3 PhD Scholarships in Science and Management of Climate Change, University of Venice, Italy

PhD Programme in Science and Management of Climate Change

CALL for APPLICATION 2009/2010

In 2007, the Department of Economics and the Department of Environmental Sciences of the Università Ca’ Foscari of Venice, in collaboration with the Euro-Mediterranean Center for Climate Change (CMCC), have launched a 3-year PhD Programme in Science and Management of Climate Change.

Every year, up to twelve students are enrolled in this Ph.D. programme. All lectures are given in English by internationally renowned professors.

The PhD Programme is organised into two streams:

* Dynamic Climatology at the CMCC Headquarters in Bologna
* Climate Change Impact and Management, at the Department of Economics of the University Ca’ Foscari of Venice

For the year 2009/2010 (25th cycle of Italian PhD Programmes) we offer three scholaships with the financial support of the Euro-Mediterranean Center for Climate Change.

Please note that there are two additional felloship opportuntities funded by AXA-CMCC. More details are available at: http://venus.unive.it/phd-climate-change/en/node/187

Courses and credits

The courses will start in September 2009.
During the first year, PhD students will attend twelve 5-credit courses (30-40 hours of lectures, seminars or labs per course). Eleven courses are planned in each of the two thematic streams, and students will choose the twelfth one from the list of courses of the other stream. Credits are acquired by attending the courses and passing a final exam.

Tutors

During the first year, each student will be assigned a tutor who will be the main reference of the PhD candidates over the 3-year period. Tutors can be academics or distinguished researchers in disciplinary fields related to the PhD programme.

Thesis

A thesis proposal, coordinated by an academic advisor, must be presented after the first year. The final thesis is due at the end of the three years. An extension is possible in exceptional cases. The thesis, written in English, is reviewed by two international referees.

Prerequisites

In order to apply, students are required to hold an Italian “Laurea magistrale” or an equivalent foreign university degree (e.g. MSc or DEA). Foreign applicants shall provide full documentation of their university studies, including course profiles. Knowledge of the English language is a necessary prerequisite. Students are required to send proof of their knowledge of English (Toefl, Cambridge Certificate, etc).

Please note: Candidates for the Dynamic Climatology Stream should have a background in mathematics or physics at the BA level. Previous experience with numerical modelling and programming in a UNIX/Linux environment would be desirable, though not essential.
The Stream on “Impact and Management of Climate Change” has a multidisciplinary approach and background on Economics or Enviromental Science are preferably. Proficiency in mathematics is requested e.g. integral and differential calculus, linear algebra.

Application

Applications for the PhD programme must be formally submitted by sending an application form together with the following documents:

* Proposal for a research project to be carried out during the three years;
* Curriculum vitae;
* Presentation/recommendation letters by previous tutors/professors;

Other documents that may be considered are the following:

* Degree certificates and scores (or equivalent)
* Masters degree certificate or other specialisation courses;
* Academic transcripts (list of courses with grades);
* Scientific publications, including an English abstract;
* Certificates of research experience at universities or research institutions;
* Score in GRE, GMAT, TOEFL or similar standard tests.

Admission evaluation

The candidate’s ability to carry out high level research activities will be screened through the evaluation of the documentation attached to the application form. Phone interviews may be organised if necessary.

Application deadline

Applications open on 20th May 2009 and close on 23rd June 2009 h. 12.30 (Rome time)