Objective

Earthquakes are natural phenomena, whose effect upon social processes and economic systems is most frequently catastrophic. The loss can be direct, expressed through number of deaths and failed structures, or indirect, expressed as disrupted functioning of modem technological and infrastructural systems. According to the available statistic data, the occurred earthquakes account for 10% of the total occurred natural catastrophes worldwide.

Taking into account the fact that the Balkan region is known as a region of high seismic activity, seismic risk reduction is not only national but also regional problem. Multidisciplinary activities toward seismic risk reduction are therefore necessary for the purpose of protection of human lives, technological and infrastructural systems and other property as well as reduction of physical and economic losses pertaining to the social-economic system.

Taking into account the fact that earthquake engineering is a relatively recent scientific discipline that has been developed for the last several decades; all countries should make efforts toward training of staff in this specialized field. In the attempts aimed at prevention and reduction of earthquake consequences, engineers play a significant role. They are responsible for development of technical regulations for design and construction of seismically resistant structures and creation of conditions for their application in practice.

Hence, one of the most efficient and cheapest measures of protection against catastrophic effects of earthquakes is the high level of education of professional staff and corresponding transfer of knowledge in this field to the younger university (academic) staff.

The curriculum of the post-graduate studies held at the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology has been prepared on the basis of own experience and the experience of other universities worldwide, particularly countries with developed earthquake engineering, but is still harmonized with the conceived needs and experiences of the staff in our country and the countries from the region.