Development and Protection of Mountain Environment
Development and Protection of Mountain Environment
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Bachelor
L-25 R - Scienze e tecnologie agrarie e forestali
The degree course in Development and Protection of the Mountain Environment provides graduates with specific knowledge in the main sectors of agroforestry and environmental sciences that are necessary for defining a comprehensive and specific vision of mountain territories, essential to promote their sustainable development. In particular, graduates will be able to effectively address the complexity of mountain socio-ecological systems by operating in various areas of intervention: from agroforestry production to the management, protection and valorization of natural, agroforestry, territorial and landscape resources, to the conservation of the territory, as well as the planning and implementation of territorial development initiatives. All this taking into account the main environmental and socio-economic phenomena taking place in these areas such as climate change and loss of competitiveness. Graduates will be able to identify the specific resources on which to leverage and facilitate the application of innovative methodologies and strategies to optimize and valorize products and services, including ecosystemic ones, generated by the environment and mountain agro-forestry activities. These skills can be applied in a wide range of sectors: from traditional ones, such as agriculture, forestry and mountain territory protection, to emerging ones, such as agri-environmental education and tourism, territorial marketing and the sustainable use of natural resources in the context of the bioeconomy.
The trained graduate matches two cultural and professional profiles:
- Technicians with a wealth of knowledge and operational skills that allow them to contribute to the sustainable planning and management of mountain agro- forestry -pastoral enterprises as well as to the valorization of specific production by providing qualified technical assistance in various fields, from production to economic appraisal as well as the environment, and the valorization of ecosystem services and agritourism and rural tourism activities.
- Technicians with a wealth of knowledge and operational skills that allow them to contribute to the management and enhancement of mountain rural and forestry territory, also in terms of ecosystem services of production, protection and culture, as well as to work in parks, in rural and environmental tourism activities and in land management in the monitoring, protection, enhancement and promotion of specific mountain agroforestry and environmental resources with a view to sustainability.
The two figures are not alternatives, but complementary because, if on the one hand the efficiency and competitiveness of a mountain agro- forestry -pastoral enterprise is strongly linked to the specificities of the territory in which it operates and has a key responsibility in the conservation and protection of the resources and the environment in which it operates, on the other hand the management, protection and enhancement of resources, the environment and the territory can only originate from the knowledge of the functioning mechanisms of natural, agricultural and forestry ecosystems. The knowledge and practical skills acquired allow both to deal directly with the world of work in the mountain agro-forestry and environmental sectors and to subsequently specialize through a Master's degree and/or advanced training courses.
The course activities are carried out entirely at the UNIMONT Campus, a location that the University of Milan has activated in Edolo, in the heart of the central Alps. This significantly contributes to the acquisition of practical and direct knowledge and awareness of environmental complexities and allows for experimentation with the specific organizational and functional articulation typical of small mountainous territorial contexts, promoting the formation of professional profiles prepared to operate taking into account the specificities of the local dimension to design, implement and/or promote effective valorization and development processes.
The trained graduate matches two cultural and professional profiles:
- Technicians with a wealth of knowledge and operational skills that allow them to contribute to the sustainable planning and management of mountain agro- forestry -pastoral enterprises as well as to the valorization of specific production by providing qualified technical assistance in various fields, from production to economic appraisal as well as the environment, and the valorization of ecosystem services and agritourism and rural tourism activities.
- Technicians with a wealth of knowledge and operational skills that allow them to contribute to the management and enhancement of mountain rural and forestry territory, also in terms of ecosystem services of production, protection and culture, as well as to work in parks, in rural and environmental tourism activities and in land management in the monitoring, protection, enhancement and promotion of specific mountain agroforestry and environmental resources with a view to sustainability.
The two figures are not alternatives, but complementary because, if on the one hand the efficiency and competitiveness of a mountain agro- forestry -pastoral enterprise is strongly linked to the specificities of the territory in which it operates and has a key responsibility in the conservation and protection of the resources and the environment in which it operates, on the other hand the management, protection and enhancement of resources, the environment and the territory can only originate from the knowledge of the functioning mechanisms of natural, agricultural and forestry ecosystems. The knowledge and practical skills acquired allow both to deal directly with the world of work in the mountain agro-forestry and environmental sectors and to subsequently specialize through a Master's degree and/or advanced training courses.
