Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Master programme
LM-9 R - Biotecnologie mediche, veterinarie e farmaceutiche
The master degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to prepare graduates who have advanced skills in the development and application of new scientific methodologies, who are able to actively participate in national and international study and research projects, and who possess in-depth skills in the scientific and technical-productive aspects of biotechnology applied to human health with particular reference to the design and engineering of innovative biotechnological drugs. The master degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is structured into four curricula. A first curriculum is aimed at providing in-depth skills in the scientific aspects of biotechnological drug design and design, characterization of their molecular and cellular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. A second curriculum provides in-depth knowledge of biotechnology drug development and production and provides notions for the organization and management of biotechnology enterprises. A third curriculum develops aspects related to the use of biotechnology drugs in precision therapy, starting from the physio-pathological context, strategy and design to manufacturing and formulation. The three curricula include common specialized teachings (first semester of the first year), which are necessary to broaden and deepen the basic skills acquired during the undergraduate degree, and characterizing teachings aimed at deepening the specificities of the curriculum, which are separated starting from the second semester of the first year and in the first semester of the second year. A fourth curriculum provides preparation for future challenges in the field of the most innovative biotechnology drugs. In particular, this curriculum includes teachings in common biotechnology and pharmaceutical disciplines, which are necessary to expand the basic skills acquired during the undergraduate degree, and specialized teachings that include omics approaches, molecular modeling, biomarkers, cell therapies, nanotechnologies and pharmacogenomics. For all curricula, the second semester of the second year is devoted to conducting the internship at facilities of the University or other public or private institutions or companies.
Master degree graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology have the skills to manage biotechnological, pharmaceutical and pharmacological laboratories with an high level of autonomy, assuming the responsibility of projects and units; to promote and develop scientific and technological innovation in the field of pharmaceutical biotechnology; to manage biotechnological, chemical and pharmaceutical productive plants; to contribute or even organize development and monitoring plans of biotechnologies (also at management and administrative level) taking care of the ethical, technical, legal, and environmental protection implications.
Teaching is provided in a blended mode.
In the first year, teaching is provided online during the first month of the first semester. . For the following semesters, teaching is provided in a blended mode with the use of learning objects and through online and in-person lessons. Technologies that promote active learning and virtual laboratories for technical applications are used.
Students and Professors will be supported by qualified tutors for online activities, and by the Faculty Development Ambassador for innovative teaching.
Master degree graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology must:
-master the scientific method of investigation;
-know in-depth biochemistry and genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and cell culture techniques;
-master knowledge of the structure, functions and analysis of biological macromolecules, as well as structure-activity relationships, in order to understand the mechanisms of cellular processes in which they are involved;
-possess sound knowledge of the morphology and functions of human organisms;
-know the basics of disease processes of relevance to humans, with particular emphasis on cellular and molecular pathogenic mechanisms;
-know congenital or acquired pathological situations for which to design biotechnological therapeutic approaches;
know the basics and the principles of the main methodologies in molecular and cellular biotechnology for designing and manufacturing biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vaccines and other biotechnology products, including applications in reproduction, clinical and experimental field, gene therapy and cell therapy, contributing to human health and nutrition,
-know and be able to use techniques and technologies of molecular modeling, and design of innovative drugs;
-master bio-informatics methodologies to organize, build and access genomics, proteomics and metabolomics databases, and to acquire and distribute related scientific and technological information;
- be able to set operating procedures and process monitoring in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure safety and quality, according to the regulatory requirements for the research, development and production of biopharmaceutical, diagnostics, and vaccines in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields,
-know the basic aspects of the operating processes for industrial development of biotechnological products (including gene therapy and cell therapy), and for biotechnological drug formulation;
-possess basic knowledge related to the establishment, organization and management of enterprises, management of innovation projects (including patenting new biotechnological products), and marketing activities of biotechnological pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
-master advanced clinical and biomedical molecular technologies, including methodologies for the identification of microorganisms interacting with humans and animals;
-know and use engineered tissues and organs, biomaterials and nanotechnologies applied to medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Master degree graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology have the skills to manage biotechnological, pharmaceutical and pharmacological laboratories with an high level of autonomy, assuming the responsibility of projects and units; to promote and develop scientific and technological innovation in the field of pharmaceutical biotechnology; to manage biotechnological, chemical and pharmaceutical productive plants; to contribute or even organize development and monitoring plans of biotechnologies (also at management and administrative level) taking care of the ethical, technical, legal, and environmental protection implications.
