Biomolecular, Genomic and Cellular Sciences

The Master's Degree course in Genomic, Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology prepares the professional figure of a biotechnologist with highly transversal skills, concerning the applications of the most modern "homic" technologies in areas such as molecular diagnostics, also in the agri-food field, fermentation and bioconversion technologies, the production of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines and their validation, toxicogenomics and the elucidation of the molecular bases of human pathologies in model organisms.
The degree course is divided into two years, and includes face-to-face teaching in the first year and in the first semester of the second year. In parallel to face-to-face teaching, practical exercises associated with various courses are planned, as well as specialist seminars on various biotechnology-related topics, held by experts from both the academic world and companies operating in related production sectors. The second semester of the second year is completely dedicated to laboratory activities (for no less than 30 CFU) aimed at the acquisition of experimental skills and design skills in specific research/development and/or production fields necessary for the preparation of the thesis. The thesis can be carried out in the laboratories of various departments of the University (in addition to the Department of Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability in which the degree course is hinged), but also in companies and non-academic research centres. The internship-thesis activity in foreign laboratories is also promoted and encouraged, through targeted internationalisation projects, which often continue in the post-graduate field, with PhDs and other level 3 training courses abroad.

Through this path, students acquire: i) in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of biological systems, from the cellular level to that of biological organisms and macromolecules, with particular reference to the molecular/informational logic that govern them and their possible application implications; ii) familiarity with the most modern bio-molecular technologies used in the various fields of application of biotechnologies, with particular attention to the multidisciplinary approaches that characterise the various technological platforms; iii) familiarity with the methodologies for the genetic improvement of microorganisms producing substances of bio-industrial interest (e.g., antibiotics and other small molecules, recombinant proteins and vaccines), together with the economic, ethical and environmental aspects of such applications; iv) expertise in the use of scientific instrumentation commonly used in biotechnological and chemical laboratories (analytical chemistry based on mass spectrometry, but also organic and industrial chemistry).

Graduates in Genomic, Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology may hold positions of responsibility in various fields of research/development and production. These include the management of production facilities in the diagnostic, pharmaceutical and chemical-fermentation bio-industry, environmental protection and the activities of biological analysis, certification and control laboratories, including biomonitoring services, operating within the National Health Service. Given the transversality and multidisciplinarity of the knowledge/competences acquired, especially in the chemical and bio-molecular fields, graduates in Genomic, Molecular and Industrial Biotechnologies will be able to act as a link between the biological and chemical sectors of the above-mentioned companies and research bodies, as well as promote, disseminate and develop scientific and technological innovation in different application contexts.