Bologna University

Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna


Latin: Universitas Bononiensis
Motto	Alma mater studiorum (Latin)
Motto in English	Nourishing mother of [the] studies
Established	1088
Type	State-supported
Rector	Prof. Ivano Dionigi
Students	83.000 (2010)
Location	Bologna, Italy
Sports teams	CUSB
Affiliations	Coimbra Group, Utrecht Network
Website	unibo.it

The Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna (Italian: Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, UNIBO) is a university located in Bologna, Italy founded in 1088. As of 2000 the University's motto is Alma mater studiorum (Latin for "nourishing mother of studies") The University has about 100,000 students in its 23 schools. It has branch centers in Imola, Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena and Rimini and a branch center abroad in Buenos Aires. Moreover, it has a school of excellence named Collegio Superiore di Bologna. It is widely recognised as the oldest university in the Western world.

History

The date of its founding is uncertain, but believed by most accounts to have been 1088. The university received a charter from Frederick I Barbarossa in 1158, but in the 19th century, a committee of historians led by Giosuè Carducci traced the founding of the University back to 1088, which would make it the oldest university in the world.

Roderick Long, a professor at philosophy at Auburn University in Alabama, USA, and prominent libertarian anarchist thinker, has asserted this is an example of spontaneous order and the result of the invisible hand of the market in his work A University Built by the Invisible Hand, as the University was not deliberately created, but arose through mutual aid societies of foreign students (called "nations" as they grouped by nationality, for instance there would be an association of French students, English students, etc.) for protection against city laws which imposed collective punishment on foreigners for the crimes and debts of their countrymen. These students then hired scholars from the city to teach them. The scholars had to compete between students for patronage. In time the various "nations" decided to form a larger association, or universitas-thus, the university. The university grew to have a strong position of collective bargaining with the city, since by then it derived significant revenue through visiting foreign students, who would depart if they were not well treated. Thus, the foreigners in Bologna received greater rights, and collective punishment was ended. There was also effective collective bargaining with the scholars who served as professors at the university. By initiation or threat of a student strike, the students could enforce their demands as to the content of courses and the pay professors would receive, for otherwise they would be paid nothing with the students failing to attend. University professors were thus hired, fired, and had their pay determined by an elected council of two representatives from every student "nation" which governed the institution, with the most important decisions requiring a majority vote from all the students to ratify. The professors could also be fined if they failed to finish classes on time, or complete course material by the end of the semester. A student committee, the "Denouncers of Professors", kept tabs on them and reported any misbehavior. Professors themselves were not powerless, however, forming a College of Teachers, essentially a teachers union which collectively bargained with the university government controlled by the students, securing the rights "to determine both examination fees and requirements for the degree. A balance of rights thus emerged through negotiation: the obligations of professors were determined by the students, while the obligations of students were determined by the professors. It was a power-sharing scheme; the students, however, continued to act as the dominant partner, since they were the paying clients and collectively carried more clout." Eventually, the city ended this, paying professors from tax revenues, and making it a chartered public university.

The university is historically notable for its teaching of canon and civil law; indeed, it was set up in large part with the aim of studying the Digest, a central text in Roman law, which had been rediscovered in Italy in 1070, and the university was central in the development of medieval Roman law. Until modern times, the only degree granted at that university was the doctorate. Since 2000, the University's motto has been Alma mater studiorum (Latin for "nourishing mother of studies")

Organization

Higher education processes are being harmonised across the European Community. Nowadays the University offers 101 different "Laurea" or "Laurea breve" first-level degrees (three years of courses), followed by 108 "Laurea specialistica" or "Laurea magistrale" second-level degrees (two years). However, other 11 courses have maintained preceding rules of "Laurea specialistica a ciclo unico" or "Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico", with only one cycle of study of five years, except for medicine end dentistry which requires six years of courses. After the "Laurea" one may attain 1st level Master. After second-level degrees are attained, one may proceed to 2nd level Master, specialisation schools (residency), or doctorates of research (PhD).

