Medical Biotechnology
Medical Biotechnology
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Bachelor
L-2 R - Biotecnologie
The Degree Course in Medical Biotechnology, of which the Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra) is the referent within the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, aims at preparing graduates in possession of (I) a solid basic chemical-biological preparation, (II) in-depth knowledge in the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, pathology pharmacology applied to man, (III) of the fundamentals of pathophysiology and diagnostics and of a consistent interdisciplinary knowledge of biotechnological methodologies to be applied to the various fields of biotechnology of medical interest, with particular attention to the research, diagnostic, therapeutic, reproductive, medico-legal sectors, in compliance with the regulations and deontological and bioethical issues.
Through the acquisition of this knowledge, the degree course in Medical Biotechnology aims to prepare a professional figure endowed with good basic and technical-applicative knowledge in the biomedical field, with good scientific, relational and team-working communication skills that will enable him/her to participate in the planning and application of biotechnologies in the biomedical field in close collaboration with other professionals working in this field. To this end, the training pathway is structured with basic, characterising, related and integrative activities that enable the acquisition of a profound understanding of biological systems at the cellular, structural, biochemical and molecular levels in both physiological and pathological conditions, on which is built a solid knowledge of the most recent biotechnological applications in medicine and of the techniques used for this purpose, including omics and bioinformatics approaches, genomic editing, advanced medical therapies. Knowledge of these innovations is not limited to their efficacy and usefulness in the medical sphere but, through the lens of bioethics, is extended to the moral, social and environmental implications arising from them.
In addition to the classroom teaching activities, practical activities are carried out in the University's teaching laboratories, which differ in the methods to be learnt and which may cover the fields of anatomy and histology; cell, applied and molecular biology; biochemistry; genetics; microbiology. These practical activities precede the internship period, which is carried out in research and care facilities of the Faculty of Medicine, or in non-academic public or private care or research organisations, or companies with a medical biotechnological vocation, even at international level. The internship will be the basis for the drafting of a written paper that the student will have to discuss as the final examination for graduation. In addition, graduates in Medical Biotechnology will be prepared to continue their training or to enter the workplace not only nationally but also internationally, thanks to their ability to use the English language effectively. The organisation of study days and seminars held in English and featuring international guests, the discussion and processing of scientific work in English, and the possibility of spending periods abroad during the training period will foster both understanding and practice of this language.
Through the acquisition of this knowledge, the degree course in Medical Biotechnology aims to prepare a professional figure endowed with good basic and technical-applicative knowledge in the biomedical field, with good scientific, relational and team-working communication skills that will enable him/her to participate in the planning and application of biotechnologies in the biomedical field in close collaboration with other professionals working in this field. To this end, the training pathway is structured with basic, characterising, related and integrative activities that enable the acquisition of a profound understanding of biological systems at the cellular, structural, biochemical and molecular levels in both physiological and pathological conditions, on which is built a solid knowledge of the most recent biotechnological applications in medicine and of the techniques used for this purpose, including omics and bioinformatics approaches, genomic editing, advanced medical therapies. Knowledge of these innovations is not limited to their efficacy and usefulness in the medical sphere but, through the lens of bioethics, is extended to the moral, social and environmental implications arising from them.
In addition to the classroom teaching activities, practical activities are carried out in the University's teaching laboratories, which differ in the methods to be learnt and which may cover the fields of anatomy and histology; cell, applied and molecular biology; biochemistry; genetics; microbiology. These practical activities precede the internship period, which is carried out in research and care facilities of the Faculty of Medicine, or in non-academic public or private care or research organisations, or companies with a medical biotechnological vocation, even at international level. The internship will be the basis for the drafting of a written paper that the student will have to discuss as the final examination for graduation. In addition, graduates in Medical Biotechnology will be prepared to continue their training or to enter the workplace not only nationally but also internationally, thanks to their ability to use the English language effectively. The organisation of study days and seminars held in English and featuring international guests, the discussion and processing of scientific work in English, and the possibility of spending periods abroad during the training period will foster both understanding and practice of this language.