The course activities are carried out entirely at the UNIMONT Campus, a location that the University of Milan has activated in Edolo, in the heart of the central Alps. This significantly contributes to the acquisition of practical and direct knowledge and awareness of environmental complexities and allows for experimentation with the specific organizational and functional articulation typical of small mountainous territorial contexts, promoting the formation of professional profiles prepared to operate taking into account the specificities of the local dimension to design, implement and/or promote effective valorization and development processes.
- 1. Professionals working in forestry, pastoral and mountain production transformation and valorisation sectors
Function in a work context:
The professions included in this category operate in the agro-forestry -pastoral production system for the planning of elements of agricultural, agri-food, livestock, forestry and mountain environmental systems, the improvement of production techniques and the innovation and sustainability of mountain businesses. In particular, the functions performed are divided into the planning and management of mountain plant, animal and forestry production, quality certification and marketing of mountain agro-forestry products, as well as in the agritourism and rural tourism sectors, in the activities of planning, protection and ecologically and economically sustainable management of resources and the agro-forestry, natural and mountain landscape environment.
Skills associated with the function:
Professionals are able to understand, analyse and intervene in the mountain context in relation to the problems of production, valorisation and sustainability of agro-forestry-pastoral products and the defence of the environment and of the rural, natural and agro-forestry landscape of the mountains, with an integrated approach based on multifunctionality.
Career opportunities:
They work in public and private companies and firms in the agricultural, livestock, forestry-pastoral, forestry and mountain environmental sectors both as entrepreneurs and as employees or freelance consultants in production and in production valorization sectors, but also in the rural tourism sector, in the protection of the rural and natural environment and in the planning of land and the mountain agro-forestry landscape. They also work in the offices of central and local public administrations, in autonomous companies, in territorial government bodies, as well as in trade associations with a specialized technical function in mountain areas, in universities and research institutions.
- 2. Professionals working in the management and protection of the mountain territory and its resources
Function in a work context:
The professions included in this category operate in support of land conservation, the defense and enhancement of natural, agroforestry and territorial resources, preparing and collaborating in the management of sector plans and projects, integrated and sustainable development projects for mountain areas, as well as soil protection with naturalistic engineering interventions. They also carry out analyses and monitoring of the environment and mountain forest ecosystems, as well as technical, evaluation and economic aspects of mountain agro-forestry and natural resources, their products and ecosystem services provided, as well as their interrelations with other sectors of activity relevant to the mountain socio-economic context (crafts, commerce, tourism, etc.). They can also operate in the monitoring and management of green infrastructures, protected areas and natural parks.
Skills associated with the function:
Professionals are able to identify and understand, analyze, integrate and manage the specific resources of mountain areas, both natural and agroforestry, with particular reference to the potential value of products and services provided, combining productive aspects with the enhancement, protection and sustainable development of the mountain territory.
Career opportunities:
They work in the public or private sector, as employees or entrepreneurs or freelance consultants in environmental and agroforestry companies and businesses, central and local public administrations, in institutions for the management, protection and enhancement of the territory (parks, instrumental bodies, etc.); they also operate in autonomous companies, in Universities, in Research Institutes.
Function in a work context:
The professions included in this category operate in the agro-forestry -pastoral production system for the planning of elements of agricultural, agri-food, livestock, forestry and mountain environmental systems, the improvement of production techniques and the innovation and sustainability of mountain businesses. In particular, the functions performed are divided into the planning and management of mountain plant, animal and forestry production, quality certification and marketing of mountain agro-forestry products, as well as in the agritourism and rural tourism sectors, in the activities of planning, protection and ecologically and economically sustainable management of resources and the agro-forestry, natural and mountain landscape environment.
Skills associated with the function:
Professionals are able to understand, analyse and intervene in the mountain context in relation to the problems of production, valorisation and sustainability of agro-forestry-pastoral products and the defence of the environment and of the rural, natural and agro-forestry landscape of the mountains, with an integrated approach based on multifunctionality.
