Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Classe LM-9)-Enrolled from 2014/15 Academic Year
Master programme
A.Y. 2023/2024
LM-9 - Biotecnologie mediche, veterinarie e farmaceutiche (EN)
The Master of Science in Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology aims to prepare graduates with advanced skills in the development and application of new scientific methodologies, who can actively participate in study and research projects at national and international level and have in-depth expertise in the scientific and technical-productive aspects of biotechnology applied to human health, with reference to the design and planning of innovative biotechnological drugs. For these purposes, the degree course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is organized in three programs, two held in Italian and one in English. The two programs in Italian include training activities common to all students organized in the first two semesters of the course, which will allow to acquire essential knowledge for the training of pharmaceutical biotechnologists and characterizing training activities specific to the two curricula: a) "Biotechnology in research and development of drugs"; b) "Development and production of biotechnological drugs". The curriculum "Pharmacogenomics and Precision Therapeutics", delivered in English, is designed to train graduates who can face future challenges in the field of biotechnological drugs.
The Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is awarded to students with advanced skills in the development of scientific methodologies, able to coordinate national and international research projects and with specialized knowledge in the field of applied biotechnology, development and application of drugs, diagnostics, vaccines and nutraceuticals produced through biotechnological processes. The specific roles and professionalism of the graduate in the Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology are:
- Chemist representatives and disseminators;
- Biologists and related professions;
- Biotechnologists;
- Pharmacologists.
The main professional career includes:
- researcher at public and private research institutions;
- researcher in industry (research and development sector);
- industry operator (production sector);
- industry operator (marketing sector);
- clinical monitor.
Graduates will be able to find employment in the following professional fields:
- Teaching activity in the scientific disciplinary field in secondary level education institutions;
- Teaching and research activities in public and private universities;
- Scientific research and technological development activities in public companies (National Health Institute, CNR, AIFA, National Environmental Agency, Research Institutions, etc), in both national and international public and private companies aimed at preclinical activities in the biomedical field;
- Scientific research and development activities in the biotechnological, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and cosmetic industry, in the food and food processing industry;
- Scientific research and technological development activities;
- Clinical monitoring and pharmaceutical technical scientific information activities;
- Management activities in quality assurance and environmental safety assessment and assurance;
Graduates will also be able to be involved in activities connected to the development, management and regulation of biotechnological companies in the public and private sectors, with managerial and consultancy functions in the following fields:
- therapeutic, with particular regard to the development and testing of products with innovative therapeutic potential to be applied to human and animal pathology;
- production and planning, in connection to patents in the health field;
- formulation, with reference to the preparation of vectors, cells and advanced pharmaceutical forms for the administration of new therapeutic products;
- diagnostic, through the management of molecular analysis technologies and cellular biotechnologies applied to the medical, pharmacological, toxicological, cosmetological and environmental fields;
- experimentation in the biomedical field, with reference to the use of in vivo and in vitro models for the understanding of the action mechanism of new drug.
The course allows to obtain the qualification to the profession of biologist.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
- Chemist representatives and disseminators;
- Biologists and related professions;
- Biotechnologists;
- Pharmacologists.
The main professional career includes:
- researcher at public and private research institutions;
- researcher in industry (research and development sector);
- industry operator (production sector);
- industry operator (marketing sector);
- clinical monitor.
Graduates will be able to find employment in the following professional fields:
- Teaching activity in the scientific disciplinary field in secondary level education institutions;
- Teaching and research activities in public and private universities;
- Scientific research and technological development activities in public companies (National Health Institute, CNR, AIFA, National Environmental Agency, Research Institutions, etc), in both national and international public and private companies aimed at preclinical activities in the biomedical field;
- Scientific research and development activities in the biotechnological, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and cosmetic industry, in the food and food processing industry;
- Scientific research and technological development activities;
- Clinical monitoring and pharmaceutical technical scientific information activities;
- Management activities in quality assurance and environmental safety assessment and assurance;
Graduates will also be able to be involved in activities connected to the development, management and regulation of biotechnological companies in the public and private sectors, with managerial and consultancy functions in the following fields:
- therapeutic, with particular regard to the development and testing of products with innovative therapeutic potential to be applied to human and animal pathology;
- production and planning, in connection to patents in the health field;
- formulation, with reference to the preparation of vectors, cells and advanced pharmaceutical forms for the administration of new therapeutic products;
- diagnostic, through the management of molecular analysis technologies and cellular biotechnologies applied to the medical, pharmacological, toxicological, cosmetological and environmental fields;
- experimentation in the biomedical field, with reference to the use of in vivo and in vitro models for the understanding of the action mechanism of new drug.
