Second Cycle Degree Course in Medical Biotechnology

Degree Programme Director: Prof.ssa Monica Di Padova
Academic Didactic Council Director: Prof.ssa Antonietta Rosella Farina

Learning objectives

The aim of the degree course in Medical Biotechnology is to prepare skilled graduates with profound biomedical culture on the relationship between structure and function of biomolecules and biosystems operating at : cellular, tissue and human body levels under physiological and pathological conditions, and with in-depth biotechnological knowledge, acquired on the basis of a solid practical experience in laboratory.
Without prejudice to the educational goals established by LM-9 class, the knowledge acquired will also allow to the graduates specialists:
1) to assist the physician in diagnostic and therapeutic actions involving the manipulation of cells, genes and other biosystems regarding applications of particular biotechnological experimental skills (Diagnosis and gene therapy; assisted fertilization therapy engineered cells; use of biomaterials, tissue regeneration) ;
2) organize and coordinate laboratories for research or for advanced diagnostic tests requiring the use of biotechnological methods and manipulation of cells or biotechnological materials;
3) organize and coordinate the experimental part of clinical research protocols involving the use of materials or biotechnological techniques;
4) plan and carry out independent research in biotechnology applied to medicine;
5) conduct and coordinate, also at administrative level, development programs and surveillance of biotechnologies applied to humans taking into account the ethical, technical, environmental and economic implications.
6) Being able to transfer their knowledge to industrial applications
The curriculum of the course In Medical Biotechnology provides for the acquisition by the student of follows skills:
1) molecular Pathology;
2) analysis of nucleic acids and proteins with advanced technologies and their application in the biomedical field of basic research for diagnostic and therapy purposes;
3) manipulation of cells and use of advanced cellular technologies for purposes of targeted tissue therapy, and organ regeneration;
4) knowledge of the cultural context, with particular reference to the enhancement of intellectual’s property issues.
The skills acquired will be applied to various fields of medicine, such as: oncology, neurosciences, hematology, gynecology and obstetrics, transplants, endocrinology, tissue engineering and use of biomaterials.

Admission requirements
First cycle degree
Second cycle degree
Single cycle degree
Knowledge in the following subjects is required: chemistry, physics, mathematics, cellular biology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Curricular requirements:
•    degree in Biotechnologies – degree class 2 (DM 270/2004) or Biotechnologies – degree class 1 (DM 509/1999)
•    first cycle degree of other classes provided that they include at least  90 university educational credits in the basic and characterizing academic disciplines of class 2 degree in Biotechnologies (DM 270/2004)
Prior to admission, the students must have and adequate personal preparation that will be evaluated, through a preliminary oral exam, by a Commission appointed by the Academic Didactic Council. In case the basic knowledge is deemed unsatisfactory, the Commission will suggest possible educational paths to be followed by the students before being submitted to a second oral exam, whose positive result will be mandatory for admission.

Post-graduate programmes
Research doctorate
Specialization Schools of the Medical Area for non-medical staff
II level Master

Professional status
Job opportunities for graduate specialists in Biotechnology are manifold: they can direct  biotechnological laboratories, also with interest in medical research, coordinate development programs and surveillance of biotechnology applied in the human field, and in particular focus on the ethical and legal implications regarding the development of new products and vaccines. Their presence will be required in hospital laboratories, universities and in industry, as valuable  and could assistance  and support to  professional activities.

Course units

Enrolment modalities

Timetable of didactic activities

Study programme

Erasmus programme and active agreements

Didactic regulationTeaching staff and study programme contents

Didactic quality evaluation