The curriculum in Molecular Life Sciences (MLS) of the Master Degree Program in Molecular Biology and Genetics has been designed around the needs and requirements of students who want to acquire a strong theoretical and methodological background relevant to both basic and applied aspects of Biology, with special attention to Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Microbiology. This curriculum is characterized by a strong practical component (hands-on) constituted by an internship in a research laboratory carried out under the supervision of a faculty member.
This curriculum will provide a state-of-the-art knowledge and training in biomolecular sciences, including the most recent advances in genomics and proteomics of human and animal organisms, in the study of biomolecular structures and their connection to function, and in the genetic manipulation of bacteria, human and animal cells and seed plants.
Compulsory courses are: Advanced Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Cellular Biochemistry, Developmental Biology, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Human Molecular Genetics, Methods in Biochemistry, Microbial Genetics, Molecular Microbiology, Molecular Pharmacology, Structural Biology and Pharmacology. The following courses will also be offered as elective: Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Entomology, Molecular Genetics, Immunology.
The programme will also provide expertise in the technologies required for the utilization of microorganisms, animals and plants as factories for the production of biologically active molecules, including therapeutic compounds.
Students are expected to carry out a scientific investigation under the supervision of a faculty member (36 credits). The experimental work carried out during the two year-Degree must result into a Dissertation (Master of Sciences) that will represent an essential component of the Course programme. 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 two academic years (four semesters).
- Provide students with an excellent background in theoretical and practical aspects of biomolecular sciences as well as in laboratory techniques.
- Stimulate students to plan and implement research projects and to critically evaluate the results of their research and the scientific literature.
- Help students to develop a critical evaluation of theoretical and practical methodologies used to analyze and solve scientific questions and issues.
- Make students proficient in the use of the Scientific English, that is the international language of Science. Knowledge of the Scientific English will constitute a great advantage in their future career.
- Introduce students to the frontiers of research in Life Sciences also with the support of lectures and seminars given by invited international scientists of excellent level.
- Help students to develop writing and oral scientific communication skills in view of their future interaction with the international scientific community.
- Develop team work.
- Help students to gain and develop knowledge and skills required by research organizations and biotechnology companies.
- Explain the importance of bringing the benefits of advanced research in Life Sciences to the society.
The Master Program in Molecular Biology and Genetics - Curriculum in Molecular Life Sciences 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.
Academic curriculum
⇒ Bachelor’s degree (≥ 3 years) in Biology, Biotechnology or related life science programmes awarded by an Italian University or abroad.
⇒ Students must have a good knowledge of basic Biology topics with particular attention to Biochemistry, Cell Biology, 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 57 credits obtained in exams in Biology, Mathematics/Physics/Informatics, Chemistry and other Biology-related courses 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) | 18 |
| 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) | 12 |
| Chemistry (in one or more of these subjects: General/Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | 15 |
| Other Biology related courses deemed suitable for the admission by the committee | 12 |
| TOTAL | 57 |
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 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.