Teaching is provided in a blended mode.
In the first year, teaching is provided online during the first month of the first semester. . For the following semesters, teaching is provided in a blended mode with the use of learning objects and through online and in-person lessons. Technologies that promote active learning and virtual laboratories for technical applications are used.
Students and Professors will be supported by qualified tutors for online activities, and by the Faculty Development Ambassador for innovative teaching.
Master degree graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology must:
-master the scientific method of investigation;
-know in-depth biochemistry and genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and cell culture techniques;
-master knowledge of the structure, functions and analysis of biological macromolecules, as well as structure-activity relationships, in order to understand the mechanisms of cellular processes in which they are involved;
-possess sound knowledge of the morphology and functions of human organisms;
-know the basics of disease processes of relevance to humans, with particular emphasis on cellular and molecular pathogenic mechanisms;
-know congenital or acquired pathological situations for which to design biotechnological therapeutic approaches;
know the basics and the principles of the main methodologies in molecular and cellular biotechnology for designing and manufacturing biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vaccines and other biotechnology products, including applications in reproduction, clinical and experimental field, gene therapy and cell therapy, contributing to human health and nutrition,
-know and be able to use techniques and technologies of molecular modeling, and design of innovative drugs;
-master bio-informatics methodologies to organize, build and access genomics, proteomics and metabolomics databases, and to acquire and distribute related scientific and technological information;
- be able to set operating procedures and process monitoring in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure safety and quality, according to the regulatory requirements for the research, development and production of biopharmaceutical, diagnostics, and vaccines in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields,
-know the basic aspects of the operating processes for industrial development of biotechnological products (including gene therapy and cell therapy), and for biotechnological drug formulation;
-possess basic knowledge related to the establishment, organization and management of enterprises, management of innovation projects (including patenting new biotechnological products), and marketing activities of biotechnological pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
-master advanced clinical and biomedical molecular technologies, including methodologies for the identification of microorganisms interacting with humans and animals;
-know and use engineered tissues and organs, biomaterials and nanotechnologies applied to medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Researcher in public and private universities and research centers
Function in a work setting:
design and execution of scientific experiments, analysis and processing of data, preparation of scientific reports, presentation of results in national and international arena.
Skills associated with the function:
inventive ability, autonomy in experiment execution, critical sense in data evaluation, ability to work in a team, ability to write research projects, ability in scientific communication in Italian and English.
Career opportunities:
Subject to passing the relevant competitive examinations, professional opportunities are possible at public and private universities, CNR, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, IRCCS and by passing appropriate selections in universities and international research institutions.
Researcher in Industry (Research and Development Sector)
Function in a work setting: identification of new targets, design of model compounds and optimization, development of appropriate models for in vitro and in vivo compound evaluation, data analysis and processing, preparation of scientific reports.
Skills associated with the function:
inventive ability, planning skills, autonomy, critical sense in data evaluation, ability to work in a team and interface with other professionals.
Career opportunities:
Subject to passing appropriate selections, professional opportunities are possible in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food and cosmetics industries.
Operator in Industry (Production Sector)
Function in a work setting:
management activities in production, management activities in quality control, management activities in formulation.
Skills associated with the function:
management skills, planning skills, ability to interface with other professionals.
Career opportunities:
biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food and cosmetics industries.
Worker in Industry (Marketing Sector)
Function in a work setting:
dissemination of scientific study results to health or business professionals, marketing activities, technical consulting.
Skills associated with the function:
interpersonal skills, scientific communication skills.
Career opportunities:
biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food, and cosmetics industries.
