Learning objectives
Introduction to learning areas in relation to professional destinations
The Second-cycle Degree Course in Industrial Chemistry aims both to complete the preparation of students who have concluded a first-level degree in Chemistry and to develop and deepen more specialised subjects. The graduate with a second-cycle degree in Industrial Chemistry possesses in-depth scientific and operational training in the chemistry and technology of industrial production processes, with special reference to product-process connections and the best use of natural resources while respecting the environment. His/her training enables him/her to deal with problems of design, experimentation, dimensioning and implementation, including the choice of equipment and materials and the related evaluation of production costs in small-, medium- and large-scale plants, as well as plant management and overall product quality control and assurance. The graduate with a second-cycle degree in Industrial Chemistry is also thoroughly familiar with modern instrumental techniques and the use of equipment and instruments for the definition of structure-property relationships and data analysis. He/she is therefore able to operate with a large degree of autonomy, even assuming management responsibility for production structures and processes at the highest levels. The interdisciplinary nature of his/her training enables him/her to interact effectively with the various professions in the scientific and technical area, performing coordination and management functions.
The activities that the graduate with a second-cycle degree in Industrial Chemistry is able to carry out are, in particular, those of:
-fundamental and applied research;
-technical and economic evaluation of a research and innovation project;
-scaling up from laboratory to industrial production;
-promotion and development of scientific and technological innovation, as well as the management and design of advanced eco-friendly production technologies;
-quality control and global quality assurance and certification;
-use of innovative biotechnologies for environmental protection and remediation;
-technical-scientific assistance to customers and users;
-monitoring and assessment of the environmental impact of industrial production as well as of that related to the use of products and materials;
-designing in areas related to chemical disciplines, in particular in the industrial sector, with reference to plant, economic, business, patenting, quality control and safety aspects, land protection and health protection.
Structure of the curriculum
With regard to the description of the education program, during the first year and the first semester of the second year, in addition to an in-depth study of certain topics belonging to the basic chemical sectors, there is an in-depth study of course units of a more specifically 'industrial' nature, such as Chemistry and Technology of Industrial Processes, Industrial Organic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry in relation to their applications, and Industrial Chemistry in its applications to energy production and environmental protection. The second year is mainly assigned to the development of an experimental dissertation (which includes an internship period of at least 6 months), enabling the graduate with a second-cycle degree to face the labour market and a possible continuation of his/her education in a PhD programme with the necessary preparation.
The degree course provides for a single curriculum, with no further subdivisions.
For the achievement of the listed objectives, a prolonged and continuous training activity with a high practical-experimental content carried out in the Department's laboratories, or in those of contracted organisations or industries, is considered essential.