The graduate in Medical Biotechnology will be able to apply, with defined degrees of autonomy, biotechnological protocols in the medical field and to collaborate in programmes for the development and surveillance of biotechnology applied to humans, taking into account not only the technical aspects but also the ethical, economic and administrative ones.
On this basis, he/she will be able to successfully enter the relevant working environments in national and international contexts, possessing appropriate technical-scientific skills, also pertaining to communication and information management, and being able to adequately use the English language.
The skills acquired by Medical Biotechnology graduates can be applied in the following work contexts:
- National Health System structures, hospital companies, public and private specialised clinical analysis laboratories;
- Universities and other public and private research institutes and bodies;
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries;
- Research and development centres for biotechnological diagnostic products in the health area;
- Biotechnology service centres in the medical area;
- Bodies in charge of drawing up health or patent regulations concerning the exploitation of biotechnological products for the protection of human health.
The specific role and professionalism of the Medical Biotechnology graduate according to the nomenclature and classification drawn up by ISTAT is that of Biochemical Laboratory Technician (3.2.2.3.1).
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
On this basis, he/she will be able to successfully enter the relevant working environments in national and international contexts, possessing appropriate technical-scientific skills, also pertaining to communication and information management, and being able to adequately use the English language.
The skills acquired by Medical Biotechnology graduates can be applied in the following work contexts:
- National Health System structures, hospital companies, public and private specialised clinical analysis laboratories;
- Universities and other public and private research institutes and bodies;
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries;
- Research and development centres for biotechnological diagnostic products in the health area;
- Biotechnology service centres in the medical area;
- Bodies in charge of drawing up health or patent regulations concerning the exploitation of biotechnological products for the protection of human health.
The specific role and professionalism of the Medical Biotechnology graduate according to the nomenclature and classification drawn up by ISTAT is that of Biochemical Laboratory Technician (3.2.2.3.1).
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The Degree programme in Medical Biotechnology supports cooperation opportunities and mobility with leading international universities, as well as the possibility for students to earn credits through exchange education and training programmes with Partner organizations.
In order to achieve Erasmus+, bilateral agreements are in place with the Catholic University of Leuven (Katolieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium), the University of Lleida (Universitat de Lleida, Spain), the LUMC (Leids Universitair Medish Centrum) of the University of Leiden (The Netherlands) and the University of Cantabria in Santander (Spain). At these locations, it is possible to carry out - during the third year of the course - practical training in the laboratory, living an experience that enriches their training with a European dimension.
In recent years, a growing number of students have developed their professionalism and the European dimension of their training through residence periods abroad. Associated Universities represent highly recognized European institutions, featuring reference schools in biomedical sciences. The students will thus be offered exciting opportunities to enhance their CVs and evaluate their interest in extending their careers in an international setting.
The period abroad amounts to max. 3 months equivalent to 14 credits (8 CFUs from the practical side, + 6 CFUs from elective activities). A positive evaluation of the period abroad is required. The latter is defined by the tutor in the foreign university, the Unimi tutor and is subjected to the approval by the Unimi Didactic Council.
Besides general informative meetings organized by the University, the Degree course in Medical Biotechnology provides specific support to interested/selected students through the organization of specific informative session and/or meeting with the tutor for mobility.
In order to achieve Erasmus+, bilateral agreements are in place with the Catholic University of Leuven (Katolieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium), the University of Lleida (Universitat de Lleida, Spain), the LUMC (Leids Universitair Medish Centrum) of the University of Leiden (The Netherlands) and the University of Cantabria in Santander (Spain). At these locations, it is possible to carry out - during the third year of the course - practical training in the laboratory, living an experience that enriches their training with a European dimension.
In recent years, a growing number of students have developed their professionalism and the European dimension of their training through residence periods abroad. Associated Universities represent highly recognized European institutions, featuring reference schools in biomedical sciences. The students will thus be offered exciting opportunities to enhance their CVs and evaluate their interest in extending their careers in an international setting.
