INVOGE Summary
 
 
• Volcanology is a fast developing area, where a blend of international expertise and local knowledge are vital for a professional/researcher who deals with the complex nature of the volcanic system and must appreciate the equally complex societal, economic and environmental link to volcanoes. • Geotechniques encompasses applied geology and geological engineering, and is an area of skills that provides the volcanologist with many of the basic tools necessary to their work. The volcanic environment is the most complex and demanding situation for geotechnical applications, it is a common, challenging environment in which geotechnical professionals have to work. Because of the above, there is historically a strong link between volcanology and geotechniques, and the four institutions in the project have a natural, synergistic blend of both fields. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the INVOGE study program are to train internationally aware, internationally mobile research and applied personnel with a broad experience in volcanology and geotechniques. Graduates of this program will be able to fulfil the present and growing need for two types of personnel: those with strong combined volcanological and geotechnical expertise and those who are able to appreciate and manage the delicate combination of local and international aspects. DEGREE MOBILITY In total, 24 EU and 24 US students will obtain a dual/double degree. Each will spend at least one academic year on the opposing side of the Atlantic. The US students will spend a major period at either UM-B or UBP and a minor part at the other EU institution, gaining a profound experience of the language and culture of one, and a solid appreciation of the other. To aid integration, the minor option will generally be undertaken as part of the masters thesis research, or placement. EU students will spend at least one academic year at one main US institution. MOBILITY DETAILS In total, 24 EU and 24 US students will obtain the dual/double degree. Each will spend at least one academic year on the opposing side of the Atlantic. The US students will spend a major period at either UM-B or UBP and a minor part at the other EU institution, gaining a profound experience of the language and culture of one, and a solid appreciation of the other. To aid integration, the minor option will generally be undertaken as part of the masters thesis research, or placement. EU students will spend at least one academic year at one main US institution.

INVOGE UNIVERSITIES



Michigan Tech Univ

Houghton, MI USA


Univ Blaise Pascal

Clermont Ferrand, France


Univ at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY USA


Univ Milan Bicocca

Milan, Italy



Faculty Exchanges


Faculty will be exchanged for stays of two - six weeks, with approximately 2 staff per department per year participating in the INVOGE school workshops, for course exchange and thesis supervision.


MERGED STUDY PROGRAM


The joint study program is a blend of existing courses at the four consortium institutions. Separately, each provides a range of specialised courses closely related to the departments’ specific research or professional strengths. Together, the combined syllabus provides the student with a comprehensive, broad range of options that covers the entire breadth of volcanology and geotechniques, building the strongest possible set of choices for an individual study program. Each student will decide with the INVOGE committee, the best set of options to fulfil their specific professional requirements.


A SENSE OF FELLOW PURPOSE


The project activities: while the students will pursue their individual course choices, joint centralised core activities will create a sense of unity for the INVOGE scholars and their associated non-Atlantis colleagues.

Joint Core Summer Schools will be held at the participating institutions using their existing course structures, that will be attended by the INVOGE students their non-Atlantis contemporaries and staff of all four institutions.


KEEPING CONNeCTED


The consortium will use already tried and tested teleconferencing expertise to carry out a programme of joint seminars that will link the four institutions and the mobile students.


JOINT MASTERS THESIS


Each student will do a masters thesis project that will be co-supervised by staff from at least one EU and one US institution.


 

Effective:  Sept 2009- SEPT 2015

Supports two year dual Masters in Geology

Instruction principally in English

Funded by generous grants


The precise degree awarded is a 2 year dual International Master in Geology awarded by the home and main host institution, with a degree supplement provided by all four participating institutions, that will detail the student-specific study programme and provide a clear internationally accredited document for future employers.

Specializes in the fields of Volcanology and Geotechniques.