"Modulo di Geologia"

The course has three main objectives: 1) to provide some fundamental elements of Earth Sciences aimed at understanding the evolution of the Earth's system and its dynamic character; 2) to provide basic notions for the interpretation and use of geological data available at national and regional level (for non-geological professionals); 3) highlight the multiple hazards and geological risk factors that characterise the national territory. Considering that the European INSPIRE (INfrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) directive implemented in Italy with Legislative Decree 32/2010 has completely changed the management and distribution of territorial data and, in particular, geological data. The course also provides indications on how to use the geothematic data made available by standard OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) services of the leading national and regional geoportals, which have become the main (and often the only) source of information and acquisition of such data.
1) knowledge and understanding
At the end of the training activity, the student will acquire knowledge of the primary dynamic processes affecting the terrestrial system and the hazard and risk factors associated with them and will be able to understand the terminology and symbols used in geological maps, as well as to have the basic knowledge necessary to acquire geological data from the leading national and regional geoportals
2) applying knowledge and understanding.
At the end of the training activity, the student must demonstrate that he can perform a search for geothematic data (and in particular those relating to geological cartography) made available by the leading national and regional geoportals and use them to carry out a brief description of the physical characteristics of the territory with particular reference to its geological hazard factors and relative risk.
3) making judgements.
Through the examples proposed during the lessons and the exercises, the student must be able to evaluate the quality of the geological data acquired or the limits related to their use in territorial studies. He must also be able to correctly cite the source of information obtained to clearly distinguish bibliographic data from his interpretations.
4) communication skills.
The student must acquire a primary technical language related to the topics covered during the lessons and exercises to dialogue with professionals and experts engaged in environmental, territorial analysis, management, and design. Communication skills will be verified during the ongoing tests and the final exam.
5) learning skills
The student will have to demonstrate that he possesses the essential notions to be able to carry out a general analysis of the geological data available (on a limited territorial area) and also to be able to acquire further knowledge. Then, data will be acquired for a more in-depth analysis of specific, variable aspects depending on the local characteristics and, therefore, also different from those treated in the examples considered during the course and exercises.


"Modulo di Pedologia"

The course will introduce students to soil science, principles and approaches to soil investigation. The course aims to provide knowledge on the genesis and evolution of soils and provide the basis for further specialized studies in the field of soil conservation as a non-renewable environmental resource. The various types of soils in diversified environments will be covered, from natural to highly anthropized and degraded. Particular attention will be paid to soils of grassland and forest ecosystems.
1) Knowledge and understanding
Acquisition of knowledge on the main pedogenic processes, on the environmental factors associated with them and will be able to understand the terminology and symbols used in soil maps, as well as having the basic knowledge necessary to be able to acquire soil data.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding
At the end of the training activity the student must demonstrate that he or she is able to carry out a soil investigation aimed at specific objectives.
3) Making judgements
Through the examples proposed during the lessons and during the exercises, the student must be able to evaluate the quality of the pedological information acquired through the cartographic and field surveys.
4) Communication skills
The student must acquire a basic technical language related to the topics covered during the lessons and exercises, in order to be able to communicate with professionals and experts involved in the analysis, management and planning in the environmental and territorial fields. Communication skills will be verified during the ongoing tests and/or in the final exam.
5) Learning ability
The student must demonstrate not only that he/she possesses the essential knowledge to be able to carry out a pedological survey, but also that he/she is able to acquire further knowledge necessary for a pedological survey aimed at specific objectives.