Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine
Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Master programme
LM-6 R - Biologia
The Master of Science (M.Sc.) programme in Biology Applied to Biomedical Research trains graduates with a solid theoretical and operational background in basic and applied biology, specifically in the context of the biomedical and biohealth field. At the end of the course, graduates will be able to effectively enter this working environment, operating in management, organizational, creative, and operational positions, in collaboration with other qualified professionals in the field.
The specific educational aims of the course are:
- to provide students with multidisciplinary, integrated knowledge and skills relating to the structure and biological processes inherent to the state of health and disease, together with their pharmacological and, more generally, biomedical modulation;
- to teach students how to apply the acquired knowledge to the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of human pathologies;
- to provide knowledge and operational skills concerning experimental investigation approaches typical of research in the biomedical field and innovative laboratory methods;
- to train in the use of statistical evaluation and advanced bioinformatic investigations useful for data analysis and laboratory investigation in biomedical research;
- to promote the skills of identifying and solving complex and multidisciplinary problems in biomedical research.
The specific educational aims of the course are:
- to provide students with multidisciplinary, integrated knowledge and skills relating to the structure and biological processes inherent to the state of health and disease, together with their pharmacological and, more generally, biomedical modulation;
- to teach students how to apply the acquired knowledge to the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of human pathologies;
- to provide knowledge and operational skills concerning experimental investigation approaches typical of research in the biomedical field and innovative laboratory methods;
- to train in the use of statistical evaluation and advanced bioinformatic investigations useful for data analysis and laboratory investigation in biomedical research;
- to promote the skills of identifying and solving complex and multidisciplinary problems in biomedical research.
Master's graduates in Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine will be able to hold high-profile positions in the field of biological research applied to human beings, with particular regard to the biological processes underlying the physiology of organs and systems, their pathological dysfunctions and the modulation of biological processes by pharmacological interventions.
Pursuant to Presidential Decree 328/01, graduates may sit for the State exam to qualify for the profession of biologist and be included in the National Council of Biologists - Ordine Nazionale dei Biologi (section A). They may also apply for PhD programmes, postgraduate schools and second-level vocational master programmes.
The programme aims to train future biologists, biochemists, biophysicists, biotechnologists, researchers and graduate technicians in biological sciences. Professional skills provided by the Master?s degree in BARB are coherent with the national guidelines defined by the Board of Biologists of Italian Universities (Collegio dei Biologi delle Università Italiane - CBUI) during its periodic meetings, which also involved representatives from the National Council of Biologists, trade unions for biologists and other institutions and companies in the field.
Master?s graduates in Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine will possess specific and updated expertise in the field of theoretical and experimental biomedical research and have a deep knowledge of the biological principles that govern mechanisms and vital processes in human beings.
Their theoretical know-how is complemented by a specific knowledge of the most advanced biomedical technologies used in basic research, as well as in healthcare and industrial applications, enabling graduates to be autonomous in their work and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and applications in the biomedical field. The overall structure and learning outcomes of this degree programme have been designed based on emerging employability areas for biologists at a regional, national and European level. The degree programme is specifically designed to provide students with the skills needed to practise as biologists. Moreover, graduates with specific expertise and cultural skills may find job opportunities beyond Italy?s borders, for example in the European market.
Graduates will be able to:
1. Work in laboratories of public and private entities conducting biomedical research, e.g. universities, hospitals, scientific institutes for research, hospitalisation and healthcare (IRCCS), research centres, local government offices and pharmaceutical companies, in Europe and beyond;
2. Support the development of new biomedical and biohealth technologies at manufacturing companies in this field;
3. Organise work activities within public and private laboratories, also taking on managerial tasks;
4. Work for agencies specialising in scientific communication and dissemination, or academic publishers specialising in the biomedical sector;
5. Work as freelance professionals to provide biomedical consulting services.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Pursuant to Presidential Decree 328/01, graduates may sit for the State exam to qualify for the profession of biologist and be included in the National Council of Biologists - Ordine Nazionale dei Biologi (section A). They may also apply for PhD programmes, postgraduate schools and second-level vocational master programmes.
The programme aims to train future biologists, biochemists, biophysicists, biotechnologists, researchers and graduate technicians in biological sciences. Professional skills provided by the Master?s degree in BARB are coherent with the national guidelines defined by the Board of Biologists of Italian Universities (Collegio dei Biologi delle Università Italiane - CBUI) during its periodic meetings, which also involved representatives from the National Council of Biologists, trade unions for biologists and other institutions and companies in the field.
Master?s graduates in Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine will possess specific and updated expertise in the field of theoretical and experimental biomedical research and have a deep knowledge of the biological principles that govern mechanisms and vital processes in human beings.
