KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Graduates will:
- possess a broad and in-depth knowledge of issues related to nature management, protection, and conservation, as well as an understanding of the ecological and social dynamics associated with global change;
- demonstrate a solid understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and of the strategies required to achieve them.
These outcomes are achieved through lectures, practical exercises, laboratory activities, fieldwork, and a significant amount of time dedicated to individual study and in-depth exploration.
Learning outcomes are assessed mainly through written and oral examinations, as well as reports on laboratory and field activities, where applicable.
An important role is assigned to the preparation of the final thesis, during which high-level knowledge and skills are acquired, particularly through individual study and participation in research projects within academic or external research groups and laboratories.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Graduates will be able to:
- apply statistical and computational methods to the analysis of environmental data and biodiversity assessment;
- use biological and ecological techniques, including georeferencing, digital cartography, and GIS tools, for both physical and biological components;
- assess environmental and global change impacts using bioindicators;
- interpret environmental legislation relevant to nature conservation;
- design educational materials in the field of environmental and nature education;
- identify integrated solutions to mitigate the effects of global change and promote sustainable practices;
- develop appropriate methodological approaches to achieve specific goals related to global change challenges.
These skills are developed through:
- learning activities with a strong practical component, including exercises and laboratory work requiring independent contributions from students;
- field-based applications carried out during the experimental thesis project, which carries a substantial number of credits and requires a combination of advanced knowledge and practical application.
Such competences are primarily assessed through the activities carried out during the thesis work.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
Graduates will:
- have an integrated understanding of environmental and territorial systems;
- be able to assess environmental quality;
- understand the causes and consequences of global change in an integrated manner;
- be capable of critically evaluating scientific and technological innovations;
- make informed and ethical judgements, based on the comprehensive analysis of scientific and non-scientific aspects related to environmental issues;
- connect scientific research with environmental education through an interdisciplinary and innovative approach.
Judgement skills are developed particularly through practical activities, laboratory sessions, and fieldwork.
They are especially exercised during the final thesis project, under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Assessment of these skills is based on the student’s study plan and on the evaluation of the work carried out in preparation for the final examination.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Graduates will:
- be able to effectively present and communicate their integrated knowledge through written, graphical, and multimedia outputs;
- be proficient in both written and spoken Italian and English;
- demonstrate problem-solving abilities;
- show a strong attitude towards teamwork, and possess good skills in managing and coordinating multidisciplinary project teams;
- work with a high level of autonomy;
- communicate complex information, ideas, issues, and solutions at an advanced level in the field of nature and environmental sciences, in both Italian and English;
- adapt to new and evolving contexts.
These skills are developed and assessed through group work and the preparation of the final thesis, which provides an opportunity to further develop and demonstrate students’ abilities in analysis, synthesis, and communication of the work carried out.
LEARNING SKILLS
Graduates will:
- be able to independently study and interpret new scientific findings published in the literature;
- be capable of consulting bibliographic sources, databases, and other online resources;
- demonstrate the autonomy needed to undertake advanced studies (such as PhD programmes or second-level professional master's degrees) or enter the workforce at a high level of responsibility.
These skills are developed and assessed throughout the programme, during course-specific learning activities and examinations.
Students are encouraged to move beyond textbook-based learning and instead engage with primary scientific literature to support their study and exam preparation.