Career opportunities:
They work in public and private companies and firms in the agricultural, livestock, forestry-pastoral, forestry and mountain environmental sectors both as entrepreneurs and as employees or freelance consultants in production and in production valorization sectors, but also in the rural tourism sector, in the protection of the rural and natural environment and in the planning of land and the mountain agro-forestry landscape. They also work in the offices of central and local public administrations, in autonomous companies, in territorial government bodies, as well as in trade associations with a specialized technical function in mountain areas, in universities and research institutions.
- 2. Professionals working in the management and protection of the mountain territory and its resources
Function in a work context:
The professions included in this category operate in support of land conservation, the defense and enhancement of natural, agroforestry and territorial resources, preparing and collaborating in the management of sector plans and projects, integrated and sustainable development projects for mountain areas, as well as soil protection with naturalistic engineering interventions. They also carry out analyses and monitoring of the environment and mountain forest ecosystems, as well as technical, evaluation and economic aspects of mountain agro-forestry and natural resources, their products and ecosystem services provided, as well as their interrelations with other sectors of activity relevant to the mountain socio-economic context (crafts, commerce, tourism, etc.). They can also operate in the monitoring and management of green infrastructures, protected areas and natural parks.
Skills associated with the function:
Professionals are able to identify and understand, analyze, integrate and manage the specific resources of mountain areas, both natural and agroforestry, with particular reference to the potential value of products and services provided, combining productive aspects with the enhancement, protection and sustainable development of the mountain territory.
Career opportunities:
They work in the public or private sector, as employees or entrepreneurs or freelance consultants in environmental and agroforestry companies and businesses, central and local public administrations, in institutions for the management, protection and enhancement of the territory (parks, instrumental bodies, etc.); they also operate in autonomous companies, in Universities, in Research Institutes.
The Degree course in Development and Protection of Mountain Environment offers ample opportunity to study abroad, mainly through the Erasmus + programme involving approximately 30 universities throughout the European Union and the Swiss Mobility Programme. Each year about 5 students choose to spend a period of study/work at these universities. Any specific sectors of the degree course can be developed at partner universities. In general, students who benefit from this opportunity tend to take courses that broaden their scientific knowledge, and to carry out internships or theses in well-known laboratories. A learning agreement, defining the choice of exams and the organization of the internship at the partner university, is drawn up in collaboration with the Erasmus coordinator of the degree course. Before completing the learning agreement, students must obtain formal approval of the examinations to be taken at the host university from lecturers who hold equivalent or similar courses at the University of Milan. The examination grades and the relative credits obtained at partner universities are recognized almost entirely, so students can be sure that results obtained in the host university will then be positively evaluated in their study curriculum. There are also other opportunities for cultural exchanges with Universities that have established agreements with our University but are not part of the Erasmus system. These belong to non-EU areas such as China, Japan, Latin America. Moreover, the extensive network of collaboration and contacts involving most mountain stakeholders at local, regional, national and international levels active at the UNIMONT centre allows the organization of seminars and activities that offer students a unique opportunity to get in touch with the "innovation ecosystem" of European mountain areas, and therefore with the main actors and best practices active at an international level.
Course attendance is strongly recommended.
Enrolment
Admission requirements
Applicants to the degree programme must hold a secondary-school diploma, or other equivalent qualification, and a baseline of knowledge in scientific subjects (mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology).
Admission assessment
Admission to this Bachelor's degree programme is open, subject to a mandatory, non-selective, assessment test before enrolment.
The test will ascertain that the candidate meets admission requirements, i.e. knowledge of key science subjects as provided by upper secondary school, and an understanding of elementary logic.
The test required for admission into the degree programme is TOLC-AV, an online test provided by the Consortium of Inter-University Integrated Access Systems (CISIA - https://www.cisiaonline.it).
For test topics and details, please review the page https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/area-tematica-tolc-agraria-veterinaria/struttura-della-prova-e-syllabus/. You may sit for the TOLC-AV test at the University of Milan or any other member university of CISIA.
