Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Classe LM-8)-Enrolled from 2016/2017 Academic Year
The MB&B Master's degree aims to provide students with advanced skills in molecular biotechnology, computational biology, and bioinformatics, with a strong focus on the most advanced tools and approaches for the analysis of genomes, proteomes, and metabolomes. The main goal of the MB&B Master's degree is to give the students the broad theoretical and practical background needed to apply their knowledge to various biological/biotechnology problems.
A specific goal of MB&B includes providing deep and up-to-date knowledge in the following core subjects:
- bioinformatics
- molecular biology and biotechnology
- functional genomics and "-omics" technologies
- protein expression systems
- metabolic engineering and industrial processes
- structural biochemistry
- molecular enzymology
- data analysis
In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop skills in further specific disciplines of their interest, choosing from courses in plant genetics, nanotechnology, biophysics, molecular microbiology, molecular parasitology, structural biology, patenting and technology transfer. The MB&B Master degree combines lecture-based courses (in the first year and the first term of the second year) with an experimental laboratory project leading to a dissertation (second year), to be chosen by the students among many projects offered by the University of Milan and other research institutes, including private companies.
A specific goal of MB&B includes providing deep and up-to-date knowledge in the following core subjects:
- bioinformatics
- molecular biology and biotechnology
- functional genomics and "-omics" technologies
- protein expression systems
- metabolic engineering and industrial processes
- structural biochemistry
- molecular enzymology
- data analysis
In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop skills in further specific disciplines of their interest, choosing from courses in plant genetics, nanotechnology, biophysics, molecular microbiology, molecular parasitology, structural biology, patenting and technology transfer. The MB&B Master degree combines lecture-based courses (in the first year and the first term of the second year) with an experimental laboratory project leading to a dissertation (second year), to be chosen by the students among many projects offered by the University of Milan and other research institutes, including private companies.
The MB&B Master degree provides employment opportunities in the following areas:
management of production facilities in the biotechnological industry, including diagnostics, chemicals, and agro-food industry; promotion of scientific development and technological innovation in Research & Development in different industrial settings; service management in areas related to industrial biotechnology, as well as in Quality Control laboratories; research laboratories in both private and public institutions. Graduates will be able to operate, in their fields of specialization, at a high level of responsibility, managing the ethical, technical and legal aspects of their work. In addition, thanks to its strong commitment to teaching a broad range of biotechnological disciplines, the MB&B Master degree is ideal to provide the background knowledge required for Ph.D. and other higher education courses.
The specific business contexts that the MB&B graduates can enter are, among others: the pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry, food industry, industry and services for environmental biotechnology, biotechnology service centers applying information technology, genomics and proteomics research laboratories of both public and private institutions.
The MB&B graduates will possess full and updated knowledge in:
- the production of intermediates and products for fine chemicals and the food industry
- industrial fermentation processes for the production of metabolites and for obtaining energy from renewable sources
- control of biotechnological processes
- development of innovative diagnostic techniques
- analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences
- development of new biologically active molecules through the study of molecular interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, and the identification of new molecular targets
- design and development of bioinformatics platforms and new methods for biological data analysis
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
management of production facilities in the biotechnological industry, including diagnostics, chemicals, and agro-food industry; promotion of scientific development and technological innovation in Research & Development in different industrial settings; service management in areas related to industrial biotechnology, as well as in Quality Control laboratories; research laboratories in both private and public institutions. Graduates will be able to operate, in their fields of specialization, at a high level of responsibility, managing the ethical, technical and legal aspects of their work. In addition, thanks to its strong commitment to teaching a broad range of biotechnological disciplines, the MB&B Master degree is ideal to provide the background knowledge required for Ph.D. and other higher education courses.
The specific business contexts that the MB&B graduates can enter are, among others: the pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry, food industry, industry and services for environmental biotechnology, biotechnology service centers applying information technology, genomics and proteomics research laboratories of both public and private institutions.
The MB&B graduates will possess full and updated knowledge in:
- the production of intermediates and products for fine chemicals and the food industry
- industrial fermentation processes for the production of metabolites and for obtaining energy from renewable sources
- control of biotechnological processes
- development of innovative diagnostic techniques
- analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences
- development of new biologically active molecules through the study of molecular interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, and the identification of new molecular targets
- design and development of bioinformatics platforms and new methods for biological data analysis
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Students with an Italian University degree:
the MB&B Master's degree can be accessed by graduates of Laurea Triennale belonging to the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and previous class 1 (Biotechnology). It can also be accessed by any student with a Laurea Triennale providing a strong background (at least 60 University credits) in biotechnology-related subjects, i.e., subjects identified as "core disciplines" for the L-2 class of Laurea Triennale.
