Master's degree Geohazards
Entry requirements
Students who have passed M1 of this Master’s are automatically admitted to M2. Students who have completed a different first-year Master’s course in the fields of the environment, science, technology or health, or graduates from engineering schools, may also be accepted. Their applications will be examined by the course admissions committee.
Benefits of the program
- Training focuses on natural and industrial hazards and the treatment of polluted soil.
- Professional speakers bring a practical element to the course, with direct links to the business world.
- Introduction to the related tools (GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, etc.). The involvement of professionals is a real plus for this course.
- Teaching is based on case studies and mini projects to strengthen the practical aspect.
Acquired skills
Students acquire:
- In-depth knowledge of the natural phenomena that cause hazards, the resulting damage and the different aspects of risk prevention and management.
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of industrial hazards: major risks; hazard studies; risk analysis methods; classified sites for the protection of the environment (ICPE); impact studies; polluted sites and soil; waste treatment.
- Skills in the diagnosis of polluted soils
- Tools for observing, studying, managing and mapping risks (remote sensing, GIS, photogrammetry, etc.)
- Knowledge of environmental law
Capacities
20
Course venue
Your future career
This field of study opens the door to a range of career opportunities, including research positions in the field of natural hazards in university laboratories, in association with public organisations. Graduates work in public or private design offices (geotechnics, hydro-geology, waste storage); the technical departments of project management and contracting firms for large infrastructures; major companies (SNCF, EDF, GDF, RATP, IRSN, etc.); major public works companies, state services (DDE, DRIRE, DDA) or for local authorities (regions, towns, urban communities). The graduate employment rate is comparatively very good.
Professional integration
Surveys carried out by the university show that most Science and Technology Master’s graduates enter the professional world. 87% find a job within 18 months of graduating.
Study objectives
Train professionals capable of managing natural and industrial hazards and the diagnosis and treatment of contaminated soil. These professionals are also trained in the various tools used in these areas. Train students capable of continuing their studies through a PhD.
Major thematics of study
Environmental law, standards, soil pollution treatment, natural hazard management, industrial hazard management, remote sensing, GIS
Calendar
5-6 month work placement between early February and 30 September
Semester 3
| Courses | ECTS | CM | TD | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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legislation/standards/Safety
Contaminated land management policy. Awareness on environmental policy and standards applied to public and private areas. Details: - Contaminated land management in France - Standards and regulations - Environmental management system implementation, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 - Missions of safety, health, environment, quality and security services - Labeled installation for environmental protection regulations - French regulations (water, air, soil, noise and waste) - European water regulations - Regulation watch | 3 | 15h | 10h | |
|
Soil pollution diagnosis
To present the useful tools to perform the diagnosis of a contaminated land. Details: - Reminder on main soil characteristics, contaminated land management, pollutant characteristics - Documentary study: identification of the information sources, nature of the required information - Field investigation: reminder on French methodologies on contaminated land, conception, sampling strategy, implementation (soil, surface water, groundwater, waste, plants), choice of the good investigation method, good practices, security on site, sampling procedure - Analytical chemistry: field tools, XRF, sample preparation, lab instruments: HPLC, GC, ICP, AAS, Mass Spectrometry. | 3 | 12h | 12h | |
|
Engennering Geology, Geotechnics
Geotech: Introduce basic concepts of soil mechanics, starting from elements of continuum mechanics and rheology, presented in a simplified manner. Using experimental laboratory data, we will present soils’ deformability and strength characteristics and also the large fields of geotechnical applications. | 3 | 12h | 12h | |
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Visits (field and campagnies)
Field trips to places subject to natural or industrial hazards and visits to agencies responsible for the study and management of risks. These outings and visits will allow students to understand the problem of geohazards and become familiar with the players in the study and management of risks and their working methods and instruments . | 3 | 30h | ||
|
Studies and management of natural hazards
Introduce the natural phenomena (floods, landslides, earthquakes, etc.) that are hazard generators, the damage that can result, as well as various aspects of prevention and risk management: technical basis of knowledge, consideration of risks in planning and planning regulation. | 3 | 20h | 10h | |
|
Studies and management of industrial hazards
A major industrial risk is linked to an accidental event involving hazardous products or processes employed within an industrial site. It can cause serious and immediate consequences for staff, residents, property or the environment. This definition will be developed through the following topics: major risks, danger studies, methods of risk analysis, focus on Classified Installations for Environmental Protection, impact studies, polluted sites and soils, waste treatments | 3 | 12h | 12h | 6h |
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Case studies in hazards management and studies
The aim of this class is to give the student skills in practical applications and tools used in design offices. This teaching is thus complementary to the training in other classes. It also can help the student to better identify his professional objectives. | 3 | 20h | 10h | |
|
Remote sensing : basis and hazards applications
Introduce students to the optical and radar remote sensing and their applications (radiation, sensors, images, processing and applications in the field of risk). The student prepares a small study on a topic concerning hazards and approved by the teacher, writes a report and makes an oral presentation of his work. | 3 | 15h | 12h | |
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GIS and data bases
Introduce students to the extensive use of GIS tools (QGis, ArcGIS). Presentation of different data sources (institutional and other). Introduce students to the modeling of databases, their query, their connection to GIS. Giving examples of applications. | 3 | 12h | 6h | 12h |
|
Analytical methods in hazard studies : photogrametry, interferometry, …
Introduce students to different techniques of characterization or measurements used to study geohazard (photogrammetry, Interferometry, MNT, mapping). Students will also be introduced to the concept of data quality. | 3 | 20h | 10h |
Semester 4
| Courses | ECTS | CM | TD | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Long period intership
Five to six months of internship in a laboratory / research center (research orientation) or in business company (Professional orientation). | 30 |