Clinical monitor and activities in the area of pharmacovigilance
Function in a work setting:
supervision and monitoring of clinical protocols, supervision and management of drug safety reports
Skills associated with the function:
Ability to interface with other professionals in industry and hospital settings.
Career opportunities:
pharmaceutical industry and Clinical Research Organizations (CROs).
Operator in industry and national and international ministerial/governmental agencies (Sector
Regulatory)
Function in a work setting:
drafting and evaluation of manufacturing and marketing authorization documentation and post-authorization amendments
Skills associated with the function:
knowledge of national legislation and international regulations related to biotechnology drugs; ability to analyze and prepare documentation for manufacturing and marketing authorization and post-authorization changes
Career opportunities:
Pharmaceutical industry, national and international regulatory agencies, regulatory bodies.
Operator in science dissemination through conventional and new media
Function in a work context:
Preparation of dissemination material of a technical-scientific nature on issues related to biotechnology and its use for the protection of human health.
Skills associated with the function:
communication and dissemination skills towards a generalist audience; knowledge of conventional and new media.
Career opportunities:
news agencies, newspaper editorial offices, freelancer.
The course allows to obtain the qualification to the profession of biologist.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Function in a work setting:
design and execution of scientific experiments, analysis and processing of data, preparation of scientific reports, presentation of results in national and international arena.
Skills associated with the function:
inventive ability, autonomy in experiment execution, critical sense in data evaluation, ability to work in a team, ability to write research projects, ability in scientific communication in Italian and English.
Career opportunities:
Subject to passing the relevant competitive examinations, professional opportunities are possible at public and private universities, CNR, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, IRCCS and by passing appropriate selections in universities and international research institutions.
Researcher in Industry (Research and Development Sector)
Function in a work setting: identification of new targets, design of model compounds and optimization, development of appropriate models for in vitro and in vivo compound evaluation, data analysis and processing, preparation of scientific reports.
Skills associated with the function:
inventive ability, planning skills, autonomy, critical sense in data evaluation, ability to work in a team and interface with other professionals.
Career opportunities:
Subject to passing appropriate selections, professional opportunities are possible in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food and cosmetics industries.
Operator in Industry (Production Sector)
Function in a work setting:
management activities in production, management activities in quality control, management activities in formulation.
Skills associated with the function:
management skills, planning skills, ability to interface with other professionals.
Career opportunities:
biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food and cosmetics industries.
Worker in Industry (Marketing Sector)
Function in a work setting:
dissemination of scientific study results to health or business professionals, marketing activities, technical consulting.
Skills associated with the function:
interpersonal skills, scientific communication skills.
Career opportunities:
biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food, and cosmetics industries.
Clinical monitor and activities in the area of pharmacovigilance
Function in a work setting:
supervision and monitoring of clinical protocols, supervision and management of drug safety reports
Skills associated with the function:
Ability to interface with other professionals in industry and hospital settings.
Career opportunities:
pharmaceutical industry and Clinical Research Organizations (CROs).
Operator in industry and national and international ministerial/governmental agencies (Sector
Regulatory)
Function in a work setting:
drafting and evaluation of manufacturing and marketing authorization documentation and post-authorization amendments
Skills associated with the function:
knowledge of national legislation and international regulations related to biotechnology drugs; ability to analyze and prepare documentation for manufacturing and marketing authorization and post-authorization changes
Career opportunities:
Pharmaceutical industry, national and international regulatory agencies, regulatory bodies.
Operator in science dissemination through conventional and new media
Function in a work context:
Preparation of dissemination material of a technical-scientific nature on issues related to biotechnology and its use for the protection of human health.
Skills associated with the function:
communication and dissemination skills towards a generalist audience; knowledge of conventional and new media.
Career opportunities:
news agencies, newspaper editorial offices, freelancer.
The course allows to obtain the qualification to the profession of biologist.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
To increase internationalization, students will be informed on the Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus programs activated within the master course. Lectures of foreign teachers and stages in foreign laboratories will be also proposed. Some of the classes will be given in English to give the students the opportunity to improve the English knowledge, with specific focus on scientific terminology.
