OVERVIEW

The final exam consists of writing a thesis of a theoretical, experimental, or applied nature, developed originally by the student under the supervision of one or more advisors, on a topic consistent with the subjects covered during the Master’s degree programme. At least one of the advisors must be a faculty member of the Master’s degree programme.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Acquisition of theoretical and practical skills relevant to the Master’s degree programme.

The main objectives are the development of:

• The ability to collect and analyse technical-scientific data;

• Autonomy in the design, modelling, or solving of engineering problems;

• Effective written and oral technical communication skills.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The final examination primarily consists of writing a thesis of a theoretical, experimental, or applied nature, originally developed by the student under the supervision of one or more supervisors, on topics considered relevant to a subject for which the candidate has taken an exam during their course of study.

Subsequently, the thesis will be presented and discussed before a specific panel, with the aim of assessing the candidate’s technical-scientific and professional competence, as well as their independence. The candidate must also demonstrate acquired skills in analysis, development, and communication.

PREREQUISITES

To be admitted to the final examination, the student must have attended all the courses included in the study plan, passed all the exams, and completed the compulsory internship.

TEACHING METHODS

• Independent work on a project/experiment/model;

• Regular meetings with the academic supervisor;

• Possible laboratory activities, technical visits, or external collaborations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The thesis represents an individual research activity of a technical and scientific nature on a topic related to Environmental Engineering. The activity includes:

1. Definition of the thesis topic in agreement with the supervisor;
2. Review of the literature and/or relevant regulations;
3. Collection and analysis of experimental, field, or bibliographic data;
4. Development of models, a project, analysis, or simulations;
5. Preparation of the thesis according to the Master’s degree programme guidelines;
6. Oral defence of the thesis during the Master’s degree graduation session.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Recommended by the supervisor(s) and co-supervisor(s).

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination (degree defence) is conducted in English and consists of an oral presentation of the thesis by the student before the Graduation Committee, followed by a discussion addressing any questions posed by the Committee members.

The final examination Committee is composed of at least five members, the majority of whom are professors, tenured researchers, and faculty members of the Degree Programme, including the Chair, and is appointed by the Director of the DICCA Department.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The Committee evaluates the final examination by awarding a bonus, ranging from 0 to 6 points (maximum established by the School in agreement with the Departments and indicated in the Degree Programme Table), to the weighted average (without rounding) of the grades obtained in exams related to formative activities that include a final assessment, using as weights the number of credits assigned to each activity.

Among the factors contributing to the final grade, the Committee pays particular attention to:

• Quality, completeness, and originality of the thesis;

• Presentation of the thesis;

• Evaluation of the student’s academic record (e.g., honours, participation in student representation roles, duration of studies);

• Any period spent abroad (earning at least 12 ECTS credits or preparing the thesis, or a substantial part of it, during that period).

Honours (“lode”) are awarded, subject to unanimous approval by the Committee, to students who have obtained a final grade of at least 110/110.

The recommendation for publication of the Master’s thesis with honours can be requested by the supervisor to the members of the Graduation Committee at least 15 days before the session, with a justification for the proposal. This right is granted by unanimous vote of the Committee.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any further information, please contact the Master’s Degree Programme Coordinator, Prof. Agostino Walter Bruno, or the thesis supervisor..

OFFICE HOURS FOR STUDENTS

Appointments can be arranged via email at:

agostinowalter.bruno@unige.it or directly with the thesis supervisor.