Their theoretical know-how is complemented by a specific knowledge of the most advanced biomedical technologies used in basic research, as well as in healthcare and industrial applications, enabling graduates to be autonomous in their work and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and applications in the biomedical field. The overall structure and learning outcomes of this degree programme have been designed based on emerging employability areas for biologists at a regional, national and European level. The degree programme is specifically designed to provide students with the skills needed to practise as biologists. Moreover, graduates with specific expertise and cultural skills may find job opportunities beyond Italy?s borders, for example in the European market.
Graduates will be able to:
1. Work in laboratories of public and private entities conducting biomedical research, e.g. universities, hospitals, scientific institutes for research, hospitalisation and healthcare (IRCCS), research centres, local government offices and pharmaceutical companies, in Europe and beyond;
2. Support the development of new biomedical and biohealth technologies at manufacturing companies in this field;
3. Organise work activities within public and private laboratories, also taking on managerial tasks;
4. Work for agencies specialising in scientific communication and dissemination, or academic publishers specialising in the biomedical sector;
5. Work as freelance professionals to provide biomedical consulting services.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
BARB students are given the opportunity to spend part of their curriculum abroad, at a University within the European Union (EU) in the frame of the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission. BARB students can attend courses and take exams that can be included in the core curriculum and/or perform the experimental thesis work in several European Universities localized in Netherland, Norway, Ireland, Germany - where courses taught in English are active - Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal (see https://dbs.unimi.it/it/rapporti-internazionali/mobilita-internazionale). The admitted student will present a study plan including all the activities he/she intends to perform abroad, detailing the corresponding CFU: the number of proposed CFU should roughly correspond to those the student would achieve in the same time lapse remaining in his/her university. The study plan proposed by the student within the Erasmus+ program should be coherent with the BARB Master course and must be evaluated and approved by the Teaching Board. The Teaching Board, if necessary, will require the student to integrate the program of exams taken abroad. At the end of the Erasmus + program, according to the rules established by the Academic Senate, the approved exams will be recorded, possibly with the original denomination, as part of the student's curriculum upon 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 below (see Caratteristiche tirocinio). The Biological Erasmus and international mobility tutor is Dr. Cristina Bonza ([email protected]).
Attendance is strongly recommended for all courses.
Enrolment
Applicants to the programme must hold minimum curricular requirements and prove adequate knowledge (Ministerial Decree 270/04).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) fully meeting curricular requirements can access the Master's Degree Programme in BIOLOGY APPLIED TO RESEARCH IN BIOMEDICINE, provided that their course of studies is consistent with the CBUI Italian National Board's guidelines, as duly certified. These guidelines, provided in the CBUI model table, specify the required academic fields and the respective recommended credits (CFU): 66-96 CFU in basic biological disciplines (BIO/01, BIO/02, BIO/04, BIO/05, BIO/06, BIO/07, BIO/09, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18, BIO/19); 12-15 CFU in basic non-biological chemical disciplines (CHIM/01, CHIM/02, CHIM/03, CHIM/06); 15-18 CFU in basic non-biological mathematical, physical and computer science disciplines (MAT/01-09, FIS/01-08 and INF/01).
The programme can also be accessed by graduates of the same class (L-13), who have not followed a course of studies in line with the CBUI's guidelines, or of class L-12 - Biological Sciences pursuant to Ministerial Decree 509/99, or of other classes, as long as they meet certain curricular requirements. More specifically, they must have earned an adequate number of CFU (normally not less than 90 CFU) in groups of academic fields equivalent or similar to those listed in the table for class L-13 - Biological Sciences across non-biological and basic biological disciplines, according to a quantitative logic similar to that of the above mentioned CBUI criteria.
The consistency of the study plans of other degree classes with these criteria will be assessed by a special board.
Students from degree programmes outside class L-13 should send their curriculum for assessment to orientation services ([email protected]) or the academic office ([email protected]) well in advance, ideally during their Bachelor's programme. Based on your curriculum, you may be required to take any additional exams or earn more credits before applying for enrolment.
ADMISSION ASSESSMENT
The educational background required for admission to the Master's degree programme includes adequate basic training in biology, allowing the candidate to pursue advanced-level studies. The admission assessment will include:
1. the assessment of the candidate's previous curriculum;
2. the candidate's knowledge and skills.
The candidate's knowledge and aptitude will be key for admission. A board made up of at least three faculty members will assess the candidate through a written exam and an individual interview. The board will award up to 20/100 for the degree mark, up to 10/100 for the curriculum of studies (type of degree, any elective courses attended/passed, other diplomas, etc.), and up to 70/100 for the interview and written exam. Candidates who have achieved an overall score of at least 60/100 will be admitted. Candidates who fail the admission assessment may not enrol on the programme for the current year.