The 23 Faculties are:

Advanced School of Modern Languages for Interpreters and Translators (SSLMIT)—Forlì
Faculty of Agriculture—Bologna/Cesena
Faculty of Architecture Aldo Rossi—Cesena
Faculty of Economics
Faculty of Economics—Forlì
Faculty of Economics—Rimini
Faculty of Education Sciences
Faculty of Engineering
II Faculty of Engineering—Cesena/Forlì
Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences
Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature
Faculty of Industrial Chemistry
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Letters and Philosophy
Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
Faculty of Pharmacy
Faculty of Political Sciences
Faculty of Political Sciences Roberto Ruffilli
Faculty of Preservation of the Cultural Heritage
Faculty of Psychology—Cesena
Faculty of Statistical Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Affiliates and other institutions

In the early 1950s, some students of the University of Bologna were among the founders of the review "il Mulino". On April 25, 1951, the first issue of the review was published in Bologna. In a short time, "il Mulino" became one of the most interesting reference points in Italy for the political and cultural debate, and established important editorial relationships in Italy and abroad. Editorial activities evolved along with the review. In 1954, the il Mulino publishing house (Società editrice il Mulino) was founded, which today represents one of the most relevant Italian publishers. In addition to this were initiated research projects (focusing mostly on the educational institutions and the political system in Italy), that eventually led, in 1964, to the establishment of the Istituto Carlo Cattaneo.

Notable alumni and professors of the University of Bologna

11th century
- Irnerius
12th century
- Gratian
- Patriarch Heraclius of Jerusalem
- Bulgarus
- Martinus Gosia
- William of Tyre
13th century
- Rambertino Buvalelli
- Paul, Dominican martyr
- Bettisia Gozzadini
- William of Saliceto
- Sylvester Gozzolini
- Guido Guinizelli
- Benvenutus Scotivoli
14th century
- Dante Alighieri
- Manuel Chrysoloras
- Francesco Petrarca (aka Petrarch)
- Coluccio Salutati
15th century
- Leon Battista Alberti
- Nicolaus Copernicus
- Albrecht Dürer
- Yuriy Drohobych (aka Georgius de Drohobycz)
- Giovanni Pico della Mirandola
- Pope Alexander VI
16th century
- Girolamo Cardano
- Giovanni Della Casa
- Ignazio Danti
- Girolamo Maggi
- Giovanni Antonio Magini
- Virgilio Malvezzi
- Paracelsus
- Ulisse Aldrovandi
17th century
- Giovanni Cassini
- Marcello Malpighi
- Pietro Mengoli
18th century
- Laura Bassi
- Maria Gaetana Agnesi
- Luigi Galvani
- Carlo Goldoni
19th century
- Giosuè Carducci
- Giacomo Ciamician
- Camillo Golgi
- Giovanni Pascoli
- Pellegrino Rossi
- Augusto Righi
- Severino Ferrari
20th century
- Guglielmo Marconi
- Umberto Eco
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Romano Prodi
21st century
- Hamida Barmaki
- Ozalp Babaoglu

World rankings

In 2010 QS World University Rankings ranked the University of Bologna 176th in the world, and 32nd in the world for Law. On the 2009 THE–QS World University Rankings list (in 2010 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings parted ways to produce separate rankings), the University of Bologna was ranked inside the top 200 for the third consecutive year. An overview of the THE-QS Rankings up to 2011:

Year	Rank (Change)
2005	159
2006	207 ( 48)
2007	173 ( 34)
2008	192 ( 19)
2009	174 ( 18)
2010	176 ( 2)
2011	183 ( 7)

University Structures

The main structures of Bologna University are listed below.

Academic Structures

Faculties, Departments and Interdepartmental Centres constitute, as a whole, the cultural teaching and administrative axis of the University of Bologna.

Advanced Schools

The Advanced Schools combine high-level scientific research with qualified and specialised teaching training.

Collegio superiore

The Collegio Superiore is an institution of the University of Bologna created with the aim to select youths particularly motivated in their studies and to promote educational itineraries of an interdisciplinary nature.

Buenos Aires Campus

The first campus abroad of the oldest university in the world.

Other Service Structures

The University of Bologna places diverse service structures at the disposal of students, teaching personnel, and the general public.

University Residential Centre of Bertinoro

Founded in 1994 to host a number of summer courses, in the last few years it has become the residential centre of the University of Bologna, and each year welcomes more than 20,000 people.

University Residential Centre -Advanced Studies

The Residenza di Studi Superiori gives hospitality to students and didactical activities of Collegio Superiore and to Senior and Research Fellows of Institute of Advanced Study.

