ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING General features
An environmental engineer is a professional figure specifically defined to handle environmental problems, by now well defined in engineering practice alongside classical engineers such as civil, industrial and computer engineers. The degree course in Environmental Engineering put particular emphasis on the knowledge needed for coping with natural risks such as floods, landslides and earthquakes; for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions; for territorial development; in the use of advanced systems for risk prevention; in designing suitable interventions, providing tools for analysing environmental and territorial integrity and intervening at various levels of interest.
Educational & Professional Objectives
The degree course in Environmental Engineering aims at training professionals with an understanding of the technical-scientific aspects of general engineering as well as more specific understanding of topics pertinent to Environmental Engineering. The main objective is to enable graduates to approach and resolve complex problems efficiently in an innovative and multidisciplinary manner.
In particular, the degree course aims at forming a modern and multidimensional professionals who:
can effectively analyse the territory and model its natural processes;
manage territorial development, being able to foresee the effects that human impact may have on the environment and territory;
are familiar with basic materials and design criteria for developing civil infrastructures and industrial plants;
understand natural processes and environmental effects of these infrastructures;
can evaluate and model structure-environment exchange processes, thus coping with effects of resource utilisation and waste production on the territory;
can qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the environmental risk caused by natural phenomena as well as industrial development;
can develop systems to monitor and control environmental quality and safety; understand techniques for the management of limited resources;
are familiar with techniques for mitigating natural and industrial risks through pollution management and regulation and are able to model and evaluate the efficacy of such interventions;
can work with other professionals to establish a unitary and dynamic knowledge for managing the complex relationship between man and environment under different situations, according to different degrees of degradation and damage due to human impact.
The undergraduate and graduate curricula of Environmental Engineering degrees provide elements needed for an adequate education and the achievement of a high professionalism. In particular, the goal of the study course is to provide graduates with the following knowledge and skills:
adequate scientific knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer sciences; operative knowledge of engineering disciplines belonging to the degree class (technical physics,
hydraulics, hydraulic works, structural analysis and design, topography, geotechnics, environmental protection engineering);
familiarity with professional tools for enabling multidimensional skills in various fields of environmental engineering;
ability to employ cognitive skills to quantitatively analyse risks and environmental quality, even through the use of experimental procedures and measurements, and to design specific interventions for mitigating risk and damage of environment;
knowledge of the professional and ethical responsibilities of an environmental engineer; ability to update knowledge through individual study and long-life professional learning.
To this aim, the framework of the study course in Environmental Engineering is diversified into different branches of environmental engineering which allows students to follow their personal interests in:
environmental protection from floods, landslides and earthquakes; monitoring and management of environmental quality;
management and development of territory;
use of advanced computer systems for risk mitigation;
use of advanced cartographic tools and geographical information systems (GIS); designing plants for treatment, management and recycling of fluid and solid waste; designing methods for the protection of soil and natural water systems.
providing tools to analyze territorial and environmental processes and to cope with them at different scales of interest.
The typical professional fields for graduates in Environmental Engineering are the management of natural and industrial risks, basic and applied research, advanced design, planning and programming, management of complex systems, both in professional field and in manufacturing or in services and in public administrations.
Educational training
In the planning of the new degree course the following qualifying points has been focused:
- greater connection between undergraduate and graduate degrees, also in light of the experience gained so far;
- enhancement of the basic courses, which in the previous configuration were largely implemented in the first two years;
- a better characterization than other degree courses of the same class;
- a balanced structure which allows a free choice among the options that will be present in the graduate degree;
- a substantial reduction of the fragmentation of courses through a reduction of examinations and by supporting the creation of a modularity of 6-12 credits that makes most compact the training organization.
The undergraduate degree is framed into 19 courses, in addition to the electives, the final thesis, the acquisition of the foreign language certificate and the improvement and/or acquisition of additional ability in informatics.
Great attention has been given to the educational disciplines, since mathematics, physics and chemical are studied in basic teachings and further deepened in some special courses activated as integrative disciplines.
Among the characteristic scientific-disciplinary fields there are ICAR, ING-INF, ING-IND, BIO, CHIM, GEO, to testify interdisciplinary of the degree course.
