Phd in INFRASTRUCTURES AND TRANSPORT

List of courses / activities for the first year

More information Ours is a multidisciplinary doctorate shared by different sectors, all interested in the advancement of knowledge in the field of transport and related infrastructures. In order to find a shared language, it is necessary to consolidate some common foundations in the engineering field. This translates into the fact that students must first acquire the fundamental knowledge for modern quantitative scientific activity (hard science). Students will then be able to opt to conduct their research with other methods (soft science). Considering the most common origins (courses of study) of students and teachers, we believe that any gap in necessary knowledge can be filled by studying the following subjects, taking a good knowledge of the English language for granted: - IT (at least one programming language e.g. javascript, .net/c#, python); - statistics and optimization (machine learning, big data); - representation of reality and processing of geographical data (GIS, CAD, BIM, database). In addition to organizing an educational program with lessons and seminars delivered ad hoc by the College's teachers on specific but common interest topics, textbooks, specific university courses offered by Sapienza and online courses will be recommended. However, the student will also have to organize the learning of these subjects independently. This knowledge must be acquired mainly during the first year of the doctorate. To this end, each student, with the support of their tutor, will establish a personalized teaching program. This must include, not only the compulsory courses held by the college's teachers in the form of seminars, but also other courses held by Italian and foreign colleagues in this or other universities, through online or face-to-face lessons, possibly using the most modern platforms digital. To acquire specific IT or technological knowledge, courses held by sector experts, even if not university ones, are considered equally valid. The student himself will self-certify the performance of these activities and it will be his task/obligation to bring to the attention of his tutor and the college teachers the skills obtained through the courses he has followed, as part of the annual report of his activities. This program may also include, but not only, participation in conferences, seminars, summer or winter schools relating to the more specific field of one's research activity. During the first year, the basic preparation is therefore completed, based on the topics within which the doctoral research activity is planned to be developed. The training activity includes the following activities. 1. Seminars. The student must attend the seminars offered by the doctorate in the specific academic year for a total of 6 credits. The program and calendar of the doctoral seminars will be detailed at the beginning of each academic year and published on the website. The seminars, compulsory for all students, will take place from January to September and will be organized so that students reach a common cultural basis of a transversal nature Some of these modules will be shared with the other doctoral courses belonging to the Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering and one or more English courses will also be organized with them depending on the level of knowledge of the students who join them. There are also computer courses dedicated to the calculation programs most used by school students (such as Matlab or statistics programs). 2. Advanced courses. The student will have to complete his/her training by choosing, in agreement with the tutor, courses functional to his/her research activity (which he/she has not already attended previously) offered as part of bachelor's degrees (usually, but not necessarily, master's degrees) or in other graduate courses. doctorate from this or other universities. This training activity is substantially concentrated in the first year, except for in-depth studies in the second and third years which are functional to the research activities of each individual student and suggested by the tutor. We would like to point out the presence of many courses in English at Sapienza within which useful teachings for this purpose are provided: Control Engineering - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Data Science - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Applied Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Artificial Intelligence and Robotics - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Computer Science - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Engineering in Computer Science - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Management Engineering - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Statistical Sciences - Information Engineering, computer science and statistics Statistical Methods and Applications - Information engineering, computer science and statistics Sustainable Transportation and Electrical Power Systems - Civil and industrial engineering Transport Systems Engineering - Civil and industrial engineering Participation in all those courses, organized by Sapienza or other bodies, which aim to increase soft skills, such as oral communication and presentations, writing scientific articles, and starting entrepreneurship (start-ups), is then encouraged. 