Language centres

The University of Bologna offers different ways to improve and develop your knowledge of foreign languages, which along with computer proficiency, is an adaptable skill that all students need to have regardless of their course of study. There are two language centres, one in Bologna (CILTA) and one in Romagna (CLIRO)

CUSB - University Sports Centre

Browsing these pages students can find all the necessary information to carry out a sporting activity, competitive or amateur level, at the Alma Mater Studiorum.

Faculties

The primary objective of the Faculties of the University of Bologna is to define, organise and connect the academic activities of the degree courses. Corresponding to the defined scientific-disciplinary fields, the faculties are divided into one or more first cycle degree courses which are followed by specialised degree courses.

Advanced School of Modern Languages for Interpreters and Translators - SSLMIT

Agriculture

Architecture «Aldo Rossi»

Arts and Humanities

Economics

Economics - Forlì

Economics - Rimini

Education Sciences

Engineering

II Faculty of Engineering

Exercise and Sport Sciences

Foreign Languages and Literature

Industrial Chemistry

Law

Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences

Medicine

Pharmacy

Political Sciences

Political Sciences «Roberto Ruffilli»

Preservation of the Cultural Heritage

Psychology

Statistical Sciences

Veterinary Medicine

Departments

The departments are the structures in which teaching and research come together in order to promote the scientific activity of the various fields of instruction homogeneous either through their objectives or by research methods. The departments of the University of Bologna are coordinated by a director and they integrate activities belonging to one or more of the Faculties thereby rendering interdisciplinary study in didactic and research matters.

Agricultural Economics and Engineering

Agri-food Protection and Improvement - DIPROVAL

Agro-Environmental Science and Technology

Anaesthesiological and Surgical Sciences

Ancient History

Archaeology

Architecture and Territorial Planning

Astronomy

Biochemistry «Giovanni Moruzzi»

Cardiovascular Medicine

Chemical, Mining and Environmental Engineering - DICMA

Chemistry «Giacomo Ciamician»

Civil, Environmental and Materials Engineering - DICAM

Classical Philology and Italian Studies

Clinical Medicine

Communication Disciplines

Computer Science

Earth Sciences and Environment

Economics

Economics and Business Law

Education

Electrical Engineering - DIE

Electronics, Computer sciences and Systems - DEIS

Energy, Nuclear and Environmental Protection Engineering - DIENCA

Experimental Evolutionary Biology - BES

Experimental Pathology

Food Science

Foreign Modern Languages and Literatures

Fruit Tree and Woody Plant Sciences

General and Organ Transplant Surgery

Gynaecological, Obstetric and Paediatric Sciences

Haematology and Oncological Sciences "L. e A. Seragnoli"

Histology, Embryology and Applied Biology - DIEBA

History, Antropology and Geography

Histories and Methods for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Human Anatomy and Physiopathology of the Locomotor Apparatus

Human and General Physiology

Industrial Chemistry and Materials

Interdisciplinary Studies in Translation, Languages and Cultures - SITLeC

Internal Medicine, Anti-Aging Medicine and Nephrologic Medicine

Legal Studies «Antonio Cicu»

Linguistics and Oriental Studies - DSLO

Management

Mathematics

Mathematics for Economic and Social Sciences

Mechanical, Nuclear, Aviation, and Metallurgical Engineering - DIEM

Medicine and Public Health

Music and Performing Arts - MUSPE

Neurological Sciences

Odontostomatological Sciences

Organic Chemistry «A. Mangini»

Political Science

Paleography and Medieval Studies

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmacology

Philosophy

Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

Physics

Politics, Institutions, History

Psychology

Radiological and Histopathological Sciences

Sciences of Metals, Electrochemistry and Chemical Techniques

Sociology

Statistical Sciences «Paolo Fortunati»

Veterinary Medical Sciences

Visual Arts

Courses

Master of Accounting and Business Administration
Bachelor of Computer Science
Master of Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry
Bachelor of Economics
Master of Aerospace Engineering
Master of Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Aeronautical Facilities
Master of Electronic Engineering
Master of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies
Bachelor of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering
Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Engineering
Master of Fashion Studies
Bachelor of Automation Engineering
Master in Industrial Chemistry
Bachelor of Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Law and Economics
Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Marine Biology
Master of Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor in Mathematics
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master in Mathematics
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Chemistry
Master of Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Civil Engineering
Master of Medical Biotechnology
Master of Civil Engineering
Bachelor in Physics
Bachelor of Computer Engineering
Master in Veterinary Medicine
Master of Computer Engineering

Admission

In this section you will find useful information on the University of Bologna degree programmes, courses of study, and everything you need to know about being an International Students at Unibo included procedures and deadlines for admission to our courses of study.