In order to define more clearly the study program, the fields and integrative courses were kept as few as possible, choosing for them the MAT and ING-INF scientific-disciplinary fields.
The teaching regulation of the study course and the training offer will make students able to follow training courses which offer appropriate amounts of credits in affine and integrative fields not considered among the characteristic ones.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Chemical Engineering emerged last century as a specialised subdivision of industrial engineering and is the branch of science and technology which deals with the conversion of raw materials into higher added-value products, using chemical, physical and biological processes which are not only safe for both man and the environment but also significantly reduce production costs. Graduates of chemical engineering are employed across a wide range of contexts in both large and small companies, perform groundbreaking scientific research, work as field engineers, or occupy senior management positions.
Educational & professional objectives
The aim of the first cycle degree in Chemical Engineering is to cultivate professionals who are able to manage and operate a chemical or process plant. Chemical engineers are familiar with the technical aspects of chemistry, thermodynamics, transport phenomena and chemical kinetics, engineering, material sciences and information technology. However, they must also be knowledgeable about economics, management, safety and the environment. Graduates in Chemical Engineering will be familiar with how to undertake sophisticated scientific experiments, how to use the latest computing tools and be able to design and develop pilot-plants.
General Curriculum
The degree course in Chemical Engineering provides extensive knowledge in mathematics and chemistry which provides the base of specialised coursework in chemical engineering. Students thus receive ample training in the use of mathematical tools and other basic science knowledge for interpreting and describing problems typical of chemical engineering and learn to understand information presented in scientific texts. Coursework in Chemical Engineering provides training in:
operative mathematics and other basic sciences so graduates can utilise such knowledge to interpret and describe problems in engineering;
methodological and operative engineering sciences both on a general level as well as in more detailed aspects of civil engineering so that graduates can identify, formulate and resolve problems using modern methods, techniques and tools;
the use of tools and techniques to design components, systems and processes; conducting experiments and analysing and interpreting empirical data;
understanding the impact an engineering solution may have on the society and environment.;
the professional and ethical responsibilities of a Chemical Engineer;
working within a company, familiarity with the economic, management and organisational
aspects of a chemical engineering industry;
communicating effectively, both in oral and written form, in a European language in addition to Italian;
Educational Objectives
The degree course in Chemical Engineering aims to provide graduates with the ability to understand and utilize theoretical and applied knowledge, be autonomous in their ability to evaluate information and have the capacity to communicate results and knowledge in general as well as specific contexts. Many students who enrol in the Engineering Faculty lack such competences. For this reason, the Faculty has implemented foundations coursework in subjects such as mathematics. In addition, in Chemical Engineering, extensive coursework in mathematics is implemented (36-42 credits) alongside 18-24 credits of basic chemistry and physics, all of which are requisites for additional and more specialized coursework in Chemical Engineering. Together, the curriculum aims to provide students the mathematical and basic science tools to interpret and describe problems typically encountered in chemical engineering as well as comprehend relevant scientific texts.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Civil Engineering focuses on the design, planning, construction, maintenance and restoration of buildings and infrastructures for civil as well as industrial use. In addition, knowledge in civil engineering is necessary in the construction of large engineering projects such as bridges, tunnels and dams. Infrastructures include systems for collecting, distributing and disposing water as well as those related to transportation (railroads, roads, ports and waterways, airports etc.) while territorial management is closely linked to environmental protection. In light of increased sensitisation to sustainable development, civil engineers are no longer only involved in the development of ex novo projects but are often called upon for the conservation, restoration and management of the existing wealth of constructions.
Educational & professional objectives
The degree course aims to provide graduates with solid basic knowledge in technical and scientific subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science as well as sound understanding of various aspects of civil engineering such as geo-topography, building science and techniques, geology and geotechnics, hydraulics and hydraulic constructions, transport and road construction engineering, technical architecture and urban-planning. Coursework is designed to help students acquire the cognitive instruments needed for designing components, systems and processes; to carry out experiments and technical evaluations; to assess the territorial and economic impact of engineering solutions; to understand engineering from a management perspective so as to evaluate the economic, managerial and organisational aspects of engineering projects. In addition coursework is incorporated to ensure that graduates are able to work as an active collaborative member of a group; speak, in addition to Italian, at least one other European language fluently; understand their professional and ethical responsibilities and; know how to seek and successfully attain life-long professional learning so they can update their professional knowledge base.