The written exam will consist of 40 closed-ended multiple-choice questions on different areas of biology. The interview will assess the student's knowledge, motivation and potential for completing this advanced-level programme.
The written exam and interview will take place only once, in September, for all applicants, both graduates and upcoming graduates, subjected to assessment of curricular requirements. Candidates must show up before the examining board with an ID.
For 2025/2026 academic year, admission interviews will take place as follows:
- written exam at 2.00 pm on 3 September 2025, room G14, via Golgi 19
- oral interview between 8 and 10 September 2025, according to a timetable to be announced at the beginning of September.
For non-EU, non-resident students with foreign qualifications, applications will be assessed based on the qualifications, and possibly an online interview.
Non-EU citizens residing in Italy and EU citizens access university education on equal terms with Italian citizens and therefore must go through the same assessment process as Italian candidates.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) fully meeting curricular requirements can access the Master's Degree Programme in BIOLOGY APPLIED TO RESEARCH IN BIOMEDICINE, provided that their course of studies is consistent with the CBUI Italian National Board's guidelines, as duly certified. These guidelines, provided in the CBUI model table, specify the required academic fields and the respective recommended credits (CFU): 66-96 CFU in basic biological disciplines (BIO/01, BIO/02, BIO/04, BIO/05, BIO/06, BIO/07, BIO/09, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18, BIO/19); 12-15 CFU in basic non-biological chemical disciplines (CHIM/01, CHIM/02, CHIM/03, CHIM/06); 15-18 CFU in basic non-biological mathematical, physical and computer science disciplines (MAT/01-09, FIS/01-08 and INF/01).
The programme can also be accessed by graduates of the same class (L-13), who have not followed a course of studies in line with the CBUI's guidelines, or of class L-12 - Biological Sciences pursuant to Ministerial Decree 509/99, or of other classes, as long as they meet certain curricular requirements. More specifically, they must have earned an adequate number of CFU (normally not less than 90 CFU) in groups of academic fields equivalent or similar to those listed in the table for class L-13 - Biological Sciences across non-biological and basic biological disciplines, according to a quantitative logic similar to that of the above mentioned CBUI criteria.
The consistency of the study plans of other degree classes with these criteria will be assessed by a special board.
Students from degree programmes outside class L-13 should send their curriculum for assessment to orientation services ([email protected]) or the academic office ([email protected]) well in advance, ideally during their Bachelor's programme. Based on your curriculum, you may be required to take any additional exams or earn more credits before applying for enrolment.
ADMISSION ASSESSMENT
The educational background required for admission to the Master's degree programme includes adequate basic training in biology, allowing the candidate to pursue advanced-level studies. The admission assessment will include:
1. the assessment of the candidate's previous curriculum;
2. the candidate's knowledge and skills.
The candidate's knowledge and aptitude will be key for admission. A board made up of at least three faculty members will assess the candidate through a written exam and an individual interview. The board will award up to 20/100 for the degree mark, up to 10/100 for the curriculum of studies (type of degree, any elective courses attended/passed, other diplomas, etc.), and up to 70/100 for the interview and written exam. Candidates who have achieved an overall score of at least 60/100 will be admitted. Candidates who fail the admission assessment may not enrol on the programme for the current year.
The written exam will consist of 40 closed-ended multiple-choice questions on different areas of biology. The interview will assess the student's knowledge, motivation and potential for completing this advanced-level programme.
The written exam and interview will take place only once, in September, for all applicants, both graduates and upcoming graduates, subjected to assessment of curricular requirements. Candidates must show up before the examining board with an ID.
For 2025/2026 academic year, admission interviews will take place as follows:
- written exam at 2.00 pm on 3 September 2025, room G14, via Golgi 19
- oral interview between 8 and 10 September 2025, according to a timetable to be announced at the beginning of September.
For non-EU, non-resident students with foreign qualifications, applications will be assessed based on the qualifications, and possibly an online interview.
Non-EU citizens residing in Italy and EU citizens access university education on equal terms with Italian citizens and therefore must go through the same assessment process as Italian candidates.
