Applied Physics Curriculum

The Curriculum of Physics Applied to Cultural Heritage, Environment and Medicine aims to train graduates who have knowledge related to application and development of the main physical methods in the productive world, in specialized laboratories and institutions, both public and private, as well as universities and research centres both in Italy and abroad. The main objective is to ensure graduates with a sound preparation on the physical principles at the underlying the applications with particular reference, in addition to the fundamentals, to instrumentation and the methods of analysis and investigation.

The curriculum structure provides a sound cultural background of classical physics and of modern physics. It also provides a good competence of the scientific method of investigation, an in-depth knowledge of modern instruments of measurements, of advanced analysis techniques data as well as the main mathematical tools and computer support.

These skills can be applied in environmental, biological, medical and cultural heritage field. More knowledge will be provided in the computer and electronic sector to complete the expendable skills supply in different work contexts.

In-depth knowledge in the field of modelling, instrumentation, implementation of the measures and data analysis for applications of interest in the field of cultural heritage is guaranteed by specific teachings about the Archaeometry and physical methods applied to cultural heritage.

An important role in this field plays the opportunity to have the skills and equipment of research laboratories working in the field for decades. This sector is characterized by a particular expertise in absolute dating methods and diagnostic techniques of characterization of interest both for conservation and for the restoration and enhancement of works of art both movable and immovable.

In-depth knowledge and skills are acquired on the different topics related to Environmental Physics through the use of teaching and research laboratories, equipped with advanced instrumentation for environmental investigations in its various aspects (radioactivity, atmosphere, air pollution, acoustic pollution, electromagnetic pollution, ....) and through the use of simulation software for the modeling of reference scenarios for the study of climate change as well as for the study of the atmosphere, also in reference to the peculiar environmental characteristics of the territory. The understanding of these topics is ensured by a wide range of teachings, delivered both through lectures and through experiences in specialized laboratories, as well as many seminar activities and internship periods both in Italy and abroad as part of internships and Erasmus agreements. The verification methods are based on individual tests, oral and / or written and laboratory activities. Particular importance is given to the thesis work, almost exclusively experimental, often carried out under specific agreements with public bodies and private companies.

Students must prove to be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the main concepts learned in the field of Applied Physics, demonstrating to master both issues related to basic physics and the experimental methodologies based on them, especially in relation to specific applications and related objectives. This in order to ensure a highly qualified scientific approach, exploitable in both public and private research in the fields of Environmental Physics and in that of physics applied to Cultural Heritage and Biomedicine.

The educational objectives of the curriculum in Physics Applied to Cultural Heritage, Environment and Medicine for the field of diagnostics of Cultural Heritage and methodologies of characterization and dating typical of materials of interest to the artistic heritage, provide graduates with skills such as to carry out research in the field of archaeometry and skills necessary to serve in museums, Superintendents and public and private bodies operating in the sector.

The educational objectives for the field of Environmental Physics allow graduates to use the skills acquired in different working environments, including research institutions, public and private agencies operating in the field of environmental investigations (National Environmental Protection Agency, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ENEA, INRC, IAEA), in the services responsible for environmental control activated in industrial plants and energy production, as well as at the Ministry of Environment and the National Institute of Health. Graduates also acquire skills that will allow access to the tests for inclusion in the register of qualified experts, in order to operate as freelancers in the field of environmental controls in the field of radiation protection.

The curriculum of Physics Applied to Cultural Heritage, Environment and Medicine allows students to characterize their preparation in order to carry out research activities in the medical and biomedical field as well as to work in biomedical industries, public agencies and private companies for health and regulatory control. The knowledge is in this sense such as to ensure that graduates are prepared to face the tests required for access to the Register of Qualified Experts and the entrance exam to the School of Specialization in Medical Physics, a qualification required to serve in health care facilities. The acquisition of these skills is verified through written and oral exams, laboratory tests and especially through thesis work.

 

Coordinators: Prof. Josette Immè and Prof. Anna Gueli