General curriculum
The curriculum for the degree course in Civil Engineering is divided into three categories:
1. fundamental knowledge base (analytical mathematics, geometry, chemistry, physics, computer sciences, numerical analysis);
2. civil engineering coursework (applied geology and geotechnics; hydraulics and hydraulic constructions; construction science and techniques; transportation; roads, railroads and airports);
3. cross-disciplinary coursework (physical environmental techniques, topography, design and drawing, materials science and technology, architectural technology, urban technology, survey, electrotechniques).
In particular, the curriculum aims to provide students with:
knowledge for planning and evaluating basic civil engineering projects; ability to complete fundamental projects;
detailed study of principal engineering works; ability to utilise appropriate computer codes;
ability to evaluate the impact of a project on the territory and environment; guided visits to engineering works;
knowledge of the laws and legal regulations regarding civil engineering projects; familiarity with ethical practices of civil engineering.
Students will also have the opportunity to undertake a thesis work through a practicum with research groups at the university or in private industries
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Electronic Engineering brings together technical and scientific disciplines and know-how needed for developing communication and information technology required for the industrial production of goods and services aimed at the development of electronics for individual use and environmental applications. This degree course provides graduates with the knowledge and methodology necessary to analyse, design and implement complex electronic circuits and systems by offering coursework which develops a wide range of both methodological and applicative competencies (telecommunication electronics, applied computer science, environmental electronics, industrial applications of optoelectronics and instrumentation, microsystems, dedicated electronic systems, etc.).
Educational and professional objectives
Graduates of the first degree course in Electronic Engineering are prepared for
careers in a wide range of manufacturing and service industries using electronic components or incorporating them within their own products;
managing and utilising modern electronic apparatuses and systems in the most diversified operative contexts, from industrial communication control to biomedicine, to sensors; pursuing higher degrees such as the second level specialist degree or first level Masters
which will build upon the sound scientific and technological knowledge base offered through first level degree course work;
work as independent professional engineers on projects for developing innovative electronic engineering products
General curriculum
Coursework in Electronic Engineering has the following format:
1) the first two semesters are dedicated to providing a solid physics-mathematics base (analytical mathematics, algebra, chemistry, physics, geometry) and an engineering base (computer sciences, electro-technics);
2) in the third and fourth semesters, coursework offers further scientific training (analysis and physics), foundation courses in electronic engineering (automation, electronic displays, analogue electronics, signal propagation and analysis). In the fourth semester, students must also attend English courses offered through the Faculty of Engineering;
3) the fifth semester offers students coursework which allows them to differentiate their personal chosen interests (i.e. microelectronics or electronics for telecommunications); 4) in the final semester, students may choose from elective courses to be taken while they
complete thesis work which is designed to facilitate students’ future insertion into the work force.
MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING
In the era of globalised markets, Management Engineers worldwide need to be increasingly competitive, requiring Management Engineers to not only design and implement tasks, but develop tasks which efficiently plan, organise, manage and control complex systems, production processes and service systems using innovative technology which offers maximal economic and information returns. Professional demands on the Management Engineer are continually increasing, with technology not only rapidly changing but becoming increasingly complex, calling for a professional with a wider interdisciplinary view of the global market.
Educational and professional objectives
Graduates of the first level degree in Management Engineering will have a sound knowledge base in scientific methods and be able to occupy a technical and managerial role in production industries as well as acquire specialist knowledge needed by respective contexts. Graduates in Management Engineering should also have acquired a range of competences ranging from the management and administration of manufacturing and service sectors to the management and administration of sectors involved with supply, production, administration, automation and logistics and be able to participate in project management, management control and undertake industrial sectors analysis, investment appraisal and work in industrial marketing etc. Finally, graduates should be able to use English fluently, the lingua franca needed to acquire as well as disseminate knowledge within the international community of Engineering professionals.
Educational Objectives
The Degree Course in Management Engineering is streamed into a three-year Degree Course programme to enable graduates immediate entry into the workforce. This is achieved by providing graduates with a sound methodological base during the first two years of coursework followed by coursework in the third year through which students acquire knowledge in applied intermediate-level business science. Special emphasis is placed on technical management in PMI or in upper intermediate positions of PP.AA.