Admission
Application for admission: from 22/01/2025 to 25/08/2025
Application for matriculation: from 02/04/2025 to 15/01/2026
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
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Programme description and courses list
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Other Training Activities | 3 | 24 | Italian | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Human Anatomy | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/16 |
| Human Genetics and Genomics with Elements of Bioinformatics | 6 | 64 | Italian | BIO/18 |
| Pathology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
| Principles of Physiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| System Pharmacology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Optional | ||||
| Approaches for Identifying Drug Targets in Genetic Diseases | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Cellular Microbiology and Immunology | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/19 |
| Epidemiologic and Preventive Sciences | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/42 |
| Generation of Human Disease Models and Their Application | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/06 |
| Methods in Bioinformatics | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/11 |
| Molecular and Functional Bases of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Techniques for Advanced Biomedical Research | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biostatistics | 6 | 64 | Italian | MED/01 |
| Optional | ||||
| Advanced Diagnostics of the Biomedical Laboratory | 6 | 64 | Italian | BIO/12 MED/03 MED/07 |
| Biological Drugs and Advanced Therapies | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/12 |
| Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/07 MED/42 |
| Ecotoxicology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/07 |
| Experimental Oncology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
| Human and Experimental Neuroanatomy | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/16 |
| Molecular Biology Applied to the Biomedical Research | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/11 |
| Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction in Cell Biology and Disease | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/06 |
| Neurophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Physiology and Pharmacology of the Endocrine System | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 BIO/14 |
| Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/17 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | NN |
| Optional | ||||
| Anthropology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/08 |
| Biology and Molecualr Bases of Neuro-Muscular Diseases | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/16 BIO/17 |
| Cellular and Molecular Pathology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
| Cellular and Molecular Physiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - The student must choose 1 of the following elective courses (6 CFU)
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Open sessions | BIO/08 |
| Ecotoxicology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/07 |
| Generation of Human Disease Models and Their Application | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/06 |
| Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction in Cell Biology and Disease | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/06 |
2 - The student must choose 2 of the following elective courses (12 CFU)
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approaches for Identifying Drug Targets in Genetic Diseases | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/14 |
| Biological Drugs and Advanced Therapies | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/14 |
| Cellular and Molecular Pathology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Open sessions | MED/04 |
| Cellular and Molecular Physiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Open sessions | BIO/09 |
| Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/12 |
| Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | MED/07 MED/42 |
| Epidemiologic and Preventive Sciences | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | MED/42 |
| Experimental Oncology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | MED/04 |
| Human and Experimental Neuroanatomy | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/16 |
| Neurophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/09 |
| Physiology and Pharmacology of the Endocrine System | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/09 BIO/14 |
| Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/17 |
3 - The student must choose 2 of the following elective courses (12 CFU)
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Diagnostics of the Biomedical Laboratory | 6 | 64 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/12 MED/03 MED/07 |
| Biology and Molecualr Bases of Neuro-Muscular Diseases | 6 | 48 | Italian | Open sessions | BIO/16 BIO/17 |
| Cellular Microbiology and Immunology | 6 | 56 | Italian | First semester | BIO/19 |
| Methods in Bioinformatics | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/11 |
| Molecular and Functional Bases of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/09 |
| Molecular Biology Applied to the Biomedical Research | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/11 |
| Techniques for Advanced Biomedical Research | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/09 |
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 their educational plan and that the course content does not overlap with those present in mandatory and guided-choice courses in the study plan. The student can pick the remaining principal and guided-choice courses that he/she had not inserted in the study plan.
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Training and Orientation Internship | 6 | 0 | Italian | NN |
| Prova finale | 30 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Per il superamento degli esami del biennio magistrale non sono previste propedeuticità, né sono previsti vincoli didattici per il passaggio dal 1° al 2° anno di corso.
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Location
Milan
Course locations
Classrooms are located in the University buildings in: Via Celoria, 26 (Biology buildings); Via Celoria, 20 (Teaching Sector); Via Golgi, 19.
The Academic Services Office is located in the Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria, 26 - Milano (Tower C, ground floor).
The Academic Services Office is located in the Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria, 26 - Milano (Tower C, ground floor).
Laboratory locations
The CLM is characterized by an intense laboratory activity that is mainly carried out in the internship activity for the thesis.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Study plan tutor
Internship tutor
Seminar and workshop tutor
Dissertation tutor
University and programme transfer tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Credit recognition tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Student registrar
Via Celoria, 18
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/359
+390250325032
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/360 - programme
via Celoria, 26 - piano terra, torre C.
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/
Sportello online su appuntamento ([email protected]) - Admissions and enrolment
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-di-laurea/iscriversi/iscriversi-un-corso-magistrale - New student information center
via Celoria, 26 - piano terra, torre C
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/
[email protected]
Sportello online su appuntamento ([email protected]) - Disability and SLD academic tutor (appointed by the Academic Board):
Prof.ssa Diletta Dolfini
[email protected] - Admission information contact email
[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).
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Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment
Official documents