3. Research activities. Research will however constitute the main part of the activities carried out in the first year. The aim is to acquire scientific methodology, learn to work in a research group, and begin to get to know the national and international community in the chosen research area. In the first year the student will carry out an in-depth bibliographic research aimed at collecting and analyzing scientific literature, with the identification of the most significant publications for the specific topic that she has chosen to investigate. Furthermore, it will carry out a survey of ongoing research activities on similar or contiguous topics developed at other national and/or international research centres, in order to identify their possible evolutionary lines and possible collaborations to be developed during the three years, also for the possible activation of jointly supervised activities aimed at obtaining the European Label or in any case the title of PhDEuropaeus. To deepen knowledge and follow the most innovative experiences in their research field, the student participates in specialization courses, seminars, conferences and workshops at national and international level. Collaboration with the host structure is encouraged from the first year onwards in terms of teaching support activities and collaboration on research activities already underway on similar or contiguous topics. Method of choosing the subject of the thesis Within the first year of the course, on the basis of what has been acquired, the theme of the doctoral research must be defined with an indication of the aims, methodology, phases and times for the planned activities. The subject of the thesis is agreed between the Tutor and the Student according to the latter's basic training and the active lines of research relating to the topics of the different curricula. Admission to the second year One of the problems that can jeopardize the success of the doctoral path is the failure of willing and committed students to identify a topic in which they can credibly provide an original contribution by the end of the three-year period. Being extremely tolerant and allowing the transition from the first to the second year in the absence of a well-articulated research project has proven over the years to be an impractical solution which has subsequently generated numerous problems, both for the College and for the students, to the point of generating administrative disputes . The proposed solution is the formal approval of the Research Project by the College, which must occur concurrently with the transition from the first to the second year. The research project can (do not) start from the project presented during the admission competition, but it must be much more complex. The reference format is the one in force for University research projects. It is important that the student shows the ability to produce textual content and not just slides, because this is a fundamental requirement for later realizing productivity in terms of articles. The program must include the expected results of the proposed research. The student is also invited to make a 5-minute video presenting the state of the research. The detailed programme, slides and video will be published in a repository and made available to the College. We believe that the tutor's responsibility is fundamental for validating the state of the research and the program; however, it is the doctoral student's responsibility to finalize their project and finally notify the College Coordinator by email of the approval of their project progress by the Tutor and its publication on the repository. This is a requirement for passing the year. The Board approves the program with the admission of the student to the second year, possibly with reservations and therefore specifying any suggestions or shortcomings, which must necessarily be filled during the second year. In the event that the research requires the acquisition of specific preliminary skills with respect to the definition of the research plan (e.g. software development, mathematical skills) it is possible to postpone the presentation of the research plan to the second year. The annual check is scheduled at the end of the first year of the course. In addition to the Teaching Program and the Research Project, the Students must draw up a form specifically prepared by the Teaching Body, published on the PhD website, to evaluate the overall status of their research activities and must prepare an oral presentation of these activities. The teaching board formulates judgments on each student, explicitly reporting any critical issues which are checked in depth during subsequent checks. Structure of the card for the first check FORM FOR ADMISSION TO THE SECOND YEAR OF THE COURSE PhD student …………………………………………. Cycle ………………………… Curriculum ………………………………… Tutor ………………………………… Research topic ……………………………………………………………………… SECTION A Doctoral research (maximum 5 pages) 1 – Acquisition of integrative preparatory knowledge (content learned through attendance of courses, individual study, deepening of one's own cultural background, etc.). 2 – Bibliographic research carried out (collection and analysis of scientific literature, with identification of the most significant publications for the purposes of the proposed research, for which an annotated summary is attached.). 3 – Report on the state of knowledge relating to the research topic (brief summary of the scientific framework of reference, in relation to the proposed topic: consolidated knowledge and ideas for further investigation). 4 – Recognition of ongoing activities at national and international research centers (framing of evolutionary trends in the specific research field, as far as is known). 5 – Definition of the Doctoral Research (formulation of the Topic for the final Thesis, with specification of: purpose, methodology, phases and times of the planned activities). 6 – Timetable SECTION B Collaboration and support activities; training and acquisition of advanced skills 1 – Participation in teaching activities at the relevant structure (seminar activities, support for frontal teaching, preparation of teaching material, collaboration with student reception, collaboration in carrying out degree theses and internships). 2 – Training activities (stays at teaching and research facilities in Italy and abroad, curricular or special courses attended, participation in seminars, conferences, workshops, etc.). 3 – Collaboration in studies, research, structured programs (contributions to PRIN, Faculty and University research, agreements, etc., with framework

