The curriculum in Molecular and Digital Biology (MDB) of the Master Degree Program in Molecular Biology and Genetics is focused on the analysis and integration of biological data generated by applying the high-throughput approaches that characterize modern "omic" techniques. This curriculum has been activated in response to the development of high-throughput technologies dedicated to genome analyses and to the growing request of Biologists specialised in their application and the analysis.
Students will be able customize 27 credits of their curriculum choosing courses from sets of Basic (Basic Molecular Biology, Basic Biochemistry, Basic Microbiology, Basic Genetics and Cell Biology) and Advanced (Structural Biology, Cellular Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology, Human Molecular Genetics). Compulsory courses are: Bioinformatics, Advanced Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology, Statistics and Big Data Analysis, Laboratory of Advanced Bioinformatics for Omics Sciences, Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Pharmacogenomics and Cancer Genomics. The following courses will also be offered as optional: Advanced Microscopy, Immunology, Molecular Entomology, Molecular Genetics.
A variety of teaching methods, including "hands-on" genomics and bioinformatics, problem-based learning, group projects, journal clubs and seminars, will be adopted.
During the last semester, students are expected to carry out a scientific investigation under the supervision of a faculty member (30 credits). The internship will focus on the bioinformatic analysis of "big data" and "big datasets" obtained through omics. The experimental work must result into a Dissertation (Master of Sciences) that will represent an essential component of the Course program. In this context, graduates will benefit from the informal atmosphere between staff and students that is traditional in our University. For the experimental component of the Curriculum each student will be associated to a research group and actively participate in one of the group’s research projects. The duration of the internship for thesis is one semester.
- Provide students with an excellent background in theoretical and practical aspects of biomolecular sciences as well as in laboratory techniques.
- Plan and manage research projects, use bioinformatics and statistical methods and techniques.
- Help students to develop a critical evaluation of theoretical and practical methodologies used to analyze and solve scientific questions and issues.
- Analyze complex datasets retrieved from public archives containing "omic" data (genomic and proteomic data).
- Apply and use the acquired knowledge to prepare research projects.
The Master Program in Molecular Biology and Genetics - Curriculum in Molecular and Digital Biology offers a successful introduction for different types of jobs throughout society. Graduates will find work opportunities in a wide range of fields and institutions, including a possible continuation of the study towards a qualified Ph. D. degree for a career in the academic or research organization world, or employment in the health sector, in biotech companies, in agrobusiness research, in the communication media, as well as for teaching in the private or public sectors. Graduates will be able to analyse and handle big data obtained in the private and public sector also outside the biological context. Graduates will contribute to the spreading and development of the scientific and technical innovation in the biological and molecular field. Graduates will be able to manage new molecular techniques and technologies.
Academic curriculum
⇒ Bachelor’s degree (≥ 3 years) in Biology, Biotechnology or related life science programmes awarded by an Italian University or abroad.
⇒ Good knowledge of basic Biology topics with particular attention to Biochemistry, Cell Biology/Cytology, Genetics, Microbiology and Molecular Biology.
Students with a Bachelors' Degree obtained in an Italian University in disciplines different from Biological Sciences or Biotechnology OR obtained abroad must posses a total of 30 credits obtained in exams in Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry in one or more of the subjects described in the following table. Credits in non-EU universities do not correspond to European credits, the correspondence is evaluated on the equivalent number of hours of study in these areas.
| Subjects | Minimum number of European Credits (ECTS) or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Biology (in one or more of these subjects: Comparative Anatomy and Cytology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Applied Biology, Pharmacology, Genetics, Microbiology) | 12 |
| Mathematics (Mathematical Analysis, Numerical Analysis) and/or Physics (Experimental physics) and/or Bioengineering/Systems Engineering (in one or more of these subjects: Electronical engineering, bioengineering and bioinformatics) | 9 |
| Chemistry (in one or more of these subjects: General/Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | 9 |
| TOTAL | 30 |
For students taking their first degree at an Italian University, these disciplinary areas are given official classifications (“settori scientifici disciplinari”). To view these classifications and other information for Italian applicants, please click on the link to the description of the application procedure for students graduated in Italy. The admissions committee has no discretion on this matter: the minimum of 30 credits must be covered by exams in the relevant “settori scientifico disciplinari” (SSD).
The suitability of the Bachelor's degree for the admission to the program will be evaluated by an appointed committee. Students may be required to take an admission exams. For more information, see the detailed description of the application procedure.
Knowledge of the English language
Knowledge of English should correspond to at least B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). The knowledge of the English language will be verified during the admission test. Students graduated from an Italian University and who are eligible for direct enrollment (without admission test) will demonstrate their knowledge of the English language during the academic year with the passing of the first exam. The English language proficiency certificate is not required to enroll.