The period abroad amounts to max. 3 months equivalent to 14 credits (8 CFUs from the practical side, + 6 CFUs from elective activities). A positive evaluation of the period abroad is required. The latter is defined by the tutor in the foreign university, the Unimi tutor and is subjected to the approval by the Unimi Didactic Council.
Besides general informative meetings organized by the University, the Degree course in Medical Biotechnology provides specific support to interested/selected students through the organization of specific informative session and/or meeting with the tutor for mobility.
Mandatory for all courses and workshops.
Enrolment
Candidates with a high school diploma or an equivalent foreign qualification in accordance with Ministerial Decree n.270 of 22 October 2004 may be admitted to the Degree Course in Medical Biotechnology. Access to the Course is programmed locally and limited to 120 students + 5 non-EU students residing abroad. They will be selected on the basis of the results of a selective test that must be taken prior to enrollment.
The course adheres to the on-line test system of type S (TOLC-S) prepared at national level by the Interuniversity Consortium Integrated Systems for Access (C.I.S.I.A.). The date of the selective test and the methods for determining the merit list for access to the Degree Course in Medical Biotechnology will be defined in the announcement of competition.
Additional educational obligations and methods for recovery (OFA)
Freshmen who do not achieve a score greater than or equal to 10 in the Basic Mathematics module of the TOLC-S will be assigned Additional Educational Obligations (OFA). For students with OFA, support activities will be organized in the period October-December, followed by a remedial test with which the student must demonstrate that he/she has improved his/her preparation. Those who have not reached the required objectives will not be able to take the Mathematics exam.
Admission to years subsequent to the first and cases of exemption from the test
Students who intend to transfer to the degree course in Medical Biotechnology or those who already have a degree, are still required to take the test and achieve a useful position in the ranking for the purposes of enrollment. The presentation of any previous career, subject to evaluation by the Board of Education and within the limit of available seats for each year programmed at the University level under Law n.264 of 02.08.199, may allow to be admitted to years after the first.
An exception is made for students and graduates of the class L-2 of the University of Milan (degree in Biotechnology) who may be admitted to years subsequent to the first, always in compliance with the limits of the law reported, and therefore exempt from the test, provided that they comply with the requirements, the procedure and the deadlines indicated in the call for admission.
The course adheres to the on-line test system of type S (TOLC-S) prepared at national level by the Interuniversity Consortium Integrated Systems for Access (C.I.S.I.A.). The date of the selective test and the methods for determining the merit list for access to the Degree Course in Medical Biotechnology will be defined in the announcement of competition.
Additional educational obligations and methods for recovery (OFA)
Freshmen who do not achieve a score greater than or equal to 10 in the Basic Mathematics module of the TOLC-S will be assigned Additional Educational Obligations (OFA). For students with OFA, support activities will be organized in the period October-December, followed by a remedial test with which the student must demonstrate that he/she has improved his/her preparation. Those who have not reached the required objectives will not be able to take the Mathematics exam.
Admission to years subsequent to the first and cases of exemption from the test
Students who intend to transfer to the degree course in Medical Biotechnology or those who already have a degree, are still required to take the test and achieve a useful position in the ranking for the purposes of enrollment. The presentation of any previous career, subject to evaluation by the Board of Education and within the limit of available seats for each year programmed at the University level under Law n.264 of 02.08.199, may allow to be admitted to years after the first.
An exception is made for students and graduates of the class L-2 of the University of Milan (degree in Biotechnology) who may be admitted to years subsequent to the first, always in compliance with the limits of the law reported, and therefore exempt from the test, provided that they comply with the requirements, the procedure and the deadlines indicated in the call for admission.
Places available: 120 + 5 reserved for non-EU citizens
Call for applications
Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.