List of courses / activities for the second year

More information The training activity includes the following activities. 1. Ad hoc courses for the in-depth study of individual research topics. During the second year the student will have to complete the training activity functional to his research interests based on what is suggested by the tutor, choosing between the doctoral courses offered in the specific academic year and those offered in master's degree courses. 2. Seminar activity. To deepen knowledge and follow the most innovative experiences in their research field, the student will participate in seminars, specialization courses, conferences and workshops at national and international level. The presentation, both oral and via poster, of the results achieved as speakers is encouraged. 3. Research activities. The research activity will constitute the main part of the activities carried out in the second year and has the aim of starting a solid original development in the specific area of interest, under the guidance of one's tutor. Furthermore, the submission of the results achieved, and possibly presented at conferences and workshops, to peer-reviewed scientific journals is encouraged, in order to accustom students to scientific comparison at an international level and to all the steps necessary to achieve the publication of their works. Starting from the second year, the development of part of the activities in an international research center abroad is encouraged. Method of preparation of the thesis At the end of the year the student must have defined the preliminary structure of his thesis or at least have identified its main part, together with his tutor. The preliminary structure of the thesis will be presented to the doctoral teaching board during the month of October and will be modified (if necessary) taking into account the board's suggestions. Admission to the third year At the end of the second year of the course, the second annual check is scheduled. Students must draw up a form specially prepared by the Teaching Body, published on the PhD website, to evaluate the overall status of their research activities and must prepare an oral presentation of these activities. The teaching board formulates judgments on each student, explicitly reporting any critical issues which are checked in depth during subsequent checks. Structure of the form for the second check FORM FOR ADMISSION TO THE THIRD YEAR OF THE COURSE Doctoral student …………………………………… Cycle ………………………… Curriculum ……………………………… Tutor ………………………… ………… SECTION A Doctoral research 1 – Update of the logical and chronological program of activities (Clarification of the theme chosen for the final thesis; framework of the activities already carried out and to be carried out in the last year, with updating of the forecasts on objectives and methodology; timetable). 2 – Research activity carried out in the first two years (identification and documentation of the activities of: data collection, model development, calibration, validation of procedures, any self-verification criteria, etc.). 3 – Examination of the problems that emerged and the critical aspects (brief discussion of the elements characterizing the work completed, with particular attention to the most critical aspects and the difficulties that emerged, with indication of the solutions identified or feasible alternatives for the continuation of the activities). 4 – Potential to achieve a significant scientific "impact" (critical judgment on the effectiveness and originality that the research, at the end of the Doctorate, will be able to deploy, in relation to the scientific framework of reference and the evolution of ongoing knowledge at a national and international level ). ATTACHMENTS: Outline of the final Doctoral Thesis and analysis (planning) of the completion activities, any publications. SECTION B Collaboration and support activities; training and acquisition of advanced skills 1 – Participation in teaching activities at the relevant structure (seminar activities, support for frontal teaching, preparation of teaching material, collaboration with student reception, collaboration in carrying out degree theses and internships). 2 – Training activities (stays at teaching and research facilities in Italy and abroad, curricular or special courses attended, participation in seminars, conferences, workshops, etc.). 