The calendar with available venues and dates is posted to the page https://tolc.cisiaonline.it/calendario.php?l=gb.
Registration procedures and deadlines are set out in the call for applications posted to the page https://vtatm.cdl.unimi.it/it/iscriversi
Admission of transfer or graduate students
Transfer students from a degree programme of the University of Milan, or another university, and graduate students will be waived from the test requirement only if admitted to years subsequent to Year I.
To this end, they will have to submit a specific request for prior assessment of their academic records using the online service as shown in the call for applications.
These candidates must provide a full transcript of records (listing exams, subject areas, credits, grades) and attach the course syllabi. For more details and dates, please refer to the call for applications.
Students admitted to the first year will be required to take the test.
Additional learning requirements (OFA) and remedial activities
Students who are admitted with a score lower than or equal to 4 in the Mathematics section of the TOLC-AV test will have to fulfil additional learning requirements (OFA). Remedial activities will be organized for students with OFA (in the period October-December), both as online exercises on an e-learning platform and as discussion sessions with a tutor. After participating in remedial activities, new students will have to take a final assessment test. Mathematics OFA are prerequisites for all second- and third-year exams. For students who have not passed the OFA final test during the first year, passing the Mathematics exam is a prerequisite for all second- and third-year exams. Learn more at https://vtatm.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole
Applicants to the degree programme must hold a secondary-school diploma, or other equivalent qualification, and a baseline of knowledge in scientific subjects (mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology).
Admission assessment
Admission to this Bachelor's degree programme is open, subject to a mandatory, non-selective, assessment test before enrolment.
The test will ascertain that the candidate meets admission requirements, i.e. knowledge of key science subjects as provided by upper secondary school, and an understanding of elementary logic.
The test required for admission into the degree programme is TOLC-AV, an online test provided by the Consortium of Inter-University Integrated Access Systems (CISIA - https://www.cisiaonline.it).
For test topics and details, please review the page https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/area-tematica-tolc-agraria-veterinaria/struttura-della-prova-e-syllabus/. You may sit for the TOLC-AV test at the University of Milan or any other member university of CISIA.
The calendar with available venues and dates is posted to the page https://tolc.cisiaonline.it/calendario.php?l=gb.
Registration procedures and deadlines are set out in the call for applications posted to the page https://vtatm.cdl.unimi.it/it/iscriversi
Admission of transfer or graduate students
Transfer students from a degree programme of the University of Milan, or another university, and graduate students will be waived from the test requirement only if admitted to years subsequent to Year I.
To this end, they will have to submit a specific request for prior assessment of their academic records using the online service as shown in the call for applications.
These candidates must provide a full transcript of records (listing exams, subject areas, credits, grades) and attach the course syllabi. For more details and dates, please refer to the call for applications.
Students admitted to the first year will be required to take the test.
Additional learning requirements (OFA) and remedial activities
Students who are admitted with a score lower than or equal to 4 in the Mathematics section of the TOLC-AV test will have to fulfil additional learning requirements (OFA). Remedial activities will be organized for students with OFA (in the period October-December), both as online exercises on an e-learning platform and as discussion sessions with a tutor. After participating in remedial activities, new students will have to take a final assessment test. Mathematics OFA are prerequisites for all second- and third-year exams. For students who have not passed the OFA final test during the first year, passing the Mathematics exam is a prerequisite for all second- and third-year exams. Learn more at https://vtatm.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole
Call for applications
Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.