Following the First Degree Course, students may continue their studies and obtain a Second Level Specialistic Degree which emphasizes the meta-technologies of management, taking graduates of the Second Degree one step further in their ability to analyze entire systems rather than single production processes or unitary production centres.
Management Engineering (in Crotone) Educational and professional objectives
The Management Engineering course at Crotone emphasises specific educational objectives: acquisition of basic problem-solving skills for identifying and modelling solutions; acquisition of transversal engineering competencies in the area of energy engineering; increasing attention to the ethical and social roles of engineers in the production industry
and service industry. General curriculum
Coursework in the area of energy is particularly important for the Region of Calabria, with one of the first national enterprises in the energy sector. Coursework is developed from a core which emphasises mathematical methods upon which metatechnological knowledge oriented towards the management of processes in the fields of technology and energy are developed.
COMPUTER ENGINEERING
The development of computer sciences, industrial automation and the information society as a whole has had an extraordinary impact on global production, economic and social processes. Computer engineering is thus perfectly positioned to contribute to the development of a variety of sectors such as automation, telecommunication, electronics, economics and management, all present in modern society, as is the entertainment industry where computer engineering also plays an important role.
Computer engineers are able to develop and utilise information technology to approach such applications, being therefore, a highly requested professional figure. Computer engineers have a sound knowledge base which allows them to interact with specialists of all traditional engineering sectors, and understand the workings of complex systems upon which our post-industrial society is highly dependent. In addition, a computer engineer can also be asked to contribute to the advancement, design, management and automation of information systems. This distinguishes computer engineers from computer programmers without an engineering background.
Educational and professional objectives
The aim of the first level degree in Computer Engineering is to create professional engineers who are able to analyse, design and implement industrial automation systems, information systems in several fields of economics and production and public administrations and innovative hardware/software. Graduates from the first level degree in Computer Engineering will be able to pursue careers in various areas such as programming, the production and management of informatics and telecommunication networks, process automation and information systems from both the point of view of hardware architecture as well as software development and maintenance. Some specific areas of expertise may be:
designing and developing components of information systems and software products; designing and developing company computer systems, organise information flow and
knowledge/information management;
managing of databases of whatever size and the integration of new information, both structured and non;
developing complex computer applications for multimedia systems and distribution systems (local networks, INTRANET, INTERNET and EXTRANET) as well as tools for interoperability;
defining, developing and maintaining advanced level computer and telecommunication networks and managing their safety requirements;
monitoring production processes and complex systems;
automation and diagnosis of industrial plants;
robotics and the development of systems based on artificial intelligence; developing integrated systems for digital supervision and monitoring.
General curriculum
The degree course is structured around three main orientations, the first prioritising methodological aspects of computer science, the second focuses on the technological and applicative aspects while the third attends to methods of automation and process control. The provision of these three foci thus aims to offer graduates a sufficiently wide knowledge base for a successful profession in Computer Science Engineering.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
The first level degree course in Mechanical Engineering aims to prepare graduates with a solid knowledge base and skills so to enter the profession with a scientific, economic and technical/applicative perspective in addition to an understanding of mechanical engineering. The degree course provides extensive scientific preparation in mathematics, both from a theoretic and applicative/numerical point of view, plus physics, chemistry, computer science, a mathematical approach to physical phenomena, applications of economy to engineering, as well as the distinguishing courses of mechanical engineering such as those of statics, kinematics, dynamics, applied chemistry, fluid mechanics etc. Moreover, as a mechanical engineer is also called upon to design, construct and use machines, the degree course provides ample hands-on experience in machine design with attention to energy conversions in machines and technological procedures needed to realise such designs with respect to size, function and industrial automation requirements.
Educational and professional objectives
Considering the various professional capabilities a mechanical engineer must have, the degree course ensures that graduates have a sound knowledge base for success in a range of mechanical engineering careers (e.g. analytical mathematics, algebra and geometry, physics, chemistry and computer sciences) with ample coursework in technical-applicative topics which allows for immediate insertion into the mechanical engineer workforce. In particular, the degree course emphasises the development of skills for designing, developing, constructing, installing and optimising machinery and plants and their support systems. Therefore, coursework provides technical training in all aspects of mechanics, which, along with experience gained throughout the
degree course, allows graduates rapid insertion into various branches of the mechanical engineering profession.
