Student's Guide

The first term (Sept-Jan) of the first academic year is devoted to mandatory courses. Starting in the second term (March-June) of the same year some optional courses can be chosen from a list. The choice is completely up to the student, and should be done in accordance with the student’s inclinations. In the first term of the second year the last optional course is scheduled. The last term is devoted to research for the final dissertation. 

1st  Year  

• Physical Volcanology   9 CFU  
• Magmatology 6 CFU  
• Geochemistry of volcanic fluids 9 CFU  
• Volcano seismology and geodesy 6 CFU 
• Geophysical exploration of volcanic systems 6 CFU 
• Statistics and mathematics for geosciences 6 CFU 
• Volcanotectonics 6 CFU

Choose 12 credits from the following optional units 

• Slope stability in volcanic areas 6 CFU  
• Volcanic landforms and landscapes 6 CFU  
• GIS and remote sensing in volcanic areas 6 CFU  
• Experimental petrology 6 CFU 
• Geoarchaeology in volcanic areas 6 CFU 

2nd  Year 

• Frontiers in multiparametric volcano monitoring 6 CFU  
• Physical modelling of volcano processes and dynamics 6 CFU  
• Volcano hazard and risk assessment 6 CFU  

Choose 6 credits from the following optional units 

• Hydrogeology of volcanic areas 6 CFU  
• Advanced isotope geochemistry 6 CFU  
• Field volcanology 6 CFU  
• Thesis (Volcanology) 24 CFU
• Internship 6 CFU
• Italian (for foreign students)/other activities 6 CFU 

The Master’s Degree Course in Volcanology aims to provide student with high-level proficiency concerning the volcano system and its functioning. The main purpose is to establish a solid theoretical basis which, supplemented by technical knowledge and practical skills, contributes to form a competitive professional profile specifically for physical volcanology and geophysics in active volcanic areas. 

The main topics dealt with are: 

– analysis of the complex volcano system through the application of basic methodologies, like surveying in volcanic areas and routinary laboratory analyses, integrated with the most up-to-date tools for the acquisition, management and processing of geological and volcanological data 

– mineralogical-petrographic analysis of intrusive and effusive igneous rocks and pyroclastic products  

– geophysical and geochemical methods for monitoring and surveillance in active volcanic areas 

– models of volcanic deformation and simulation of transport and emplacement processes of volcanic products 

– volcanic hazard assessment over different time horizons, for emergency management and land-use planning 

– up-to date tools for interdisciplinary actions devoted to the planning, design and coordination of emergency management plans in active volcanic areas. 

– geological heritage in volcanic areas  

The course aims first to consolidate basic knowledge in volcanology, including volcano-tectonics, and magmatology. Particular attention is paid to field survey methods, for which the Neapolitan volcanic area turns into an open-air laboratory. Students will experience how models based on fundaments of physics, chemistry and fluid dynamics provide insights into how and why volcanoes erupt. They will also learn how to infer processes occurred during volcanic eruptions from their products. As to Geophysics, particular attention is focused on seismology and prospecting in volcanic areas. A specific focus is devoted to fluid geochemistry, which converges with the analysis of seismic signals and of signals from the geodetic network, in monitoring volcanic activity, a topic for which the INGV-OV researchers’ decadal experience proves fundamental. Furthermore, students are provided with the opportunity to deal with landslides typical of volcanic areas, or volcanic geoarchaeology and geosites. To round off the training course, topics concerning hazard assessment in areas of active volcanism are addressed.  

The students are expected to carry out an internship at the INGV-OV or at other INGV offices dealing with volcanology and/or geophysics in volcanic areas as well as at other foreign volcano observatories. Italian Civil Protection offices in Rome are also available to host Volcanology students for internships. This internship familiarises students with a suite of tools and techniques for analysis, including statistical methods, fieldwork methodologies, and monitoring tools. For students that do not need to attend Italian language courses, 6CFU of additional traineeship activities can be recognized upon request to the LM committee. 

Fornire una sintetica descrizione delle attività di tirocinio curriculare, con specifico riferimento a:  

• Assistenza per lo svolgimento di periodi di formazione all’esterno (tirocini e stage) 

Periodi di formazione all’estero – Programmi ERASMUS > International exchange programmes (Erasmus programme) 

International exchange programmes are planned in the frame of the Erasmus programme. The updated list of partner universities is in preparation 

The first term (Sept-Jan) of the first academic year is devoted to mandatory courses. Starting in the second term (March-June) of the same year some optional courses can be chosen from a list. The choice is completely up to the student, and should be done in accordance with the student’s inclinations. In the first term of the second year the last optional course is scheduled. The last term is devoted to research for the final dissertation. 

The final thesis (24 CFU) develops the student’s capability in independent research and will be an opportunity for students to work on active research questions closely with academic staff and PhD students. 

Under the guidance of a supervisor, the student will design and carry out a research activity, using research tools and numerical models and /or geophysical data. The student will write a scientific report for the final assessment. 

The LM in Volcanology is involved in main orientation meetings for incoming students organized by Federico II and SPSB, even though specific actions are also carried out.  Most initiatives are scheduled at www.orientamento.unina.it and http://www.scuolapsb.unina.it/index.php/homea. As a general rule, each year in the second half of May the meeting  Magistrali@SPSB takes place. 

Tutoring and counseling during the two–year course is entrusted to all the teachers and to the PhD students involved in volcanological and geophysical research programs. Tutors provide students with a committed, sustained, one-to- one relationship that will help them overcome the possible problems encountered during the whole of course.  

The LM in Volcanology is involved in main career orientation and job placement meetings organized by Federico II and SPSB, even though specific actions are also carried out with the contribution of INGV and other involved stakeholders.