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Department of Physics and Astronomy “Augusto Righi” – DIFA

Teaching projects and methodologies

How teaching is evolving and what educational initiatives complement first-, second-, and third-level instruction for students.

New Teaching Methodologies and Educational Projects

As shown by the analysis of student career paths in the department’s degree programs, graduates of the Master’s programs find significant employment opportunities not only in scientific research but also across various sectors including services, industry, communication, and education.

We believe that the disciplinary knowledge acquired during university studies should translate into skills and abilities that enable students to organize technical ideas and content in ways that respond to the civic, environmental, and economic needs of a rapidly changing society.

To achieve this important goal, the department offers a variety of educational opportunities.

Summer Schools

Since 2019, the Department has organized a Summer School each year for students enrolled in the Master’s programs in Advanced Methods in Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology, Earth System Physics, Physics, and Science of Climate.

The aim of the school is to introduce students to advanced topics in physical sensing and scientific computing, through interdisciplinary presentations by experts in the field and active participation methods such as workshops and collaborative sessions led by PhD students.

Transversal Skills for Physics-Related Professions

The curriculum of the new International Master’s Degree in Physics includes 12 ECTS credits of mandatory Transversal Skills for all second-year students. The course consists of several modules delivered through active learning methods, allowing students to acquire professional transversal skills such as logical thinking for design, scientific communication through media, and public speaking using techniques inspired by theater.

These skills are developed through activities inspired by physics content and related professions, with the involvement of professionals from outside academia.

Minor Program

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is among the promoters of the Minor “Journey Through Space and Time”.

This program, centered on the theme of space-time across science and the humanities, offers an interdisciplinary approach that connects arts, architecture, astronomy, philosophy, physics, and mathematics—training students to navigate confidently across diverse narratives.

Innovative Teaching Methodologies for Faculty and Researchers

The Department participates in the University’s Teaching Innovation initiatives by encouraging faculty and researchers to engage in training programs and by organizing dedicated events on physics and astronomy education:

Additionally, DIFA’s degree programs have joined the University’s Innovative Teaching Projects, introducing active learning methodologies in several Master’s courses.

Erasmus+ Projects for Teaching Innovation

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is involved as a coordinating institution or partner in several European projects.

IDENTITIES Project (Coordinator: Olivia Levrini)

The IDENTITIES project aims to develop new teaching approaches that promote interdisciplinarity among physics, mathematics, and computer science, with the goal of innovating the initial training of future teachers. Interdisciplinarity is addressed through the analysis of linguistic and epistemological structures that define disciplinary identities, highlighting their connections, overlaps, and integration potential.

The project features a strong research component in physics, mathematics, and computer science education, and includes the development of teaching materials for use in training programs such as the Teaching and History of Physics curriculum in the Master’s Degree in Physics, and the PF60 initial teacher training pathways.

More details

CLIMADEMY Project (Coordinator: Olivia Levrini)

CLIMADEMY aims to create and offer a program for future and in-service teachers focused on developing effective teaching methodologies to educate future generations of European citizens about climate change.

The initiative seeks to build a European network of institutions engaged in teacher training, bringing together universities active in climate change research and teacher education, along with recognized organizations and schools, to integrate theoretical training with practical experience.

The project includes a strong research component in physics and chemistry education and involves the creation of teaching materials for use in programs such as the Teaching and History of Physics curriculum in the Master’s Degree in Physics, and the PF60 initial teacher training pathways.

More details

FEDORAS Project (Coordinator: Olivia Levrini)

The FEDORAS Teacher Academy aims to offer an innovative training program for future secondary school teachers, promoting a future-oriented STEAM education inspired by sustainability principles.

Training activities focus on current and strategic topics such as climate change, artificial intelligence, nanotechnologies, quantum technologies, and the digital and green transitions.

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