General curriculum
Mechanical Engineering provides two curricula.
The first provides a wide base in mathematics and integrative disciplines which prepares graduates for immediate access into second level specialist degrees in Mechanical Engineering or Energy Engineering.
The second curriculum provides the possibility for immediate entry into the workforce following the first level degree and places higher emphasis on both experimental and numerical design methods, material sciences, geometrical modelling techniques and advanced mechanics laboratory work such that graduates are skilled at designing components for different industrial plants as well as plants themselves and can solve various problems related to plant management and production systems. In addition, this curriculum prepares graduates with skills related to the production, conservation, optimisation and management of energy with particular attention to the management of both traditional and innovative energy systems. So to better prepare graduates for the workforce, 20 credits are allocated to on-site training practicum at various public as well as private companies.
BUILDING-ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
The degree course in Building-Architectural Engineering is a single-cycle 5 year degree course developed with the 85/385/CEE guidelines regarding diplomas, certificates and other schooling and training which, at the level of the European Union, allows for access to the professional field of Architecture.
The degree course in Building-Architectural Engineering is the only one offered through a single 5-year degree course and paves the way towards a profession in architecture. The educational objectives of the coursework are to provide graduates with:
1. the capacity to create architectonic projects which meet both aesthetic and technical requirements;
2. knowledge regarding the history and theory of architecture, art, and human technology and science;
3. an understanding of how fine arts play a role in architectonic concepts;
4. knowledge of urban development and planning as well as techniques for urban planning; 5. the capacity for developing environments and architectonic spaces which reflect
knowledge of social habits and needs;
6. an understanding of the social responsibility of architects;
7. investigative methods and methods for preparing and constructing projects;
8. an understanding of structural problems in building designs from the perspective of construction and civil engineering;
9. ability to solve technological problems without losing sight of the function of the buildings so to render these comfortable and adequately protected from climatic factors;
10. technical know-how to design buildings which meet the needs of the user, within defined costs and in accordance with building regulations;
11. an understanding of how the industry is organised and familiarity with the regulations and procedures related to the construction of buildings.
Educational and professional objectives
The objective of the Building Engineering curriculum is to enable graduates to enter the profession with the ability to integrate their architectural and urban design and development know-how with both an understanding of the construction constraints regarding projects as well as an ability to establish the aesthetic, functional and technical-economic aspects of such buildings. The curriculum thus seeks to integrate coursework in critical history with basic scientific and technical-structural knowledge so to enable graduates to work, even at the European level, in the field of architectonics and urban development. Coursework utilises innovative pedagogic modelling to cultivate creative professionals who are aware of the pragmatic aspects of their profession which requires a harmonious balance between humanistic and scientific notions and functions.
Building Engineering is a complex branch of the construction industry as it balances technological-structural knowledge with architectural-urban engineering science knowledge as well as an understanding of the administrative and economic aspects of constructions. Building Engineers must also be familiar with design feasibility, optimisation, scales as well as engineering processes for restoration and restructuring.
Graduates will also have a sound knowledge of the methodological and operational aspects of Building-Architectural Engineering so to be able to interpret, formulate and solve problems regarding the technical, economic and construction aspects of construction and be familiar with building design techniques and instruments. In addition, graduates from Building-Architectural Engineering should be able to understand the territorial and social impact of various building projects.
TERRITORIAL MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
The degree course in Territorial Management and Development is offered in conjunction with the Faculties of Science and Economics. This trans-disciplinary degree course was launched in the 2002-2003 academic year and is the first of its kind in Italy, reflecting the University of Calabria’s response to territorial request to provide an educational base that ensures immediate application in the local workforce as well as continuing professional education for those who had entered this sector directly from technical high schools. Much of the coursework in this degree course is thus provided by experts from the professional Association of Geometers.
