engleski

Development of graduate studies in environmental physics in Croatia

We are witnessing major changes in the environment due to anthropogenic factors. Global climate change, extreme weather events, pollution of the atmosphere and drinking water sources, decline in biodiversity, radioactive waste storage, and exposure to ionizing radiation are some examples of these changes and the problems they cause. Developed countries have recognized the role of physics and physicists in reducing negative anthropogenic impacts on the environment and in mitigating and adapting to climate change. The training of physicists specializing in environmental studies includes the study of physical laws, the application of quantitative models, their testing, and their use in predicting environmental impacts. The study of the environment requires an interdisciplinary approach, and therefore it is necessary to supplement traditional training in physics with specific skills and knowledge. The environmental physicist should be trained in the fundamentals of ecology, should understand the environmental impacts for which prediction methods are being developed, should have a basic knowledge of the management of the commons, must be familiar with environmental regulations, and must have the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Over the past three years, physicists from four Croatian universities have worked together on a project aimed at modernizing physics curricula and adapting them to the needs of the labour market. One of the outcomes of the project was the development of an occupational standard for graduate engineers in environmental physics. In this paper I will discuss the results of the project in the context of the development of the standard and present the study program in Physics and environmental science at the Department of Physics of the University of Rijeka.

anthropogenic impact ; environmental changes ; environmental physics ; occupational standard ; study programs

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