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
the candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree at the time of the admission request from an accredited college or university, and strong knowledge in most (or all) of the following areas: genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry. A dedicated commission, designated by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of the applicants in order to verify that the minimum requirements for the registration are satisfied. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with an interview with the candidates. The Laurea Magistrale does not foresee a programmed number of students.
In addition to the aforementioned curricular requirements, proficiency in English at a B1 level or higher, under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is required for admission.
The B1-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate at or above B1, obtained no more than three years earlier. For the list of language certificates recognized by the University please review: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/). The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a Bachelor's degree programme through SLAM courses and tests. The test must have been passed within the last four years. It will be assessed administratively, without the applicant having to attach any certificates;
- Placement Test delivered by the University Language Centre (SLAM), which will take place according to the schedule posted to 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 invited to take the test through the admission procedure.
Candidates who do not sit or pass the placement test will have until 31 December 2022 to obtain and submit a recognized certificate to SLAM.
Students who do not meet the requirement by 31 December will not be admitted to the Master's degree programme and may not sit further tests.
the MB&B Master's degree can be accessed by graduates of Laurea Triennale belonging to the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and previous class 1 (Biotechnology). It can also be accessed by any student with a Laurea Triennale providing a strong background (at least 60 University credits) in biotechnology-related subjects, i.e., subjects identified as "core disciplines" for the L-2 class of Laurea Triennale.
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
the candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree at the time of the admission request from an accredited college or university, and strong knowledge in most (or all) of the following areas: genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry. A dedicated commission, designated by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of the applicants in order to verify that the minimum requirements for the registration are satisfied. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with an interview with the candidates. The Laurea Magistrale does not foresee a programmed number of students.
In addition to the aforementioned curricular requirements, proficiency in English at a B1 level or higher, under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is required for admission.
The B1-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate at or above B1, obtained no more than three years earlier. For the list of language certificates recognized by the University please review: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/). The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a Bachelor's degree programme through SLAM courses and tests. The test must have been passed within the last four years. It will be assessed administratively, without the applicant having to attach any certificates;
- Placement Test delivered by the University Language Centre (SLAM), which will take place according to the schedule posted to 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 invited to take the test through the admission procedure.
Candidates who do not sit or pass the placement test will have until 31 December 2022 to obtain and submit a recognized certificate to SLAM.
Students who do not meet the requirement by 31 December will not be admitted to the Master's degree programme and may not sit further tests.
The MB&B degree program supports the international mobility of the University program: MB&B lecturers (for the academic year 2022/2023, Proff. Veronica Gregis and Concetta Compagno) act as tutors for students interested in the Erasmus + program, in order to guide students in their choice of the most suitable program for their formation. Every January, the Erasmus + program is presented to the MB&B students through a local event organized by the coordinator of the Erasmus + program of the Industrial Biotechnology area (Prof. Veronica Gregis).
In the frame work of the Erasmus+ program, the MB&B Master course has in place agreements with Universities in Germany, Spain, France, Norway, and The Netherlands, all offering courses in English.
Calls for participation to Erasmus Studio can be found at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
The time spent abroad can be used to attend courses and pass the relative exams, thus collecting credits towards the Master's degree, as well as to carry out the experimental project for the dissertation. Students admitted to the mobility program must submit a study plan detailing the training activities that they plan to carry out, with the corresponding credits. The number of credits should correspond as much as possible to the number of credits that the student should acquire in a similar time at the home University. The proposed activities must be consistent with the goals and the contents of the Master's degree. The study plan must be approved by the MB&B Student Mobility Committee, which can request changes or integrations. At the end of the mobility program, according to the guidelines provided by the University of Milan, the courses attended (with a passed exam) by the student are registered in his/her career record, preferably with its original name and with an indication of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and their conversion in CFU (usually 1 ECTS= 1 CFU). The students willing to carry out their dissertation work as part of a mobility program abroad must have an internal supervisor (chosen among the MB&B lecturers) and the study plan must be approved by the MB&B board
In the frame work of the Erasmus+ program, the MB&B Master course has in place agreements with Universities in Germany, Spain, France, Norway, and The Netherlands, all offering courses in English.
