Specialization certificate in geological and climate related risk

Description:

The essence of our work at CERG-C is to train participants on how to incorporate risk science into everyday life in an attempt to reduce losses to an acceptable level. Crucial components of our program include training participants on how to assess risk and how to communicate effectively with government agencies, media, public and private sectors before, during and after natural disasters.

Teaching team: 30 international experts in the field of geological risk.

The basic teaching is held at the University of Geneva, Switzerland each year, from April to June. The lectures are given in English. The training is made up of two parts: an intensive 7 weeks of lectures (including practical field work) and 2 weeks of exams, plus a 4 weeks of research form the compilation of a final Memoir (including potential internships).

The practical aspect of the training is organized over two weeks dedicated to interdisciplinary field work in regions with a potential risk such as the island of Vulcano in the southern part of Italy (volcanic eruption), flooding and landslide aspects are studied in Switzerland. For this part in the field, applicants must be in a good physical health as they will climb on the top of a volcano (from sea level to about 400 m a.s.l), be exposed to gas emissions (e.g. SO2) and walk in the altitude of the Swiss Alps.

The 4-weeks project, which is the result of a personal work showing the aptitude of the candidate to solve a given problem, is to be completed within 12 months following the course. However, a first draft should reach the CERG 3 months after the end of the exams. separation line General Teaching Program

Modules:

1. Risk Management
2. Volcanic Risk
3. Seismic Risk
4. Terrain Instabilities
5. Hydro-Meteorogical Risk

Tests and examinations: two weeks

Memoir

The final project can consist of a comprehensive Mémoire describing a specific geological risk, including data processing and analyses and application of management strategies. You can choose to carry out your project in Switzerland (at your own expenses) within the month following the CERG course using the facilities provided by the University of Geneva (Computer Lab, University Library) and benefiting from the interaction with a supervisor expert in the topic you have chosen. You can also decide to carry out the project in your home country still benefiting from the “remote” supervision of an expert in the field. The final project can also consist of a project carried out as part of an internship with an NGO, with a National or International organization or with a private institution. The timing and structure of the internship will depend on the specific organization and the specific project. Your personal contribution to the project will have to be described and then confirmed by the head of the project. Examples coming soon.

Study programme

1. The program of specialization in geological risks is placed under the responsibility of a steering committee.
2. The study program corresponds to 30 ECTS credits.

A duly filled application form, a short Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages), copies of certificates and diplomas, copies of official transcript of grades, a short proposal of your potential research project for the CERG-C Mémoire (see UNGE website for details) (max 1 page), list of publications (if any) and a copy of 1 or 2 relevant publications (if any), two recent letters of recommendation with name, address, phone number, fax number and academic/professional relationship letter from your employer or supervisor authorizing your CERG application and a copy of your passport or ID card should be sent to:

CERG-C coordination: University of Geneva, Section of Earth and environmental sciences
13 Rue des Maraîchers
1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Email: cerg@unige.ch

Please visit: http://www.unige.ch/sciences/terre/mineral/CERG/Registration.html#three

A duly filled application form, a short Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages), copies of certificates and diplomas, copies of official transcript of grades, a short proposal of your potential research project for the CERG Mémoire (see WebPage for details) (max 1 page), list of publications (if any) and a copy of 1 or 2 relevant publications (if any), two recent letters of recommendation with name, address, phone number, fax number and academic/professional relationship letter from your Employer or Supervisor authorizing your CERG application plus a copy of your passport or ID should be sent to:

CERG-CC coordination: University of Geneva, Section of Earth and environmental sciences, 13 Rue des Maraîchers, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland, Tel:+41 22 379 66 02 Fax:+ 41 22 379 36 01 
Email: cerg@unige.ch