Molecular Biology of the Cell (Class LM-6)-Enrolled from 2015/2016 Academic Year
MBC includes all distinctive areas of the LM-6 Biology Class, still is particularly focused on bio-molecular subjects which differentiate it from others of the same Class. The main goal of the Master's degree MBC is to train biologists in the field of advanced bio-molecular research and to enable them to face the present and future challenges in this field.
Specific goal of MBC is to provide a deep and up-to-date knowledge of the following subjects:molecular genome analysis; regulation of gene expression; structure and function of biological macromolecules and their interaction in supramolecular complexes; cellular communication, signal perception and transduction, metabolic regulation, bio-molecular engineering and computing.The focus will be on theoretical as well as on practical aspects of bio-molecular research. Another specific aim is to train graduate students to apply novel and emerging research technologies/approaches, ultimate data acquisition systems and analysis, as well as to experience top level nanotechnology in the research laboratories of the Department of Biosciences. MBC graduates will be perfectly suited for entering a PhD school for advanced education.
Specific goal of MBC is to provide a deep and up-to-date knowledge of the following subjects:molecular genome analysis; regulation of gene expression; structure and function of biological macromolecules and their interaction in supramolecular complexes; cellular communication, signal perception and transduction, metabolic regulation, bio-molecular engineering and computing.The focus will be on theoretical as well as on practical aspects of bio-molecular research. Another specific aim is to train graduate students to apply novel and emerging research technologies/approaches, ultimate data acquisition systems and analysis, as well as to experience top level nanotechnology in the research laboratories of the Department of Biosciences. MBC graduates will be perfectly suited for entering a PhD school for advanced education.
The MBC graduate has a specific and in-depth knowledge in the field of molecular and cell biology, and the related analytical methodologies and experimental techniques. He will be particularly knowledgeable in the comprehension of complex biomolecular systems and of their applications to the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry as well as in their transfer to the society in relation to food, environment and cultural assets conservation.
The Master's Degree program MBC provides the necessary training to independently practice biology, or to be employed in:
- basic and applied research activity in university and in other public or private research centers;
- biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, spin off and startup companies for self-directed and independent work, enabling them to hold positions of responsibility in the implementation of research projects;
- promotion and development of the scientific and technological innovation;
- planning and management of industrial technologies;
- holding functions of high responsibility in the industrial, environmental, health care, and public service sectors;
- teaching biology at all levels.
In addition, graduates will access sectors such as Environmental science, diffusion of scientific knowledge, intellectual property (patents) and business management. Moreover, the full immersion English courses provided by MBC, will allow graduates to perform equally well in job seeking in Italy and abroad.
The MBC graduate can be legally admitted to the "A Section" of the National Biologists Register.
Indicatively, the different sectors of the labor market accessible to master's graduates are hereafter outlined, with reference to the intellectual, scientific and highly-specialized professions provided by the ISTAT 2008, NUP Isfol-Istat Classification of Professions:
· Biologi e professioni assimilate - (2.3.1.1.1)
· Biochimici - (2.3.1.1.2)
· Biofisici - (2.3.1.1.3)
· Biotecnologi - (2.3.1.1.4)
· Ricercatori e tecnici laureati nelle scienze biologiche - (2.6.2.2.1)
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The Master's Degree program MBC provides the necessary training to independently practice biology, or to be employed in:
- basic and applied research activity in university and in other public or private research centers;
- biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, spin off and startup companies for self-directed and independent work, enabling them to hold positions of responsibility in the implementation of research projects;
- promotion and development of the scientific and technological innovation;
- planning and management of industrial technologies;
- holding functions of high responsibility in the industrial, environmental, health care, and public service sectors;
- teaching biology at all levels.
In addition, graduates will access sectors such as Environmental science, diffusion of scientific knowledge, intellectual property (patents) and business management. Moreover, the full immersion English courses provided by MBC, will allow graduates to perform equally well in job seeking in Italy and abroad.
The MBC graduate can be legally admitted to the "A Section" of the National Biologists Register.
