Course Focus
The Master’s degree programme Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering is an intensive, supervised, research-oriented and application-based advanced course of study. It builds on the expertise and methodical skills in several fundamental areas of engineering gained in a first-level degree programme or through practical professional experience. By providing students with advanced, scientifically-based, interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and methods, they are able to take on demand- ing engineering tasks in the areas of planning, construction and realisation of structures under specific impact conditions. They are also able to carry out site or structure-specific risk analyses using modern tools for gauging the threat of natural hazards. In addition to strengthening their theoretical and scientific competence, candidates are able to develop skills in modelling, numerical simulation and application of behaviour-based design and detection methods, fieldwork and laboratory investigation. In order to structure and reflect the complexity of the chain reactions inherent to natural hazards, this programme explores in detail various engineering disciplines and engineering-related areas of the nat- ural sciences, social sciences and economics. It examines the central role that civil engineering plays in lessening the impact of natural disasters and focuses on the engineering methods that we can use to assess and possibly reduce the vulnerability of buildings and structures. Using international projects as models, the programme highlights the demands on engineering technology at both the regional and global level. The elective compulsory modules expand on lines of development that systematically prepare graduates for future careers or higher research positions.
Target Group
Professionals with two years’ experience working in private companies, administrations or governmental institutions related to the field of civil and structural engineering.