Molecular Biology of the Cell (Class LM-6)-Enrolled from Academic Year 2015/2016
The MBC course covers all principal areas of the LM-6 Biology course, with a unique focus on biomolecular subjects that distinguishes it from other courses of the same LM Class. The main goal of the MBC course is to train biologists in advanced biomolecular research, to address present and future scientific challenges.
In-depth and up-to-date knowledge will be provided for the following subjects: molecular analysis of the genome; regulation of gene expression; structure and function of biological macromolecules and their interactions in supramolecular complexes; cellular communication, signal perception and transduction, metabolic regulation, biomolecular engineering, bioinformatics and biostatistics. Both theoretical and practical aspects of biomolecular research will be addressed. Graduate students will learn to apply novel and emerging research technologies/approaches, cutting-edge data acquisition systems and analysis, and will have hands-on experience with top-level nanotechnology, hosted in the research laboratories of the DBS. MBC graduates will be well-equipped to enter further, postgraduate-level education programmes as well as R&D departments of different biotech companies.
In-depth and up-to-date knowledge will be provided for the following subjects: molecular analysis of the genome; regulation of gene expression; structure and function of biological macromolecules and their interactions in supramolecular complexes; cellular communication, signal perception and transduction, metabolic regulation, biomolecular engineering, bioinformatics and biostatistics. Both theoretical and practical aspects of biomolecular research will be addressed. Graduate students will learn to apply novel and emerging research technologies/approaches, cutting-edge data acquisition systems and analysis, and will have hands-on experience with top-level nanotechnology, hosted in the research laboratories of the DBS. MBC graduates will be well-equipped to enter further, postgraduate-level education programmes as well as R&D departments of different biotech companies.
The MBC graduate will acquire specialized and in-depth knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, and consolidated competences in the application of state-of-the-art analytical methodologies and experimental techniques to address a variety of biological challenges. This highly specific, yet multidisciplinary, profile will offer MBC graduates professional employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, operating in biology-and biotechnology-related fields. In particular, MBC will provide the necessary training to allow graduate employment in the following sectors:
- basic and applied academic research, in universities and other public/private research centers;
- environmental management /protection sectors;
- biomedical, agro-bio and pharmaceutical industries, and related professional sectors;
- promotion and development of innovative scientific technologies;
- biotechnological research and development in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and food industries
- editorial, intellectual property and scientific dissemination sectors;
- project management in the biotech industry;
- Biology teaching in adherence to Italian laws;
The fact that MBC is carried out entirely in English, will allow graduates to engage with public/professional sectors in both a national and international setting.
MBC graduates may take the state exam for the qualification to practice the profession of biologist and consequently may be legally admitted to the 'A Section' of the National Biologists Register. Furthermore, graduates will be fully qualified to apply for entry to national/international Ph.D. courses and other postgraduate specializations. Indicatively, the different employment sectors accessible to Master graduates, with reference to the intellectual, scientific and highly-specialized professions are here-listed:
- Biologists and related professionals
- Molecular biologist
- Researchers and technicians graduated in the area of biological sciences (after passing the competitive exam).
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
- basic and applied academic research, in universities and other public/private research centers;
- environmental management /protection sectors;
- biomedical, agro-bio and pharmaceutical industries, and related professional sectors;
- promotion and development of innovative scientific technologies;
- biotechnological research and development in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and food industries
- editorial, intellectual property and scientific dissemination sectors;
- project management in the biotech industry;
- Biology teaching in adherence to Italian laws;
The fact that MBC is carried out entirely in English, will allow graduates to engage with public/professional sectors in both a national and international setting.
MBC graduates may take the state exam for the qualification to practice the profession of biologist and consequently may be legally admitted to the 'A Section' of the National Biologists Register. Furthermore, graduates will be fully qualified to apply for entry to national/international Ph.D. courses and other postgraduate specializations. Indicatively, the different employment sectors accessible to Master graduates, with reference to the intellectual, scientific and highly-specialized professions are here-listed:
- Biologists and related professionals
- Molecular biologist
- Researchers and technicians graduated in the area of biological sciences (after passing the competitive exam).
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION
The admission to the MBC course is subjected to curricular requirements and a demonstrated background knowledge in suitable disciplines related to the course (DM 270/04). Admission is open to:
- Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) from any Italian University that follows CBUI rules, as adequately certified. In this case, credits (CFU or ECTS) acquired by the candidate as an undergraduate will be fully recognized and will meet the curricular prerequisites. The CBUI guidelines describe the compulsory SSD (scientific areas) and the related recommended number of CFUs (min-max): 66-96 CFUs in biological subjects (BIO/01, BIO/02, BIO/04, BIO/05, BIO/06, BIO/07, BIO/09, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18, BIO/19); 12-15 CFUs in chemistry-based subjects (CHIM/01, CHIM/02, CHIM/03, CHIM/06); 15-18 CFUs in mathematics/physics and computer science subjects (MAT/01-09, FIS/01-08 e INF/01).