Registrations for Open Access, First Cycle Degree Programmes with assessment of basic knowledge

How to register online for an Open Access First Cycle Degree Programme with assessment of basic knowledge.

Registration for First Cycle Degree Programmes with restricted access

How to register online for a First Cycle Degree Programme with restricted access.

Registrations for Open Access, Single Cycle Degree Programmes with assessment of basic knowledge

How to register online for an Open Access Single Cycle Degree Programme with assessment of basic knowledge.

Registration for Single Cycle Degree Programmes with restricted access

How to register online for a Single Cycle Degree Programme with restricted access.

Registrations for Open Access, Second Cycle Degree Programmes with assessment of personal competencies and skills

How to register online for an Open Access Second Cycle Degree Programme with assessment of personal competencies and skills.

Registration for Second Cycle Degree Programmes with restricted access

How to register online for a Second Cycle Degree Programme with restricted access.

Enrolling in single course units

All information concerning the methods and deadlines for enrolling in single course units.

Research

Opportunities for researchers: Information on opportunities for young people in research activities. Calls for research grants, post-PhD grants, research PhDs.
Services for teachers and researchers: European Research, National, Regional and Local Funding, Commissioned research contracts, Knowledge Transfer, Research Assessment
Services for companies: This service supports an active cooperation between the University and companies, with a network that meets the needs of companies on a national level.
Research Structures: List Research Centres of the University of Bologna.; (www.eng.unibo.it/PortaleEn/Research/Research+Structures/)

Research Doctorates

What it is and how to apply.

PhD programmes confer the highest level of academic degrees. The doctoral degree is awarded after at least 3 years of courses’ attendance and the drafting of a PhD thesis. At the end of the programme, the PhD student will have to defend his/her dissertation in front of an examination committee.

In order to be admitted to a PhD programme, where no age or citizenship limits are foreseen, candidates must hold:

an Italian university degree (vecchio ordinamento - 4 years);
an Italian university degree (laurea specialistica/magistrale - 3+2 years);
an academic degree awarded by a foreign institution/University, validated as equivalent to an Italian degree by the relevant academic authorities.

To be accepted in a doctoral programme, candidates have to participate in a call for applications based on examination and/or qualifications’ evaluation.

Applications must be submitted online according to yearly announcements (see the box on the right). Details about PhD programmes, number of positions and scholarships, deadlines for applications, examination and enrolment procedures, etc. are specified in each announcement.

Please note that at least 50% of positions have financial support and that extra-quota positions can be assigned to foreign eligible candidates:
a) holding a scholarship from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from their own Country institutions;
b) from Countries having a specific inter-governmental agreement with Italy and a relevant agreement with Università di Bologna.

Libraries

The University of Bologna includes a wide network of library and document structures and services to support teaching, research, professional and cultural activities of students, professors, technicians, graduates and scholars from every country.The library network contains several million titles and promotes the awareness of the best scientific and academic publications from every country and the global diffusion of results obtained by research carried out at the University.

SBA - University Library System

The University Library System (SBA) combines and coordinates libraries, book collections and the central library and documental services of the University of Bologna.

Libraries for Everyone

A guide to the accessibility of the libraries of the Humanities Programme with useful information for users with sight and motor disabilities.

Document and Library Services

Thanks to a wide range of central library services run by ASDD it is possible to search catalogues, access full-text electronic resources, and take advantage of advanced support services.

Museums

The University of Bologna offers numerous museums coordinated by the University Museum System which provides an integrated service to the public with teaching activities at all levels.

The Museums of Palazzo Poggi

	The Museums of Palazzo Poggi can be found in the main building of the University and their history has rather old origins. Since the 18th Century the structure was used as a laboratory for observational and experimental science.

SMA - University Museum System

	The University Museum System (SMA) is the structure that assists university museums and archives in accomplishing their tasks, with the objective of integrating the programmes of all the University Archives and Museums.