More info is available at the link:
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/273
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/12879
Procedure for the recognition of study periods abroad: each student must propose a Learning Agreement regarding training activities that lead to the recognition of a number of credits adequate to the period spent abroad. Specifically, 20 CFU for a three-month period; 30 CFU for a six-month period; 45 CFU for a nine-month period.
Evaluation of the period spent abroad: the period of study abroad will be recognized as valid after obtaining at least 70% of the credits specified in the learning agreement, while the activity of the thesis or internship will be valid only after acquisition of all credits.
Incentives: for students who have accomplished satisfactorily the training program, additional points are added to the final degree mark. Up to a maximum of 3 points can be added depending on the duration of the study period, the amount of credits attained, and the overall results obtained by the student.
More info is available at the link:
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/273
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/12879
Procedure for the recognition of study periods abroad: each student must propose a Learning Agreement regarding training activities that lead to the recognition of a number of credits adequate to the period spent abroad. Specifically, 20 CFU for a three-month period; 30 CFU for a six-month period; 45 CFU for a nine-month period.
Evaluation of the period spent abroad: the period of study abroad will be recognized as valid after obtaining at least 70% of the credits specified in the learning agreement, while the activity of the thesis or internship will be valid only after acquisition of all credits.
Incentives: for students who have accomplished satisfactorily the training program, additional points are added to the final degree mark. Up to a maximum of 3 points can be added depending on the duration of the study period, the amount of credits attained, and the overall results obtained by the student.
La frequenza è obbligatoria per i laboratori didattici, fortemente consigliata per tutti i corsi.
Studenti lavoratori
Per gli studenti impegnati in attività lavorative, adeguatamente documentate, è prevista la possibilità di un percorso di studi personalizzato per i laboratori didattici da concordare con i singoli docenti. Nel caso in cui lo studente presti attività lavorativa in laboratori in cui vengano utilizzate tecniche oggetto dei laboratori del corso di laurea, è previsto, previo accordo con il docente, un esonero parziale/totale dalla frequenza al laboratorio. Per usufruire di tali agevolazioni, lo studente dovrà presentare all'inizio dell'anno presso la segreteria del Collegio didattico una certificazione attestante il contratto e l'orario di lavoro. In alternativa, gli studenti lavoratori hanno diritto all'iscrizione a tempo parziale.
Iscrizione a tempo parziale
In accordo con il regolamento di Ateneo, si garantisce agli studenti che non possono frequentare i corsi con continuità e sostenere i relativi esami nei tempi previsti dalla durata normale del corso di studio la possibilità di usufruire di un percorso di studio adattato alla situazione personale dello studente, secondo le modalità previste dal Regolamento per le iscrizioni a tempo parziale di Ateneo. Per ulteriori informazioni consultare il sito UNIMI: https://www.unimi.it/it/node/113/
Studenti lavoratori
Per gli studenti impegnati in attività lavorative, adeguatamente documentate, è prevista la possibilità di un percorso di studi personalizzato per i laboratori didattici da concordare con i singoli docenti. Nel caso in cui lo studente presti attività lavorativa in laboratori in cui vengano utilizzate tecniche oggetto dei laboratori del corso di laurea, è previsto, previo accordo con il docente, un esonero parziale/totale dalla frequenza al laboratorio. Per usufruire di tali agevolazioni, lo studente dovrà presentare all'inizio dell'anno presso la segreteria del Collegio didattico una certificazione attestante il contratto e l'orario di lavoro. In alternativa, gli studenti lavoratori hanno diritto all'iscrizione a tempo parziale.
