Presentation

Educational aims

Specific Objectives: The Master’s Degree Programme in Conservation and Management of Natural Systems is characterised primarily by its strong interdisciplinary orientation. It represents one of the natural academic pathways for graduates of the L-32 class – Sciences and Technologies for the Environment and Nature – which itself is interdisciplinary in its structure. The Master’s Degree aims to deepen the knowledge acquired during the bachelor’s programme and to train graduates with an advanced understanding of the structural and functional components of ecosystems, both in present-day and past environments. It also provides the conceptual tools needed for environmental conservation, protection, and management. Students will acquire appropriate knowledge to analyse biodiversity at different levels of organisation (from species and populations to ecosystems and landscapes), as well as the skills required for ecosystem assessment. In order to address the complexity of ecosystem evolution from different perspectives, the programme may be organised into pathways (tracks) defined in the Degree Course Regulations. Among the thematic sectors that may be explored in greater depth are the analysis, management, and conservation of natural environments through the study of theoretical principles and the use of modern environmental analysis technologies; the systemic study of natural environments of the recent past, mainly from an evolutionary perspective; the study and analysis of freshwater aquatic ecosystems, with the aim of balancing the use of water resources with the protection and conservation of biological heritage, in line with EU directives and the requirements of local authorities responsible for territorial management. The learning pathway will be complemented by laboratory activities, internships and traineeships—also carried out in public institutions and private organisations—and fieldwork, including multi- and interdisciplinary excursions, within the various disciplinary sectors. At the end of the programme, graduates will have acquired in-depth knowledge of the biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems, their conservation, the techniques for land management, and the processes affecting environmental quality and biodiversity conservation.

work perspectives

Profile: Naturalist Functions: Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme will be able to carry out both basic and applied naturalistic research; perform surveys of natural heritage and design monitoring plans; undertake environmental impact assessment, ecological restoration and management of natural habitats; conduct wildlife management and biodiversity conservation activities, particularly in relation to the implementation of environmental legislation requiring naturalistic expertise. They may also work in the organisation and management of scientific museums, aquariums, botanical gardens and nature parks, as well as in activities related to environmental and naturalistic education (including the development of educational and multimedia materials for schools, universities, natural history museums, parks, aquariums and botanical gardens). Skills: Based on the competencies acquired, graduates in the Master’s Degree Programme in Conservation and Management of Natural Systems will be able to work, from the beginning of their professional career, in roles such as Botanist, Zoologist, and Ecologist. They will be able to design, illustrate and interpret both field and laboratory activities, selecting the most appropriate procedures for data processing, analysis and synthesis to conduct impact studies (flora–fauna components) and incidence assessments. They will be able to produce thematic maps (biotic and abiotic), including through the use of GIS and related databases, and to develop methods and techniques for territorial investigation. Career Prospects: Career opportunities for graduates include positions within the public sector, such as universities and research bodies, environmental management and service companies, ministries, local authorities and other public administrations, national and regional environmental protection agencies, the National Institute of Health, experimental stations, and archaeological superintendent offices. In the private sector, graduates may work in various companies and professional firms dealing with environmental issues. Additional employment opportunities include: - museum-related activities within scientific or natural history museums; - scientific communication and science journalism; - planning of nature parks and drafting of park management plans; - management of protected areas.

Characteristics of the final exam

The final exam consists of the preparation of an original thesis, consistent with the objectives of the Master’s Degree Programme, carried out under the supervision of a lecturer—normally a member of the Degree Course—and of its presentation and discussion before the Degree Examination Board. The thesis, which must demonstrate original content, may be experimental, theoretical or design-based, or may take the form of an essay on a mono- or multidisciplinary topic. For specific disciplines or topics relevant to the Master’s Degree Programme, the thesis may also include a multimedia product. The thesis may be written in any official language of the European Union other than Italian, if provided for in the Programme’s academic regulations. The final thesis must be accompanied by a 1–2 page summary in Italian or English outlining the aims, methods and results of the work.