Indicatively, the different sectors of the labor market accessible to master's graduates are hereafter outlined, with reference to the intellectual, scientific and highly-specialized professions provided by the ISTAT 2008, NUP Isfol-Istat Classification of Professions:
· Biologi e professioni assimilate - (2.3.1.1.1)
· Biochimici - (2.3.1.1.2)
· Biofisici - (2.3.1.1.3)
· Biotecnologi - (2.3.1.1.4)
· Ricercatori e tecnici laureati nelle scienze biologiche - (2.6.2.2.1)
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
For admission to the MBC course, students must meet curriculum requirements and have suitable background knowledge (DM 270/04).
Entry is open to:
- Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) from any Italian University that follows CBUI rules, as adequately certified (www.cbui.unito.it). In this case, credits acquired by the candidate as an undergraduate will be fully recognized and will meet the curricular prerequisites.
- Biological Sciences (Class L-13) graduates from Universities that do not follow CBUI rules, graduates in other related areas and foreign graduates, who have acquired a title equivalent to the I level degree by Italian law, are requested to have earned at last 90 CFU in Biological Sciences (of Class L-13) subjects, including: basic subjects (such as mathematics, physics, statistics, informatics) and biological subjects (such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, general physiology, plant biology, developmental biology, others).
Students lacking adequate curricular requirements can contact the Coordinator of the Master course well in advance in order to plan acquisition of the requested CFU before the application deadline. The lacking CFU can be acquired by passing the relevant exams at the University of Milan or any other University.
The candidate's background knowledge in Biology will be verified by an interview.
For all students, the minimum requirement for knowledge of the English language is B1 level ("lower intermediate") of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages or equivalent certification.
Entry is open to:
- Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) from any Italian University that follows CBUI rules, as adequately certified (www.cbui.unito.it). In this case, credits acquired by the candidate as an undergraduate will be fully recognized and will meet the curricular prerequisites.
- Biological Sciences (Class L-13) graduates from Universities that do not follow CBUI rules, graduates in other related areas and foreign graduates, who have acquired a title equivalent to the I level degree by Italian law, are requested to have earned at last 90 CFU in Biological Sciences (of Class L-13) subjects, including: basic subjects (such as mathematics, physics, statistics, informatics) and biological subjects (such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, general physiology, plant biology, developmental biology, others).
Students lacking adequate curricular requirements can contact the Coordinator of the Master course well in advance in order to plan acquisition of the requested CFU before the application deadline. The lacking CFU can be acquired by passing the relevant exams at the University of Milan or any other University.
The candidate's background knowledge in Biology will be verified by an interview.
For all students, the minimum requirement for knowledge of the English language is B1 level ("lower intermediate") of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages or equivalent certification.
MBC students are given the opportunity to spend part of their curriculum abroad, at a University within the European Union (EU), in the context of the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission. Students can attend courses and sit exams that can be included in the core curriculum and/or perform their practical thesis in several European Universities localized in North Europe, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Iberian Peninsula (see http://www.dbs.unimi.it/ecm/home/erasmus/studenti-in-uscita/scienze-biologiche). Most of the Northern European Universities offer courses taught in English.
The Erasmus+ call is released each year, usually in February. More information can be found at www.unimi.it >Studenti>Studiareall'estero> Erasmus+.
Accepted students must present a study plan that reports all the activities he/she intends to perform abroad, detailing the corresponding CFU; the number of proposed CFUs should approximately correspond to those the student would have achieved over the same time period in his/her university. The proposed study plan, to be carried out under the Erasmus+ programme, must be coherent with the MBC course content and must be evaluated and approved by the Teaching Board. If necessary, the Teaching Board may request the student to integrate the programme of exams taken abroad. In accordance with the rules established by the Academic Senate, following completion of the Erasmus+ programme, approved exams will be registered, possibly with the original denomination, as part of the student's curriculum, upon the conversion of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) into CFU.
If the student performs the experimental thesis work abroad, he/she must follow the rules outlined above (see Internship criteria and Rules for the thesis and final exam).
The Erasmus+ call is released each year, usually in February. More information can be found at www.unimi.it >Studenti>Studiareall'estero> Erasmus+.
Accepted students must present a study plan that reports all the activities he/she intends to perform abroad, detailing the corresponding CFU; the number of proposed CFUs should approximately correspond to those the student would have achieved over the same time period in his/her university. The proposed study plan, to be carried out under the Erasmus+ programme, must be coherent with the MBC course content and must be evaluated and approved by the Teaching Board. If necessary, the Teaching Board may request the student to integrate the programme of exams taken abroad. In accordance with the rules established by the Academic Senate, following completion of the Erasmus+ programme, approved exams will be registered, possibly with the original denomination, as part of the student's curriculum, upon the conversion of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) into CFU.