The course allows to obtain the qualification to the profession of biologist.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
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 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 3 faculty members, 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/297/). 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. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Placement 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 placement test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the placement test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/297/) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master's programme: 31 October 2023 (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 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 3 faculty members, 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/297/). 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. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Placement 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 placement test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the placement test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/297/) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master's programme: 31 October 2023 (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".
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.
Attendance is compulsory for teaching laboratories, and strongly recommended for all courses.
Courses list
year
| 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 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Virology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/19 MED/07 |
| Organ Pathophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotechnology in Pharmacology | 8 | 64 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Molecular Basis of Hormone and Drug Action | 8 | 64 | Italian | BIO/14 MED/13 |
| Purification and Formulation of Biotechnological Drug Products | 8 | 72 | Italian | CHIM/08 CHIM/09 |
| Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling | 10 | 88 | Italian | BIO/10 CHIM/06 CHIM/08 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Course in Biotechnology and Pharmacology | 7 | 88 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Innovative Biotechnological Drugs | 9 | 72 | Italian | BIO/14 CHIM/06 CHIM/08 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | |
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 | ||||
| Lab Training | 10 | 0 | Italian | |
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | Italian | |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- By the deadline for the submission of the study plan, the student must proceed to the indication of the elective course for a total of 9 credits. These will be freely chosen a) among all the courses in the curricula not selected by the student, b) among others as long as they are consistent with the study plan, after the approval of the Interdepartmental Didactic Board. The study plan will be submitted for evaluation and approval by the Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the MSc programme. The student may also choose the 9 credits 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 topic of the thesis. In addition, activities included in the University project for the development of soft skills are noted.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | Open sessions |
year
| 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 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Virology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/19 MED/07 |
| Organ Pathophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotechnology in Pharmacology | 8 | 64 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Clinical Pharmacology and Applied Biochemistry | 9 | 88 | Italian | BIO/10 BIO/14 MED/03 |
| 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 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Manufacturing of Biotechnological Drug Products | 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 (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | |
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 | ||||
| Lab Training | 10 | 0 | Italian | |
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | Italian | |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- By the deadline for the submission of the study plan, the student must proceed to the indication of the elective course for a total of 9 credits. These will be freely chosen a) among all the courses in the curricula not selected by the student, b) among others as long as they are consistent with the study plan, after the approval of the Interdepartmental Didactic Board. The study plan will be submitted for evaluation and approval by the Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the MSc programme. The student may also choose the 9 credits 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 topic of the thesis. In addition, activities included in the University project for the development of soft skills are noted.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | Italian | Open sessions |
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 | 64 | 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 |
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 (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | English | |
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 | ||||
| Lab Training | 10 | 0 | English | |
| Final Exam | 21 | 0 | English | |
Optional activities and study plan rules
- By the deadline for the submission of the study plan, the student must proceed to the indication of the elective course for a total of 9 credits. These will be freely chosen a) among all the courses in the curricula not selected by the student, b) among others as long as they are consistent with the study plan, after the approval of the Interdepartmental Didactic Board. The study plan will be submitted for evaluation and approval by the Interdepartmental Teaching Board of the MSc programme. The student may also choose the 9 credits 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 topic of the thesis. In addition, activities included in the University project for the development of soft skills are noted.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology | 9 | 0 | English | Open sessions |
Course location
Milano
Laboratories locations
The degree programmes is laboratory-intensive. Laboratory courses are compulsory and must be attended in the relevant year. During laboratory practicals, students will learn the rules of safe behaviour.
Reference structures
Contacts
- Representative for disability services and specific learning disabilities prof.ssa Emma De Fabiani
[email protected] - Student Desks
Via Celoria 18, Milano
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/359
+3902 503 25032
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/360 - Course management for the Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Dr.ssa Sara Cosentino
Via Balzaretti 9, Milano
[email protected]
+3902 503 18231
[email protected]
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