Course description and objectives

The Ph.D. course in Industrial Engineering aims to train young highly qualified researchers in the areas of food, chemical, electronics, management, and mechanical engineering. The Ph.D. program was developed following the establishment of the Department of Industrial Engineering (DIIN), which combines teaching and research skills aimed at the design, construction, development, management of products, processes, plants, components, systems, and services, with specific reference to the scientific, technological, organizational and industrialization aspects, applicable to different industrial areas.

The Ph.D. course aims to train research doctors with a multi- and inter-disciplinary knowledge, solid methodological tools, specialist skills acquired in the context of specific research activity. Participation in scientific events and a period of stay abroad confer to the Ph.D. training an international dimension.

The course is divided into 3 curricula (Chemical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) which include research themes developed in the DIIN, and refer to the National Research Programs, to the Horizon 2020 Program, and Industry 4.0 themes.

The course, which completes the educational offer of the University of Salerno for food, chemical, electronic, management, and mechanical engineers, is open also to graduates from other subject areas, as well as to foreign graduates.

Educational objectives

The main distinguishing features of the Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering are: knowledge of basic sciences and engineering to interpret, describe, innovatively solving complex or interdisciplinary problems; ability to conceive, design and manage complex systems, systems, and equipment; ability to manage research projects and exploit the results.

The numerous scientific themes of the Ph.D. course can be clustered around the following areas:

• Energy and Environment;
• Materials, nanomaterials and related process technologies;
• Chemical, food and bio-based processes and technologies;
• Design, optimization, and management of advanced mechanical and energy systems and components;
• Projects for production and management operations;
• Innovative technologies for electronic components, devices, and systems.
• Industry 4.0.

The educational offer and the research topics are defined by the members of the board of the Ph.D. course and advertised in the admission notice for each Ph.D. cycle.

In addition to the research activities of the Ph.D. thesis (153 ECTS), under the supervision of one of the members of the Ph.D. board, the training activities also include:

• Compulsory attendance of the course "Smart Industry: Smart Productions, Smart Energy and Smart Services" (6 ECTS), taught by the members of the Ph.D. board.
• Courses on transversal topics (Soft skills, for a total of 6 ECTS), concerning the writing of scientific articles, management of research, application for research grants, exploitation of research results and intellectual property, business creation, which are given by the members of the Ph.D. board.
• Compulsory attendance (100 h) of an English language course, level C1 (or Italian language for native English speakers), provided by the University Language Center (3 ECTS).
• Choice of technical courses (for a total of 12 ECTS), including other doctoral coursed organized by the members of the Ph.D. board, Master's Degree Courses, doctoral schools or summer schools.
• Participation in seminars and conferences.

The Teaching Offer is available in the attachments section of this page.

In addition, students are encouraged to spend study and research periods abroad in public or private research institutions.

Expected employment and professional opportunities

The holders of the Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering may find employment in several areas:

1. Universities and research centers. The Ph.D. represents the main channel, through which young researchers are recruited.
2. Industry and services. The Ph.D. represents the tool to transfer or grow the culture of innovation and research, through the specific skills and creative originality of the doctors. This objective can be achieved inside manufacturing companies or through external services provided by engineering companies. The Ph.D. holders are of interest not only for large industrial and service companies but also for SMEs, which represent the main part of the Italian production system and whose need for innovation to remain competitive is high.
3. Technology transfer. The skills of Ph.D. holders are able to stimulate and encourage business creation, participation in spin-offs and start-ups, and technology transfer in general.
4. Public administration and regulatory bodies. As a higher level of training, the Ph.D. title prepares professionals, who are ready to face the challenges of modern society also through roles of administrative responsibility, with particular reference to roles relevant for technical training and technological innovation.

Ph.D. Program Director

The Ph.D. Program Director is prof. Massimo De Santo https://docenti.unisa.it/001256/home

Teaching/Educational Program:

The list of courses is available at the following webpage: https://unisa.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/corsi/2023/500660