Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Naturalistic and environmental sciences and technologies [LM-60] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master’s Degree in Naturalistic and Environmental Sciences and Technologies

Level of qualification

Second cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

All graduates with Bachelor degrees, Class 32 or Class 27 and similar classes or alternatively holders of Bachelor Degrees of the new or old system or four / five year degrees, may register.

Profile of the programme

Graduates of the Master’s degree programmes must have:
- A solid cultural preparation in the systemic analysis of the natural environment in all its biotic and abiotic components and their interactions, also considered in their historical-evolutionary dimension;
- Mastery of the scientific method of investigation and knowledge necessary for carrying out scientific research in the field of naturalism;
- A thorough knowledge of modern land surveying instruments, statistical techniques and computer analysis and data storage;
- Sound scientific and operational preparation in the disciplines that characterize the degree category;
- The ability to tackle problems regarding the management and conservation of the quality of the natural environment;
- Excellent skills and tools for communication and management of information regarding the  natural environment;

- excellent skills and tools for wildlife management and conservation of biodiversity; to be fluent both in writing and orally in at least one European language other than Italian, with particular reference to the disciplinary terminology; be able to work autonomously, taking responsibility for projects and facilities.

The main career opportunities provided by the Master’s Degree courses of this class are: naturalistic research, both basic and applied, the census of the natural heritage and the formulation of monitoring plans; impact assessment, recovery and management of the natural environment; of environmental design within the natural context; of wildlife management and conservation of biodiversity, for the application of aspects of environmental legislation requiring naturalistic expertise, with particular reference to impact studies (flora-fauna sector) and impact assessment; the preparation of thematic maps (biological and abiological) through the use of GIS and related databases; organization and direction of science museums, aquariums, botanical gardens and nature parks; also activities related to nature and environmental education such as creating didactic multimedia material for schools, universities, natural history museums, parks, aquariums and botanical gardens; design and management of nature trails; diffusion of environmental issues and knowledge of nature.
For these purposes, the guidelines of the degree programmes of the class:

• provide activities in both the lab and natural environment, particularly dedicated to the techniques of land management and biodiversity; techniques for the biomonitoring of environmental quality; conservation and enhancement of the natural heritage; understanding of naturalistic knowledge in a historical-evolutionary context, teaching and communication of natural sciences;
• provide activities in both laboratory and in the natural environment or, at least, practical activities, especially dedicated to the teaching of experimental methods, to the detection and processing of data and to the use of technology;
• provide, in relation to specific objectives, external activities such as internships in companies, public administration and laboratories, as well as periods of study at other Italian and European universities, also within the framework of international agreements.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The theme of biodiversity characterizes a field of study aimed at defining the variety of life forms. Biodiversity is the result of a biological "project" inherent in the genetic heritage, and its phenotypical realization within the environment. The interaction with the environment determines the differentiation of structures according to specific developmental plans and the implementation of behavioral patterns essential to the survival of the species. The proposed Master’s Degree course addresses in an integrated manner the basic issues of the natural sciences and of the environment typical of Class LM-60 Master’s degrees in Natural Sciences. The educational programme develops aspects related to the knowledge, conservation, sustainable use, enhancement of natural abiotic and biotic resources and of their  complexity. In particular, the programme will draw on the expertise of locations in the following fields:

• animal biology, aimed at basic research, environmental monitoring and the obligations imposed by the regional, national and European legislation for the protection of habitats and wild species; of molecular, genetic and evolutionary disciplines for monitoring and analysis
• biodiversity in terms of species and population and also using the most appropriate techniques of biosystematics; the management of fishery resources and ecology of inland waters; botanical resources in all their theoretical aspects (flora, vegetation and plant landscape) and applications aimed at environmental monitoring and the obligations imposed by the regional, national and European legislation for the protection of habitats and wild species;
• earth sciences with courses aimed at developing awareness and enhancement of the geological diversity (geological sites, geo-tourism, mining parks, etc.) of museology and diffusion of science
The student will be able to further personalize his/her educational programme with the choice of highly qualifying elective courses both from theoretical and practical points of view.
Therefore the establishment of a Master's Degree on issues of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity achieves the objective of specializing the formative curriculum and is distinguished for its high formative profile offered in relation to other similar master’s degree courses already approved by the CUN under Decree 270.

Key learning outcomes

During the Course students achieve in-depth levels of knowledge and learning far superior compared to the contents of the Bachelor’s, through 1) the acquisition of updated interdisciplinary methodologies that permit an integrated view of the paradigm of the natural sciences and 2 ) the acquisition of innovative methodologies of laboratory and field.
The objectives of acquiring knowledge and understanding are achieved through appropriate educational tools such as: 1) lectures, 2) laboratory and field exercises, 3) advanced texts and scientific publications, 4) tutoring for students to help them identify research topics and personalized cutting-edge cognitive objectives in the fields of life sciences, ecology and disciplines of Earth Science.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

Individual examinations are held orally before a board of at least two professors. Examinations are assessed on a scale of thirty.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is obtained upon achievement of 120 credits and approval of a written paper. The final mark is based on the results of each course and the final exam includes a written presentation of research and discussion of it in a graduation session before a board of at least seven professors. The final mark is expressed on a scale of 110 by unanimous vote, and with the right of publication.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Full-time study and attendance is recommended. However, part-time enrolment is possibile and various forms of support are offered to working students.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

The Graduate in Naturalistic and Environmental Sciences and Technologies is defined on the basis of bill 1558 of the 19th June 1996 (Professional activity and Register of Naturalist Graduates) and of the code of professions ISTAT 2001.

The course prepares graduates for the professions of Biologists, Botanists, Zoologists, Ecologists, etc.

Access to further studies

Doctorate, 2nd-level Vocational Master

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

General (Regulations 2012)