Application for matriculation: from 15/07/2025 to 30/09/2025
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE
The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Computer Knowledge and E-Skills | 6 | 64 | Italian | |
| General and Inorganic Chemistry | 6 | 60 | Italian | CHIM/03 |
| Mathematics | 6 | 60 | Italian | MAT/01 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Animal and Plant Biology | 12 | 132 | Italian | BIO/03 BIO/05 |
| Essentials of Economics | 6 | 56 | Italian | AGR/01 |
| Organic Chemistry | 6 | 56 | Italian | CHIM/06 |
| Physics | 6 | 60 | Italian | FIS/07 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| English Assessment B1 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Agronomy for Mountain Areas | 12 | 112 | Italian | AGR/02 AGR/13 |
| Geopedology | 8 | 68 | Italian | AGR/14 GEO/04 |
| Structures, Planning, Management and Surveying of Mountain Territories | 8 | 80 | Italian | AGR/10 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Elements of Biochemistry, Plant Physiology and Agro-Food Microbiology | 10 | 88 | Italian | AGR/13 AGR/16 |
| Forestry | 8 | 80 | Italian | AGR/05 |
| Fruit Tree Production | 8 | 80 | Italian | AGR/03 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Environmental and Forest Surveying and Economics | 8 | 80 | Italian | AGR/01 |
| Livestock Farming in Mountain Areas | 12 | 116 | Italian | AGR/19 VET/01 |
| Plant Protection in Mountain Areas | 8 | 80 | Italian | AGR/11 AGR/12 |
| Processing of Agri-Food Products | 7 | 56 | Italian | AGR/15 |
| Optional | ||||
| Analysis of Foods of Animal Origin to Valorizing Mountain Food Chains and Consumer Protection | 3 | 32 | Italian | VET/04 |
| Policies and Legislation for Mountain Areas | 3 | 24 | Italian | IUS/09 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Agricultural and Forestry Mechanization | 6 | 72 | Italian | AGR/09 |
| Soil Conservation in Mountain Watersheds | 8 | 80 | Italian | AGR/08 |
| Optional | ||||
| Applied Plant Ecology for Mountain Agro-Ecosystems | 3 | 24 | Italian | BIO/03 |
| Wildlife Management | 4 | 40 | Italian | AGR/19 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Stage | 6 | 0 | Italian | |
| Final Exam | 4 | 0 | Italian | |
Study plan rules
- The student has 16 credits available to be allocated to freely chosen training activities. These activities must be consistent with the study plan of the graduate in Development and Protection of the Mountain Environment.
Students will be able to acquire credits freely by choosing from the courses offered by the University of Milan or by actively following seminars, conferences, refresher courses or other activities organized by the University or by another institution, always after the favorable opinion of the Academic Board. See also the paragraph Structure of the course - Presentation of the study plan.
The Academic Board proposes, in the table below, some training activities organized at the Edolo Campus, to which seminar activities and integrated laboratories on specific topics, coordinated with the internship activity and aimed at drafting the final thesis, can be added (for the B2 English language assessment see the Language tests section).
Students will be able to acquire credits freely by choosing from the courses offered by the University of Milan or by actively following seminars, conferences, refresher courses or other activities organized by the University or by another institution, always after the favorable opinion of the Academic Board. See also the paragraph Structure of the course - Presentation of the study plan.
The Academic Board proposes, in the table below, some training activities organized at the Edolo Campus, to which seminar activities and integrated laboratories on specific topics, coordinated with the internship activity and aimed at drafting the final thesis, can be added (for the B2 English language assessment see the Language tests section).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of Foods of Animal Origin to Valorizing Mountain Food Chains and Consumer Protection | 3 | 32 | Italian | First semester | VET/04 |
| Policies and Legislation for Mountain Areas | 3 | 24 | Italian | First semester | IUS/09 |
| Applied Plant Ecology for Mountain Agro-Ecosystems | 3 | 24 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/03 |
| Wildlife Management | 4 | 40 | Italian | Second semester | AGR/19 |
| English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | Open sessions |
Learn more
Location
Edolo (BS)
Head of study programme
Study plan tutor
Reference structures
Contacts
- Degree programme head
[email protected] - Degree programme administration
Via Morino 8, Edolo (BS)
[email protected]
+390250330500 - Course management for the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (Science and Technology area)
via Celoria 2 - Milano Città Studi
Contatto: https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML
+390250316511
Orario di apertura al pubblico: lunedì dalle 10 alle 12 e dalle 14 alle 16 - SLD tutor
Prof. Giulio Senes
[email protected] - Student registrar
via Celoria 18 - Milano Città Studi
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/359
+390250325032
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/360
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment