Explore the course
The Ph.D. programme is a system of advanced education consisting of complex interdisciplinary research regarding the environment as well as the natural organisms residing therein. Education and research activities focus particularly on exploring the connections between natural processes, in addition to understanding the relationship between these processes and animals/plants, with the objective of developing the skills relevant to the management of environmental risk. The Ph.D. programme is divided into two curricula:
- Geosciences
- Environmental Biology and Biotechnology
GEOSCIENCES
The Ph.D. programme in Geosciences aims to train researchers and professionals capable of developing innovative methods, both in terms of pure and applied science, with subsequent opportunities in the fields of scientific research and related professional activities, such as the correct use of georesources, geological risk, and land-use planning.
- Basic research skills
- Analysis of geological processes regarding phenomena that pose a significant risk to populated areas
- Identification and analysis of paleo-climatic and paleo-environmental indicators for the prediction and identification of factors linked to current climatic variations
- Monitoring of parameters for the prevention and mitigation of geological and natural risks such as coastal erosion, seismicity and volcanism
- Analysis of sites suitable for the procurement of georesources
- Analysis of lithic and lithoid materials for the conservation of building stone heritage and for construction purposes
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
The Ph.D. programme in Environmental Biology and Biotechnology seeks to train researchers and professionals in the field of basic and applied Evolutionary Biology, focusing on specific fields such as the study of biodiversity, evolutionary mechanisms, ecological processes and potential related anthropic threats. Students will develop skills in research and analysis using a variety of investigatory methods and assessments.
- Developing skills in genetic, molecular and cellular research methods
- Conservation of biodiversity and natural resource management
- Monitoring and prevention of environmental risk
- Use of biotechnologies and molecular methodologies in the biomedical and environmental fields
- Proteomic and genomic research
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities available to research doctors in Earth and Environmental Sciences are connected to the fields outlined in each curriculum. Specifically, Geoscience research doctors will have acquired skills that cover a wide range of geological fields, from monitoring to the prevention of geological-environmental risk, both on land and at sea (seismic, volcanic, coastal erosion), as well as the dangers of land modification (landslides, desertification, etc.). Environmental Biology and Biotechnology research doctors will have acquired a wide range of skills concerning the protection of the environment and biodiversity, in addition to diverse aspects of biotechnology such as proteomics and genomics.
In terms of employment, this is increasingly important in light of the ever greater need to implement decisions supported by scientific research. Many career opportunities are available to research doctors, such as at research institutes, agencies and in industry, as well as land management in public administration. Further opportunities include those in the private sector and teaching. Furthermore, it is also important to underline the opportunities in Academia, both in the fields of Geosciences as well as Environmental Biology and Biotechnology.
Admission, duration and structure
To be admitted to the Earth and Environmental Sciences Ph.D. programme at the University of Catania, applicants must pass a selection process that occurs annually. All information regarding the selection process can be found in the call for applications, published annually. The Earth and Environmental Sciences Ph.D. programme has a duration of three years and represents the third level of university education in Italy, as well as the start of research activities. Ph.D. students have access to laboratories and study/research spaces in the three subdivisions of the Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences Department (DSBGA).
Partners/Collaborations
The Ph.D. programme collaborates with both national and international partners through thesis co-supervision. The programme also welcomes collaborations with other institutions, such as the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), and companies (Industrial Ph.D.) for collaborative research projects, often supported by specific study grants and calls for applications.