Iscrizione a tempo parziale
In accordo con il regolamento di Ateneo, si garantisce agli studenti che non possono frequentare i corsi con continuità e sostenere i relativi esami nei tempi previsti dalla durata normale del corso di studio la possibilità di usufruire di un percorso di studio adattato alla situazione personale dello studente, secondo le modalità previste dal Regolamento per le iscrizioni a tempo parziale di Ateneo. Per ulteriori informazioni consultare il sito UNIMI: https://www.unimi.it/it/node/113/
Enrolment
Admission requirements
The following candidates are eligible for the Master's degree programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology:
- Graduates of class L-2, as well as the corresponding classes pursuant to Ministerial Decree 509/99;
- Graduates of other classes, provided they meet the following requirements:
- at least 9 academic credits (CFU) across the following subject areas (SSD): CHIM/01, CHIM/03 and/or CHIM/06;
- at least 12 academic credits (CFU) across the following subject areas (SSD): BIO/10, BIO/11 and/or BIO/13;
- at least 6 academic credits (CFU) in the following subject area: (SSD): BIO/14;
- at least 6 academic credits (CFU) across the following subject areas (SSD): BIO/09, BIO/16 and/or MED/04;
- Holders of a qualification obtained abroad and recognized as suitable who prove that they have acquired the same level of knowledge and skills in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, anatomy, pathology and
physiology, as specified above.
Admission assessment
In addition to curricular requirements, admission to the programme is subject to an assessment test. Curricular requirements will be assessed by an admissions board appointed by the Academic Board and composed of at least three faculty members
supported by the teaching secretariat, based on the candidate's previous academic records, and possibly an interview. The curricular assessment will ascertain the level of knowledge (credits earned and grade achieved) in the following subjects:
general and inorganic chemistry (CHIM/03), analytical chemistry (CHIM/01) and organic chemistry (CHIM/06); biochemistry (BIO/10), molecular biology (BIO/11) and biology (BIO/13); pharmacology (BIO/14); anatomy (BIO/16), physiology (BIO/09) and pathology (MED/04).
Please note that the knowledge of the aforementioned disciplines may also have been achieved by attending single courses.
The interview, if any, may be held in person (in the classrooms of the Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular
Sciences, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan) or online.
Upcoming graduates are also eligible for the interview.
The dates, time and place of in-person interviews will be posted to the degree programme website: https://biotecnologiafarmaco.cdl.unimi.it/en
The interview dates will be agreed by e-mail with individual candidates.
Language skills
Proficiency in English at a B2 level or higher per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate of B2 or higher level issued no more than three years before the date of admission application. You will find the list of language certificates recognized by the University at: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322. The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the date of admission application, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/)
All those who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master's programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who do not meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
In case of transfer from another degree programme or from another university, the procedures for admission to Years subsequent to Year I will be set out by the Academic Board.
For further details, see the section: "How to enrol".
The following candidates are eligible for the Master's degree programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology:
- Graduates of class L-2, as well as the corresponding classes pursuant to Ministerial Decree 509/99;
- Graduates of other classes, provided they meet the following requirements:
- at least 9 academic credits (CFU) across the following subject areas (SSD): CHIM/01, CHIM/03 and/or CHIM/06;
- at least 12 academic credits (CFU) across the following subject areas (SSD): BIO/10, BIO/11 and/or BIO/13;
- at least 6 academic credits (CFU) in the following subject area: (SSD): BIO/14;
- at least 6 academic credits (CFU) across the following subject areas (SSD): BIO/09, BIO/16 and/or MED/04;
- Holders of a qualification obtained abroad and recognized as suitable who prove that they have acquired the same level of knowledge and skills in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, anatomy, pathology and
physiology, as specified above.
Admission assessment
In addition to curricular requirements, admission to the programme is subject to an assessment test. Curricular requirements will be assessed by an admissions board appointed by the Academic Board and composed of at least three faculty members
supported by the teaching secretariat, based on the candidate's previous academic records, and possibly an interview. The curricular assessment will ascertain the level of knowledge (credits earned and grade achieved) in the following subjects:
general and inorganic chemistry (CHIM/03), analytical chemistry (CHIM/01) and organic chemistry (CHIM/06); biochemistry (BIO/10), molecular biology (BIO/11) and biology (BIO/13); pharmacology (BIO/14); anatomy (BIO/16), physiology (BIO/09) and pathology (MED/04).
Please note that the knowledge of the aforementioned disciplines may also have been achieved by attending single courses.
The interview, if any, may be held in person (in the classrooms of the Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular
Sciences, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan) or online.
Upcoming graduates are also eligible for the interview.
