30 - Physical sciences and technologies and in many degree courses of the class L-34 - Geological sciences, including the Laurea in Scienze geologiche of the Università degli Studi di Milano.
The applicant must also have an adequate level of knowledge of the English language, comparable with the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for the knowledge of languages (CEFR).
For all categories of candidates, the adequate personal preparation of applicants and the ability to communicate effectively in English are crucial elements for admission and are verified by the admission commission as specified below.
A syllabus illustrating the knowledge of physics, mathematics and computer science required for admission can be downloaded from the following link: https://geophysics.cdl.unimi.it/en/programme/informative-materials

The admission commission is entrusted with the following tasks:
a. Verification of the minimum curricular requirements, which have been indicated above, for candidates holding an Italian qualification;
b. Verification of the correspondence between course units, in terms of credits and educational content, and of the minimum curricular requirements for students holding a qualification issued by a foreign university;
c. Evaluation of the previous study curriculum of the individual applicant and decision on the need for an in-depth interview;
d. Evaluation of the student's personal preparation and adequate knowledge of the English language, through the interview, when deemed necessary;
e. Evaluation of the possible recognition of credits for students who have already obtained a MS degree or a first or second level university master's degree, for which it is therefore possible to plan a short study course;
f. Conclusion of the verification of the adequacy of the student's initial preparation with admission or non-admission; any non-admission must be adequately motivated.
Knowledge of the English language is not assessed if the student holds an official certification, dating back no more than three years before the application, which certifies a knowledge of at least B2 level of the CEFR or if he/she holds a bachelor's degree, or equivalent qualification issued abroad, referring to a study course taught in English.

Admission

Application for admission: from 22/01/2024 to 31/10/2024

Application for matriculation: from 02/04/2024 to 15/01/2025


Attachments and documents

Admission notice


Please note

Non-EU students visa applicants are required to apply for admission no later than 30 April 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated and it will in no case be possible to request the refund of the admission fee.

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Programme description and courses list
Conclusive activities
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Dissertation 33 0 English
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Earth Materials: Genesis, Composition, Evolution, Properties 6 50 English GEO/07 GEO/08 GEO/09
Geological Environments and Structures 6 48 English GEO/02 GEO/03 GEO/04 GEO/05
Introduction to Continuum Physics 6 48 English FIS/01 FIS/02 FIS/03 FIS/04 FIS/05
Optional
Electrical, Electromagnetic and Gravimetric Methods for Environment and Exploration 6 56 English GEO/11
Environmental Physics 6 48 Italian FIS/07
Geostatistical Methods for Geophysics 6 56 English GEO/12
International, European, and Comparative Environmental Law 6 48 English IUS/02 IUS/13 IUS/14
Physics of the Atmosphere 6 56 English FIS/06 GEO/12
Physics of the Hydrosphere and the Cryosphere 6 56 English GEO/12
Seismic Imaging 6 48 English GEO/11
Seismology and Laboratory 6 56 English GEO/10
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Advanced Topics in Physics 6 56 English FIS/01 FIS/02 FIS/03 FIS/04 FIS/05 FIS/07
Optional
Data Analytics, Forward and Inverse Modeling: Geophysical and Environmental Fluid Dynamics 6 56 English GEO/12
Field Course 6 68 English GEO/10 GEO/11 GEO/12
Formation of Stars and Planets 6 48 English FIS/05
Introduction to Dynamic and Synoptic Meteorology 6 56 English GEO/12
Methods for Processing, Analysis and Representation of Geophysical Data 6 56 Italian ICAR/06
Numerical Modelling of Geodynamic Processes 6 60 English GEO/10
Seismic and Wave Field Exploration 6 56 English GEO/11
Solid Earth Geophysics 6 48 English GEO/10
Spaceborne Earth Observation 6 56 English GEO/10 ICAR/06
Tectonophysics 6 56 English GEO/10
The Basics of Probability Theory and Statistics 6 56 English ICAR/06 MAT/06 SECS-S/01
Well Logging 6 48 Italian GEO/11
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Internship (6 ects) 6 0 English
Internship (9 ects) 9 0 English
Optional activities and study plan rules
- The student must choose four of these courses, of which at least one for each of the GEO/10, GEO/11 and GEO/12 subject areas
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Electrical, Electromagnetic and Gravimetric Methods for Environment and Exploration 6 56 English First semester GEO/11
Physics of the Atmosphere 6 56 English First semester FIS/06 GEO/12
Physics of the Hydrosphere and the Cryosphere 6 56 English First semester GEO/12
Seismic and Wave Field Exploration 6 56 English Second semester GEO/11
Seismology and Laboratory 6 56 English First semester GEO/10
Solid Earth Geophysics 6 48 English Second semester GEO/10
- The student must choose three of these courses
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Data Analytics, Forward and Inverse Modeling: Geophysical and Environmental Fluid Dynamics 6 56 English Second semester GEO/12
Environmental Physics 6 48 Italian First semester FIS/07
Geostatistical Methods for Geophysics 6 56 English First semester GEO/12
International, European, and Comparative Environmental Law 6 48 English First semester IUS/02 IUS/13 IUS/14
Methods for Processing, Analysis and Representation of Geophysical Data 6 56 Italian Second semester ICAR/06
Numerical Modelling of Geodynamic Processes 6 60 English Second semester GEO/10
Tectonophysics 6 56 English Second semester GEO/10
The Basics of Probability Theory and Statistics 6 56 English Second semester ICAR/06 MAT/06 SECS-S/01
- The student must choose two of these courses and the other courses offered by the University
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Field Course 6 68 English Second semester GEO/10 GEO/11 GEO/12
Formation of Stars and Planets 6 48 English Second semester FIS/05
Introduction to Dynamic and Synoptic Meteorology 6 56 English Second semester GEO/12
Seismic Imaging 6 48 English First semester GEO/11
Spaceborne Earth Observation 6 56 English Second semester GEO/10 ICAR/06
Well Logging 6 48 Italian Second semester GEO/11
- Foreign students will be assessed for Italian language proficiency (Additional language skills: Italian). For further information, read the section "Prove di lingue/informatica". Italian students will be required to complete an internal or external internship awarding 9 CFU, while for foreign students the internal or external internship will award 6 CFU.
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian Open sessions
Internship (6 ects) 6 0 English Open sessions
Internship (9 ects) 9 0 English Open sessions
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Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor 
Internship tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Contacts

The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:

  • The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
  • The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year) 
  • An additional fee is due for online programmes

The University also offers:

  • Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
  • Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
  • Concessions for international students with refugee status

Scholarships and benefits

The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).

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