If the student performs the experimental thesis work abroad, he/she must follow the rules outlined above (see Internship criteria and Rules for the thesis and final exam).
Course attendance is strongly recommended.
Courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Molecular Biology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/11 |
| Molecular Bioinformatics | 6 | 48 | English | INF/01 |
| Organic Chemistry Applied to Biology | 6 | 48 | English | CHIM/06 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Molecular Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/18 |
| Protein Biochemistry | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/10 |
| Structural Biology of the Cell | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/01 BIO/06 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Italian | L-LIN/12 |
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biomolecular Methods Laboratory | 9 | 72 | English | BIO/10 BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| Laboratory Training | 12 | 0 | English | |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Biomembranes | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/09 |
| Developmental Biology and Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/18 |
| Functional Genomics | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| Molecular Microbiology and Genetics of Microorganisms | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/18 BIO/19 |
| Molecular Pharmacology and Immunology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/14 MED/04 |
| Synthetic Biology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/04 BIO/10 BIO/11 BIO/18 BIO/19 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Methods in Biochemical Investigation | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/10 |
| Signal Transduction | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/04 BIO/10 |
| Stem Cells and Genetic Diseases | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/14 |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Dissertation | 30 | 0 | English | |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - The student must choose one of the following three courses:
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developmental Biology and Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/18 |
| Functional Genomics | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| Molecular Microbiology and Genetics of Microorganisms | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/18 BIO/19 |
2 - The student must choose one of the following three courses:
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biomembranes | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/09 |
| Molecular Pharmacology and Immunology | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/14 MED/04 |
| Stem Cells and Genetic Diseases | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIO/14 |
3 - The student must choose one of the following three courses:
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methods in Biochemical Investigation | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIO/10 |
| Signal Transduction | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIO/04 BIO/10 |
| Synthetic Biology | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/04 BIO/10 BIO/11 BIO/18 BIO/19 |
4 - Free choice courses:
the student must acquire 12 CFU freely choosing among all courses offered by the University of Milan, provided that they are coherent to the topics of the MBC and the contents not overlapping with those of mandatory and guided through courses in the study plan . Moreover, as free choice courses, the student can pick the remaining mandatory and/or guided through course that he/she had not inserted in the study plan. If not available in English, free choice courses can be taken in Italian.
Six out of 12 CFU can be acquired by an internship of 150 hours in a University and/or a private (Industry, Hospital, others) lab, according to the rules that can be found at http://www.ccdbiol.unimi.it
Finally, free choice courses are offered each year by the Teaching Board of the Department of Biosciences.
the student must acquire 12 CFU freely choosing among all courses offered by the University of Milan, provided that they are coherent to the topics of the MBC and the contents not overlapping with those of mandatory and guided through courses in the study plan . Moreover, as free choice courses, the student can pick the remaining mandatory and/or guided through course that he/she had not inserted in the study plan. If not available in English, free choice courses can be taken in Italian.
Six out of 12 CFU can be acquired by an internship of 150 hours in a University and/or a private (Industry, Hospital, others) lab, according to the rules that can be found at http://www.ccdbiol.unimi.it
Finally, free choice courses are offered each year by the Teaching Board of the Department of Biosciences.
There are no propaedeutic courses in MBC that can limit progression from the first to the second year.
Course location
Milano
Presidente del Collegio Didattico
Prof. Mirko Baruscotti
Tutors professors
Reference structures
Contacts
- Matriculation and enrollment
http://www.unimi.it/ENG/admission/92320.htm - MBC email
[email protected] - Student information office
Via Celoria, 26 2nd floor, tower A
http://www.ccdbiol.unimi.it
[email protected]
Opening times: from Monday to Friday, 10-11:45 - Student administrative office
via Celoria, 22.
http://www.unimi.it/ENG/student/52904.htm
E-mail: www.unimi.infostudente.it
+39(0039) 199188128/From abroad: 0039 056676357.
Students Information Service:
A.Y. 2025/2026
A.Y. 2024/2025
A.Y. 2023/2024
A.Y. 2022/2023
A.Y. 2021/2022
A.Y. 2020/2021
A.Y. 2019/2020
A.Y. 2018/2019
Official documents