The dates, time and place of in-person interviews will be posted to the degree programme website: https://biotecnologiafarmaco.cdl.unimi.it/en
The interview dates will be agreed by e-mail with individual candidates.
Language skills
Proficiency in English at a B2 level or higher per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate of B2 or higher level issued no more than three years before the date of admission application. You will find the list of language certificates recognized by the University at: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322. The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the date of admission application, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/)
All those who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master's programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who do not meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
In case of transfer from another degree programme or from another university, the procedures for admission to Years subsequent to Year I will be set out by the Academic Board.
For further details, see the section: "How to enrol".
Admission
Application for admission: from 22/01/2025 to 25/08/2025
Application for matriculation: from 02/04/2025 to 30/11/2025
Admissions A.Y. 2026/2027
Admission applications for Academic Year 2026/2027 are now open. Non-EU students visa applicants are required to apply for admission no later than 30 April 2026.
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biology of Development and Differentiation | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/13 |
| Integrated Systems Physiology | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Virology | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/19 |
| Organ Pathophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotechnology in Pharmacology | 8 | 80 | Italian | BIO/13 BIO/14 |
| Design, Development, and Therapeutic Application of Biotechnological Drugs | 9 | 72 | Italian | BIO/14 CHIM/06 CHIM/08 |
| Omics Approaches: from Research to Therapy | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/10 BIO/14 |
| Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling | 10 | 96 | Italian | BIO/10 CHIM/06 CHIM/08 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Analytical and Formulation Strategies in Biotechnological Drug Discovery | 8 | 72 | Italian | CHIM/08 CHIM/09 |
| Pharmacogenomics and Biomarkers | 9 | 72 | Italian | BIO/14 MED/13 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Lab Training | 10 | 0 | Italian | NN |
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- By the deadline for submission of the study plan, the student must proceed to indicate the choice teachings for a total of 9 ETCS. These will be chosen freely a) among all the teachings proposed by the University as long as they are consistent with the study plan, after hearing the opinion of Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program; b) among all the teachings in the curricula not selected by the student. The student may also choose 9 ETCS of Experimental Biotechnology Laboratory. This laboratory aims to deepen the theoretical and practical aspects of the research topic that is the subject of the experimental laboratory work, and the program will be agreed with the supervisor consistently with the thesis topic. In addition, activities included in the University project for the development of soft skills are noted. The study plan will be submitted for evaluation and approval by the Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | Open sessions | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biology of Development and Differentiation | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/13 |
| Integrated Systems Physiology | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Virology | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/19 |
| Organ Pathophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotechnological Drugs in Therapy | 8 | 72 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Clinical Pharmacology and Applied Biochemistry | 9 | 80 | Italian | BIO/10 BIO/14 |
| Preparation and Development of Drugs with Biotechnological Methods | 9 | 72 | Italian | CHIM/08 CHIM/11 |
| Purification and Formulation of Biotechnological Drug Products | 8 | 72 | Italian | CHIM/08 CHIM/09 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Production, Legislation and Marketing of Biotechnological Medicines | 7 | 56 | Italian | CHIM/09 |
| Quality Control and Analysis for Biopharmaceuticals | 9 | 72 | Italian | BIO/14 CHIM/06 CHIM/08 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Lab Training | 10 | 0 | Italian | NN |
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- By the deadline for submission of the study plan, the student must proceed to indicate the choice teachings for a total of 9 ETCS. These will be chosen freely a) among all the teachings proposed by the University as long as they are consistent with the study plan, after hearing the opinion of Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program; b) among all the teachings in the curricula not selected by the student. The student may also choose 9 ETCS of Experimental Biotechnology Laboratory. This laboratory aims to deepen the theoretical and practical aspects of the research topic that is the subject of the experimental laboratory work, and the program will be agreed with the supervisor consistently with the thesis topic. In addition, activities included in the University project for the development of soft skills are noted. The study plan will be submitted for evaluation and approval by the Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | Open sessions | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biology of Development and Differentiation | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/13 |