- Biological Sciences (Class L-13) graduates from Universities that do not follow CBUI guidelines, Biological Sciences (Class L-12) ex DM509/99, or any other class that meet suitable curricular requirements, including graduates from foreign Universities that possess a title equivalent to the 1st level degree in Italian law. Curricular requirements are the acquisition of a minimum of 93 CFUs distributed in equivalent scientific areas (SSD), as described above, for Biological Sciences (Class L-13) that are in line with the criteria set by CBUI.
Students lacking adequate curricular requirements should contact the Coordinator of the Master's course well in advance, to plan the acquisition of the requested CFUs prior to the application deadline. Any lacking CFU can be acquired by passing the relevant exams and thus acquiring the credits at the University of Milan or any other University. Only students who possess the prerequisites will be invited to the interview.
ADMISSION ASSESSMENT
The admission exam will consist of a formal interview (that can be arranged online) with an Evaluation Committee that will verify the candidate's background knowledge in Biology. A Syllabus will be made available to students prior to their interview for a self-assessment of their level of knowledge.
For all students, knowledge of the English language must be at least B1 level ("lower intermediate") according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages or equivalent certification. The proficiency in scientific English will be verified by the committee during the interview.
KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
The prerequisite to enter the MBC Master's Degree program is an adequate knowledge of the fundaments of biological disciplines as certified by the possession of the required CFUs as described in paragraph "Qualifications and knowledge required for admission". Knowledge will be verified by: 1) evaluation of the bachelor study program and 2) an interview with the Admission Committee, composed of teaching members appointed by the Academic Board. The interview will evaluate the expertise of the candidate in topics related to the MBC degree, and will ascertain proficiency in the English language.
The committee will evaluate the candidate on a 100-point scale and award:
- 25/100 points for the graduation grade;
- 10/100 points for the curriculum vitae (degrees with higher number of CFUs in biology related disciplines will obtain more points; the same applies to the presence of extra elective courses, Erasmus experience, others,...)
- 65/100 for interview performance
The minimum requirement for admission is 60/100 and an adequate English proficiency level (equivalent to B1 level).
For the academic Year 2024-2025, applicant interviews for EU citizens, who submit their application by 25 August 2024 (see below, "Application and enrolment information and procedures"), will be held face-to-face on September 16, 2024 at 14.30, for both graduate students and undergraduate students that plan to graduate by December 2024;
Students must bring official proof of their identity (identity card or passport).
Upon graduation, students not from University of Milan, must present certification of their awarded degree to the Administrative Office or email via https://informastudenti.unimi.it
Non-EU citizens applying for a visa, who are not resident in Italy and who possess a foreign bachelor's degree title, must submit their application by 30 April 2024 and they will be invited to an online interview in the following days:
- April 08, 2024
- April 22, 2024
- May 06, 2024
- May 27, 2024
Foreign students who reside in Italy are classed as Italian citizens and must undergo the same evaluation. Check for updates on interview dates and times on the website: https://mbc.cdl.unimi.it
The admission to the MBC course is subjected to curricular requirements and a demonstrated background knowledge in suitable disciplines related to the course (DM 270/04). Admission is open to:
- Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) from any Italian University that follows CBUI rules, as adequately certified. In this case, credits (CFU or ECTS) acquired by the candidate as an undergraduate will be fully recognized and will meet the curricular prerequisites. The CBUI guidelines describe the compulsory SSD (scientific areas) and the related recommended number of CFUs (min-max): 66-96 CFUs in biological subjects (BIO/01, BIO/02, BIO/04, BIO/05, BIO/06, BIO/07, BIO/09, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18, BIO/19); 12-15 CFUs in chemistry-based subjects (CHIM/01, CHIM/02, CHIM/03, CHIM/06); 15-18 CFUs in mathematics/physics and computer science subjects (MAT/01-09, FIS/01-08 e INF/01).
- Biological Sciences (Class L-13) graduates from Universities that do not follow CBUI guidelines, Biological Sciences (Class L-12) ex DM509/99, or any other class that meet suitable curricular requirements, including graduates from foreign Universities that possess a title equivalent to the 1st level degree in Italian law. Curricular requirements are the acquisition of a minimum of 93 CFUs distributed in equivalent scientific areas (SSD), as described above, for Biological Sciences (Class L-13) that are in line with the criteria set by CBUI.
Students lacking adequate curricular requirements should contact the Coordinator of the Master's course well in advance, to plan the acquisition of the requested CFUs prior to the application deadline. Any lacking CFU can be acquired by passing the relevant exams and thus acquiring the credits at the University of Milan or any other University. Only students who possess the prerequisites will be invited to the interview.