3 – Collaboration in studies, research, structured programs (contributions to PRIN, Faculty and University research, agreements, etc., with framework of the program and specification of the activity performed). Productivity The doctoral student's objectives are: - acquire the basic and specific knowledge needed to carry out one's research activity; - communicate the results of one's research, through the publication of scientific articles and participation in conferences relating to one's specific doctoral research, and more generally the research carried out by the team of which the doctoral student is possibly part; - interact with one's own research team (primarily the tutor's group) and possibly participate in the activities of the company with which the doctoral student collaborates (if foreseen by the doctoral path), as well as with the other doctoral students, also contributing to joint research and publications . The scientific productivity of the doctoral students and of the teaching staff is a pre-eminent aspect in the evaluation of the doctorate as a whole. Everyone's participation is required to achieve this goal. In particular, teachers and students must upload their work to the IRIS University system. The productivity of doctoral students is measured by obtaining the following qualifications: - publications of scientific articles in indexed journals; - presentations of contributions at conferences and conventions; - technology transfer activities (e.g. patents and participation in startups or spinoffs); - research activities at qualified Italian or foreign institutes (e.g. research stays abroad); - teaching activities at university level (e.g. lessons, exercises, tutoring, thesis); - participation in national or international research groups (e.g. organization of conferences, responsibility in European projects). These are the criteria that are usually taken into consideration for researcher competitions. We want to train a researcher who can also work in an industrial production context and/or in public administrations. In this sense, the doctoral path must favor the training of the researcher also as a highly qualified professional. Only works, of any nature, published in the IRIS catalog can be evaluated as active contributions. To make everyone's contribution tangible, to every doctoral student, within the three years of work, it is required to obtain at least 4 of the aforementioned qualifications, including a scientific article in an indexed journal (acceptance of publication is sufficient). Two of these qualifications must be obtained for the transition from the second to the third year of the doctorate. These contributions represent a prerequisite for the passage of the year. Teachers are expected to complete at least one job per year on the system. The coordinator will give an account every year, at the time of renewal, of the qualitative and quantitative progress of the doctorate. To encourage the doctoral student's productivity, the Teaching Body (and in particular each individual teacher) must provide a list of opportunities every year: - research stays abroad at institutions/teachers; - summer school; - conferences dedicated to early stage researchers; - magazines, perhaps not too competitive, that accept good quality work in times compatible with the doctoral path.

List of courses / activities for the third year

More information The training activity includes the following activities. 1. Seminar activity. During the third year, knowledge relating to the topic of doctoral research is further deepened through participation in seminars, specialization courses, conferences and workshops at a national and international level. The presentation, both oral and via poster, of the results achieved as speakers is encouraged. 2. Research activities. The third year is entirely dedicated to completing the research and drafting the doctoral thesis, preferably in English and with international referees. Submission of the results achieved to peer-reviewed scientific journals is highly encouraged; hopefully, most (if not all) of the material prepared for the doctoral thesis must also be published in the form of scientific articles. Participation in the organization of seminars and workshops at an international level is encouraged. Any research periods abroad can be carried out or completed during the third year. Each student is encouraged to organize a seminar on the topic of doctoral research, in which experts at a national and/or international level are invited in order to encourage discussion and networking. Method of admission to the final examination The student must submit, by October 31st of each year, his final thesis to the judgment of at least two evaluators external to the teaching board appointed by the board itself. Subsequently, the doctoral student must present the research topics covered by the thesis and the work carried out during the three years of the course to the teaching board in a comprehensive manner. The college verifies the progress made in the second and third year also in relation to any critical issues highlighted during the annual checks. The teaching body, considering the opinion expressed by the external evaluators, formulates an overall evaluation considering the following aspects: • originality and innovativeness of the research covered by the thesis; • significance and ability to analyze the results obtained; • overall competence on the topics of the thesis. Final examination The Teaching Board appoints a Commission entirely external to the Board itself composed of Italian and/or foreign professors and/or researchers who are experts in the topics covered overall in the candidates' doctoral theses. The Commission is possibly integrated by foreign professors and/or researchers if the exam is also aimed at obtaining the title of DoctorEuropaeus or the Double Degree following a jointly supervised thesis. Before the exam session, the Commissioners examine the thesis paper, the opinions of the external evaluators and the minutes of the teaching body in which the admission of the candidates to the final exam was decided. During the exam, candidates present orally the work carried out during the doctoral course and discuss it with the commissioners.