MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

ART. 4 Structure of the Educational Activities and Curricula
The annual Didactic Planning document defines the courses activated and the didactic calendar, establishing in particular the number of didactic periods in which the academic year is divided and the location of the courses activated, taking into account that the student's normal activity corresponds to the acquisition of approximately 60 credits (ECTS) per year. The student may obtain the degree when he or she has nevertheless obtained 120 credits by fulfilling the requirements of the relevant Educational Structure.
The degree program is divided into three distinct educational tracks: Design, Energy Technologies, Mobility. The first year is predominantly in common among the various curricula. The second year is articulated into dedicated curricula such as to provide specialized level knowledge and skills in some areas of mechanical engineering with close links to related research areas. In the first year of the course, the concept of sustainability is introduced and the regulatory framework presented, the methodological tools for operating in the context of the circular economy and those for carrying out quantitative life-cycle assessments of a product or process are provided as well as basic knowledge on the sustainable and efficient use of energy resources. Some of the subjects will provide cross-cutting knowledge and skills, both technical and non-technical in nature. Among the latter, communication skills will be given special attention. From the very first year, both individual and group laboratory activities will be provided. The student can definitively orient his or her educational path in the second year of study, further deepening specialized knowledge in the target areas of mechanical design, energy and new sustainable mobility systems. Group project activities (project work) are also placed in that year, and almost an entire semester is left for the final exam and possible internships in companies and external institutions.

ART. 3 Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Master's Degree Program in Mechanical Engineering for Sustainability, applicants must meet the following CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS, which will be assessed by a dedicated Commission appointed by the Council of Industrial Area Study Programs: possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Class L-7 "Civil and Environmental Engineering", L-8 "Information Engineering", or L-9 "Industrial Engineering" according to DM 270/04 (or another foreign qualification recognized as equivalent).

Additionally, an assessment of the adequacy of PERSONAL PREPARATION is required, which will be conducted by a dedicated Commission through an oral examination. This assessment ensures proficiency in methods and content related to the foundational disciplines of mechanical engineering and will cover topics such as mechanical design, applied mechanics, industrial design, machinery, and energy systems.
For EU citizens, as well as those who have obtained the required qualification for admission to the Master’s degree at an institution located in European Union countries (including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, the Republic of San Marino, Vatican City, and the United Kingdom, collectively referred to as "affiliated countries"), the adequacy of personal preparation will be verified through an oral examination conducted by the dedicated Commission.
These candidates are exempt from the oral examination if they meet one of the following conditions:
• They hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Class L-9 (or an equivalent qualification obtained from an institution located in an EU or affiliated country) with a minimum graduation grade of 102/110 if they graduated on time, or 105/110 if they graduated one year late (or with grades deemed equivalent by the Commission). When assessing the duration of the academic career, any years attended as a part-time student will be taken into account.
• They have an academic curriculum that includes a sufficient number of credits in courses related to the aforementioned subjects.

For applicants who have obtained the required qualification for admission to the Master's degree from an institution outside the European Union (or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, the Republic of San Marino, Vatican City, and the United Kingdom), their preparation will be assessed based on both the following conditions:
• The final grade obtained in their degree or, if no final grade is indicated, the weighted average of exam grades, which must exceed a specified threshold. These threshold values are reported in the attached Annex.
• The presence of an adequate number of exams covering mechanical design, applied mechanics, industrial design, machinery, and energy systems.
Additionally, in accordance with new EU directives for second-level university programs, proficiency in the English language is required at a level no lower than B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This proficiency must be demonstrated through a valid certificate issued by the University of Florence Language Center or by other internationally recognized institutions. The certificate must have been obtained within the 5 years prior to the date of enrollment.