| Integrated Systems Physiology | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Virology | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/19 |
| Organ Pathophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biochemical, Biomolecular, and Chemical Approaches for Manipulating Biological Systems | 7 | 56 | Italian | BIO/10 BIO/13 CHIM/06 |
| Design and Optimization of Monoclonal Antibodies | 9 | 72 | Italian | BIO/10 BIO/13 BIO/14 |
| Nanoparticles and Viral Vectors | 7 | 56 | Italian | BIO/19 CHIM/08 FIS/07 |
| Precision Pharmacology and Gender Therapy | 11 | 96 | Italian | BIO/14 MED/13 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products | 9 | 72 | Italian | BIO/14 BIO/19 |
| Formulation and Legislation of Monoclonal Antibodies, Nanovectors, and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products | 7 | 56 | Italian | CHIM/09 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Lab Training | 10 | 0 | Italian | NN |
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- By the deadline for submission of the study plan, the student must proceed to indicate the choice teachings for a total of 9 ETCS. These will be chosen freely a) among all the teachings proposed by the University as long as they are consistent with the study plan, after hearing the opinion of Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program; b) among all the teachings in the curricula not selected by the student. The student may also choose 9 ETCS of Experimental Biotechnology Laboratory. This laboratory aims to deepen the theoretical and practical aspects of the research topic that is the subject of the experimental laboratory work, and the program will be agreed with the supervisor consistently with the thesis topic. In addition, activities included in the University project for the development of soft skills are noted. The study plan will be submitted for evaluation and approval by the Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | Open sessions | NN |
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Integrated Systems Physiology | 6 | 56 | English | BIO/09 |
| Molecular Biochemistry and Functional Biology | 10 | 88 | English | BIO/10 BIO/13 |
| Protein Engineering, Drug Delivery and Regulatory Aspects | 11 | 96 | English | CHIM/08 CHIM/09 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases | 8 | 64 | English | BIO/19 MED/04 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling | 8 | 72 | English | BIO/10 CHIM/06 CHIM/08 |
| Omics: from Bench to Bedside | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/10 MED/04 |
| Pharmacogenomics, Clinical Pharmacology, and Orphan Drugs | 7 | 56 | English | BIO/14 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biomarkers: from Identification to Exploitation | 10 | 88 | English | BIO/14 CHIM/08 MED/13 |
| Cell Therapy and Gene Silencing | 7 | 72 | English | BIO/13 BIO/14 BIO/19 |
| Nanotechnology Based Medicinal Products | 7 | 56 | English | BIO/14 CHIM/06 CHIM/09 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | English | NN |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Lab Training | 10 | 0 | English | NN |
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | English | NN |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- By the deadline for submission of the study plan, the student must proceed to indicate the choice teachings for a total of 9 ETCS. These will be chosen freely a) among all the teachings proposed by the University as long as they are consistent with the study plan, after hearing the opinion of Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program; b) among all the teachings in the curricula not selected by the student. The student may also choose 9 ETCS of Experimental Biotechnology Laboratory. This laboratory aims to deepen the theoretical and practical aspects of the research topic that is the subject of the experimental laboratory work, and the program will be agreed with the supervisor consistently with the thesis topic. In addition, activities included in the University project for the development of soft skills are noted. The study plan will be submitted for evaluation and approval by the Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the master program.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | English | Open sessions | NN |
Learn more
Location
Milan
Course locations
Sede dei Corsi: Settori Didattici di Città Studi
Laboratory locations
Il corso di laurea è caratterizzato da un'intensa attività di laboratorio. I corsi di laboratorio sono obbligatori e devono essere frequentati nell'anno di competenza. Durante le lezioni pratiche vengono fornite le necessarie norme di sicurezza e di corretto comportamento in laboratorio.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Internship tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Course management for the Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences
Via Balzaretti 9, Milano
[email protected]
+3902 503 18231 - Student Desks
Via Celoria 18, Milano
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/359
+3902 503 25032
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/360 - Tutor for students assistance
[email protected] - Representative for disability services and specific learning disabilities prof.ssa Emma De Fabiani
prof.ssa Emma De Fabiani
[email protected]
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment
Official documents