DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN MATheMATICAL MODeLS AND MeThODS IN eNGINeeRING

Equations are everywhere! Between the atmosphere and the wing of a spaceship, in the blood flowing in an artery, on the demarcation line between ice and water at the poles, in the motion of the tides, in the charge density of a semiconductor, in the compression algorithms of a signal sending images from outer space. Such equations represent real problems. The Mathematical Engineer can see and understand the nature of these equations, and can develop models in order to understand their relevant qualities and solve real problems. This PhD program aims at training young researchers by providing them with a strong mathematical background and with ability to apply their knowledge to the solution of real-world problems that arise in various areas of science, technology, industry, finance, management, whenever advanced methods are required in analysis, design, planning, decision and control activities. PhD students carry our their research both in the development of new mathematical methods and in the implementation and improvement of advanced techniques in connection with specific contexts and applications. The Faculty of the PhD program is responsible for the organization of the training and research activities of the PhD students. Decisions of the Faculty comply with the requirements and standards of the Doctoral School of the Politecnico di Milano. A Chairman is elected within the Faculty, for representative and coordination activities. Admission of students to the PhD program is decided after examination of the candidates. Students applying to our program must provide their CV, along with reference and motivation letters. After admission, each student is assigned a tutor. The tutor is a member of the Faculty who assists the student in the early stages of his career, especially in the choice of the courses and in identifying a thesis advisor. The overall activity of the PhD students can be quantified in 180 credits. The PhD program has a duration of three years. Activity can be classified into: introductory courses (no minimum number of credits required); main courses (at least 30 credits); specialized research training, including seminars, tutoring activity, participation to workshops/conferences, and scientific publications (at least 30 credits); development of a doctoral thesis (at least 90 credits). At the end of each academic year, the PhD students report to the Faculty about their activity. The students report about attendance of courses and exams (and the corresponding grades), participation in various scientific activities (seminars, conferences, summer schools etc.), planning and intermediate results on their research project and preparation of the PhD thesis, and any other relevant activity. At the annual meeting the students also receive a grade by the Faculty. A negative grade may entail repetition of the current year of doctoral study (with suspension of the grant, if any) or exclusion from the PhD program, depending on the Faculty’s decision. Mobility of PhD students to other institutions is strongly encouraged and financial support is provided to this purpose. Among others, let us mention some typical types of professional skills and possible occupations of the graduated Doctors: analytic and numerical treatment of differential models for physical and industrial problems, quantitative methods in finance and risk management, operations research and optimisation, statistical modelling and data analysis. Placement of graduated Doctors is expected in the following positions: research and development divisions of businesses, businesses involved in innovative design activities, financial institutions such as banks or insurance companies, public or private research centres, public and/or governmental agencies for social, economical, scientific study, planning or evaluation, Universities. Since the PhD program in Mathematical Models and Methods in Engineering (formerly, Mathematical Engineering) has been active since the year 2001, we expect that a larger number of institutions and businesses will soon become more and more aware of the professional skills and expertise of graduated doctors.