Calls for participation to Erasmus Studio can be found at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
The time spent abroad can be used to attend courses and pass the relative exams, thus collecting credits towards the Master's degree, as well as to carry out the experimental project for the dissertation. Students admitted to the mobility program must submit a study plan detailing the training activities that they plan to carry out, with the corresponding credits. The number of credits should correspond as much as possible to the number of credits that the student should acquire in a similar time at the home University. The proposed activities must be consistent with the goals and the contents of the Master's degree. The study plan must be approved by the MB&B Student Mobility Committee, which can request changes or integrations. At the end of the mobility program, according to the guidelines provided by the University of Milan, the courses attended (with a passed exam) by the student are registered in his/her career record, preferably with its original name and with an indication of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and their conversion in CFU (usually 1 ECTS= 1 CFU). The students willing to carry out their dissertation work as part of a mobility program abroad must have an internal supervisor (chosen among the MB&B lecturers) and the study plan must be approved by the MB&B board
Attendance to frontal lessons is strongly recommended. The experimental project leading to the final dissertation is considered mandatory for the Master's Degree.
Courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotechnological Products and Processes | 6 | 48 | English | CHIM/06 CHIM/11 |
| Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics | 10 | 88 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| Methods in Bioinformatics | 6 | 48 | English | INF/01 |
| Molecular and Cellular Microbiology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/18 BIO/19 |
| Rational Design and Structural Characterization of Bioactive Molecules | 6 | 48 | English | CHIM/02 CHIM/06 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology | 10 | 80 | English | BIO/06 BIO/11 |
| Advanced Plant Cell Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/04 BIO/18 |
| Protein Engineering and Molecular Enzymology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/10 |
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 | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Developing Soft Skills in Science: Case-Studies from Microbial Biotechnology | 6 | 56 | English | AGR/16 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Equal Opportunities and Scientific Careers | 3 | 24 | Italian | SPS/09 |
Third trimester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Laboratory:strategies for Managing Environmental Conflicts Through Participatory Mechanisms | 3 | 20 | Italian | IUS/10 |
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Thesis Project and Final Dissertation | 39 | 0 | English | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | English | FIS/03 FIS/07 |
| Biotechnological and Molecular Strategies in the Control of Parasites and Vector-Borne Diseases | 6 | 48 | English | VET/06 |
| Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications and Biosensors | 6 | 48 | English | CHIM/01 CHIM/06 |
| Patenting and Technology Transfer | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/01 IUS/01 IUS/04 |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | BIO/10 BIO/11 FIS/07 INF/01 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Advanced Bioinformatics for Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/11 INF/01 |
| Macromolecular Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Breeding and Plant Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/07 BIO/18 |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - The student must choose at least two of the following courses
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Bioinformatics for Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIO/11 INF/01 |
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | FIS/03 FIS/07 |
| Biotechnological and Molecular Strategies in the Control of Parasites and Vector-Borne Diseases | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | VET/06 |
| Macromolecular Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | Second semester | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Breeding and Plant Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | AGR/07 BIO/18 |
| Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications and Biosensors | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | CHIM/01 CHIM/06 |
| Patenting and Technology Transfer | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | AGR/01 IUS/01 IUS/04 |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | BIO/10 BIO/11 FIS/07 INF/01 |
2 - The student must acquire 10 additional credits (CFU) choosing from any course offered by the University of Milan, provided that they are coherent to the topics of the MBB and the contents not overlapping with those of mandatory and guided through courses in the study plan.
Four credits can be acquired by carrying out a small project (100 hours) in a research laboratory, either at the University of Milan or at another structure. The project must be approved by the MBB Coordinator
Four credits can be acquired by carrying out a small project (100 hours) in a research laboratory, either at the University of Milan or at another structure. The project must be approved by the MBB Coordinator
There are no propaedeutic courses that limit progression from the first to the second year.
Course location
Milan
Laboratories locations
The MB&B course is characterized by an intense laboratory activity that is mainly carried out in the internship activity for the thesis.
Presidente del Collegio Didattico
Prof. Marco Nardini
Reference structures
Contacts
- Boards
Prof. Veronica Gregis, Prof. Concetta Compagno (Erasmus); Prof. Marco Nardini, Prof. David Horner (Study mobility); Prof. Marco Nardini, Prof. Thomas Vaccari (Study Plan). - Student administrative office
Milan - Via Celoria, 18
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/359
+390250325032 - Academic Services Office
Milan - Via Celoria, 26
[email protected]
+390250314870
By appointment. - International Students Office - Welcome Desk
Milan - Via S. Sofia, 9/1
https://www.unimi.it/en/international/coming-abroad/international-students-office-welcome-desk - Disability manager
Prof. Matteo Chiara
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
Official documents