Conservation studies looks at different threats to a healthy ecosystem. Students may gain a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge of a wide range of environmental issues. They may also learn about the economic, political and social forces involved in environmental degradation.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.