Educational and professional objectives
The development of new technologies and their increasingly intensive use has led to new environmental problems arising from human activity. To prevent or solve such problems, it is necessary to seek professionals who can observe, describe and manage the environment effectively and efficiently, foreseeing the environmental and territorial impact of both naturally evolving physical changes as well as human development. The aim of this degree course is to train professionals who have the following capabilities:
basic knowledge for analysing transformational processes related to urban and territorial development;
theoretical and practical competencies for analysing and understanding environmental modifications;
basic knowledge regarding urban, territorial and environmental design and development; ability to analyse the process and manage complex projects and public works;
ability to evaluate the impact projects may have upon local environment, landscape, society and economy;
ability to effectively utilise another European language, in addition to Italian, in both written and oral communication regarding profession-specific as well as general contexts. General curriculum
The degree course seeks to train not merely such a specialist (in and of itself innovative), but a professional who has a wide perspective of territorial problems, capable of intervening effectively by merging various expertise, understand updated techniques and one who has a modern vision regarding territorial management. So to be able to deal with delicate but complex modern problems, students acquire a wide profile of technical knowledge which reflects the distinct multidisciplinary nature of this degree course, as illustrated by the fact that teaching staff of this degree course come from the three Faculties of Economics, Engineering and Sciences.
In fact, in addition to the necessary coursework providing a knowledge base of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer sciences, the curriculum provides students the training necessary to become familiar with the territory and environment and the necessary means to describe, utilise and manage them. Curriculum of the degree course is therefore based on a sound base of geodetics, topography, cartography, geology and ecology followed by coursework in engineering and urban development which enables graduates to manage territorial use and develop projects. The last important area of curriculum coursework provides knowledge regarding the economic and legal aspects of territorial management and related professional activities.
Two curricula are offered, distinguished by different coursework – Geo-Topo-Cartography and Eco-Environment. The first curriculum offers coursework rich in the physical and descriptive aspects of geographical and topographical sciences while the Eco-Environment curriculum emphasises coursework related to ecology.
Second Level Specialist Degrees
While the primary objective of the first level degree courses is to provide graduates with sufficient training to directly become involved with the more methodological and operative aspects of respective fields of engineering, the second level degree courses in Engineering offer further education regarding the more theoretical and scientific aspects of Engineering. Admittance into the second level degree courses requires the completion of relevant first degrees or equivalent degrees from foreign tertiary institutions. Additional information of second level specialist degrees in Engineering are currently under reform (D.M. 270/2004) and those.
In-house training periods
In-house training periods are incorporated to render university education relevant, allowing students at both the graduate and undergraduate level or new graduates to experience first-hand and on-site, the engineering profession. Training periods are organised through official agreements and may be with public administrations, professional private engineering firms or even national and international companies which are qualified as training entities. Training periods last at least three months and trainees receive guidance from two Tutors, an academic
Tutor from the Faculty of Engineering and a second Tutor assigned by the hosting agency, with the purpose of optimising the learning experience trainees receive during their sojourn in the training agency.
Additional information can be obtained through the Practicum Office:
http://www.ingegneria.unical.it/ufficiostage/ Final Exam
The Final Exam to complete the first degree course consists of a written report, project report or a technical report regarding a training period, presented before a Graduation Commission who, along with the candidate’s Academic Tutor also interviews the student. In the case where a Training Period Report is presented, the Tutor from the host agency is also on the Graduation Commission. The Final Exam can only be taken upon completion of all the academic credits stipulated for each students’ degree course of choice.
Placement profile of our graduates
The Engineering Faculty regularly surveys the placement profile of its graduates. In particular, at the end of 2006, a survey of 491 graduates of 2005 was carried out to delineate the placement profile 1.5 years following graduation. The survey involved only those who were not pursuing additional degrees but had opted to enter the workforce. A high percentage (76%) of graduates were employed, with no significant difference between the different degree courses of the Engineering Faculty, confirming findings from other studies (e.g. AlmaLaurea) that placement of Engineering graduates is among the highest when surveyed a year following graduation. Regarding the stability of employment, 57% of those surveyed were stably employed and only 23% were in more precarious employment situations, down from previous years (27.4% in 2004; 32.2% in 2003). Of those surveyed, 56% sustained that a first level degree was necessary for their current employment while only 3% were not using their university degrees. In addition, 69% gave the education and training received at UNICAL an evaluation of at least “good” while only 4% evaluated their education negatively.