ADMISSION ASSESSMENT
The admission exam will consist of a formal interview (that can be arranged online) with an Evaluation Committee that will verify the candidate's background knowledge in Biology. A Syllabus will be made available to students prior to their interview for a self-assessment of their level of knowledge.
For all students, knowledge of the English language must be at least B1 level ("lower intermediate") according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages or equivalent certification. The proficiency in scientific English will be verified by the committee during the interview.
KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
The prerequisite to enter the MBC Master's Degree program is an adequate knowledge of the fundaments of biological disciplines as certified by the possession of the required CFUs as described in paragraph "Qualifications and knowledge required for admission". Knowledge will be verified by: 1) evaluation of the bachelor study program and 2) an interview with the Admission Committee, composed of teaching members appointed by the Academic Board. The interview will evaluate the expertise of the candidate in topics related to the MBC degree, and will ascertain proficiency in the English language.
The committee will evaluate the candidate on a 100-point scale and award:
- 25/100 points for the graduation grade;
- 10/100 points for the curriculum vitae (degrees with higher number of CFUs in biology related disciplines will obtain more points; the same applies to the presence of extra elective courses, Erasmus experience, others,...)
- 65/100 for interview performance
The minimum requirement for admission is 60/100 and an adequate English proficiency level (equivalent to B1 level).
For the academic Year 2024-2025, applicant interviews for EU citizens, who submit their application by 25 August 2024 (see below, "Application and enrolment information and procedures"), will be held face-to-face on September 16, 2024 at 14.30, for both graduate students and undergraduate students that plan to graduate by December 2024;
Students must bring official proof of their identity (identity card or passport).
Upon graduation, students not from University of Milan, must present certification of their awarded degree to the Administrative Office or email via https://informastudenti.unimi.it
Non-EU citizens applying for a visa, who are not resident in Italy and who possess a foreign bachelor's degree title, must submit their application by 30 April 2024 and they will be invited to an online interview in the following days:
- April 08, 2024
- April 22, 2024
- May 06, 2024
- May 27, 2024
Foreign students who reside in Italy are classed as Italian citizens and must undergo the same evaluation. Check for updates on interview dates and times on the website: https://mbc.cdl.unimi.it
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+ program 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 and Iberian Peninsula (see https://dbs.unimi.it/it/rapporti-internazionali/mobilita-internazionale). 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 https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
Accepted students must present a study plan that reports all the activities he/she intends to perform abroad, detailing the corresponding CFUs; 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 Erasmus+ program study plan, must be coherent with the MBC course content and must be evaluated and approved by the Academic Board. If necessary, the Academic Board may request the student to integrate the program of exams taken abroad. In accordance with the rules established by the Academic Senate, following completion of the Erasmus+ program, 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 CFUs.
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 and international mobility advisors for Biological area are prof. M. Cristina Bonza ([email protected]) and prof. David Horner ([email protected]).
The Erasmus+ call is released each year, usually in February. More information can be found at https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
Accepted students must present a study plan that reports all the activities he/she intends to perform abroad, detailing the corresponding CFUs; 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 Erasmus+ program study plan, must be coherent with the MBC course content and must be evaluated and approved by the Academic Board. If necessary, the Academic Board may request the student to integrate the program of exams taken abroad. In accordance with the rules established by the Academic Senate, following completion of the Erasmus+ program, 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 CFUs.
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 and international mobility advisors for Biological area are prof. M. Cristina Bonza ([email protected]) and prof. David Horner ([email protected]).
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 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Optional | ||||
| Biostatistics | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| 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 |
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 | English | |
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 | |
Conclusive activities
| 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 four courses:
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biostatistics | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| 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 - The student must acquire 12 CFU by selecting any of the courses offered by the University of Milan, provided that they are coherent with MBC topics and that the course content does not overlap with those present in mandatory and guided-choice courses. Obviously, as open choice courses, the student can pick the remaining guided-choice courses that he/she had not inserted in the study plan. MBC recommends to select elective courses with a specific focus on bioinformatics. If unavailable in English, open-choice courses can be taken in Italian provided that the student is fluent in Italian language.
There are no propaedeutic courses in the MBC programme that limit progression from the first to the second year.
Course location
Milan
Presidente del Collegio Didattico
Prof.ssa Isabella Dalle Donne
Reference structures
Contacts
- Academic Services Office
Address: via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan ground Floor, Tower C
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML - Student Desks
Address: via Celoria, 18, 20133 Milan.
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/359
+390250325032
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/360 - MBC email
[email protected] - Matriculation and enrollment
http://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programme-enrolment/enrolment-masters-programme - International Students Office
Address: via S. Sofia, 9/1, Milan.
http://www.unimi.it/en/international/coming-abroad/international-students-office-welcome-desk - Representative for disability services and specific learning disabilities (appointed by the Academic Board)
Prof. Diletta Dolfini
[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