Session: 1
Application for admission: from 13/03/2025 to 12/06/2025
Application for matriculation: from 18/06/2025 to 30/06/2025
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE
The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.
Session: 2
Application for admission: from 02/07/2025 to 11/09/2025
Application for matriculation: from 07/10/2025 to 07/10/2025
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE
The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| General and Cellular Biology | 7 | 60 | Italian | BIO/13 |
| General and Inorganic Chemistry | 8 | 64 | Italian | CHIM/03 |
| Mathematics | 6 | 56 | Italian | MAT/05 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Applied Physics | 9 | 84 | Italian | FIS/07 |
| Genetics | 7 | 68 | Italian | BIO/13 |
| Human Anatomy and Histology | 7 | 68 | Italian | BIO/16 BIO/17 |
| - Histology | 3 | 28 | BIO/17 | |
| - Human anatomy | 4 | 40 | BIO/16 | |
| Organic Chemistry | 8 | 64 | Italian | CHIM/06 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| English Proficiency B2 (2 ECTS) | 2 | 0 | English | NN |
Study plan rules
1° Anno - Students must also acquire 2 ECTS relating to the assessment of the English language.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency B2 (2 ECTS) | 2 | 0 | English | Open sessions | NN |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biochemistry and Fundamentals of Human Biochemistry | 11 | 88 | Italian | BIO/10 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Human Physiology | 7 | 64 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology | 10 | 120 | Italian | BIO/10 BIO/13 |
| - Cellular methodologies | 5 | 56 | BIO/13 | |
| - Molecular methodologies | 5 | 64 | BIO/10 | |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Bioethical and Legal Issues in Biotechnology | 9 | 72 | Italian | AGR/01 IUS/01 MED/02 |
| General Pathology and Immunology | 10 | 88 | Italian | MED/04 |
| Human Molecular Genetics | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/13 MED/03 |
| Microbiology and Medical Virology | 6 | 56 | Italian | MED/07 |
Not specified period
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Molecular Biology | 8 | 68 | Italian | BIO/11 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Medical Pharmacology | 10 | 80 | Italian | BIO/14 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotechnologies in Molecular Diagnostics and Fundamental of Statistics | 9 | 84 | Italian | BIO/12 MED/01 MED/05 MED/50 |
| - Biotechnology in diagnostics | 5 | 48 | BIO/12,MED/05 | |
| - Statistics in biomedical experimentation | 4 | 36 | MED/01,MED/50 | |
| Physiopathology, Introduction in Biotechnologies Diagnostic and Therapy | 9 | 84 | Italian | MED/06 MED/09 MED/13 MED/15 MED/18 MED/26 |
| - Medical physiopathology | 5 | 48 | MED/09,MED/13,MED/15 | |
| - Principles of diagnostic and biotechnological therapy | 4 | 36 | MED/06,MED/18,MED/26 | |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Applications of Biotech On Medicine | 7 | 56 | Italian | MED/08 MED/40 MED/42 MED/43 MED/44 MED/46 |
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Training | 8 | 200 | Italian | NN |
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Examination | 4 | 0 | Italian | NN |
Study plan rules
3° Anno - Lo studente, al terzo anno, deve altresì maturare 12 CFU in attività formative a scelta
The undergraduate Degree Course in Biotechnology requires compulsory propaedeutical exams listed in table. For each of the learning activities which require propaedeutical exams, the student must take the examination of propaedeutical courses (right column) before taking the exam on courses for which there are specific prerequisites (left column).
Prescribed foundation courses
| Learning activity | Prescribed foundation courses |
|---|---|
| Applications of Biotech On Medicine | General Pathology and Immunology (compulsory), Human Molecular Genetics (compulsory), Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology (compulsory) |
| Biochemistry and Fundamentals of Human Biochemistry | General and Inorganic Chemistry (compulsory), Organic Chemistry (compulsory) |
| Biotechnologies in Molecular Diagnostics and Fundamental of Statistics | Biochemistry and Fundamentals of Human Biochemistry (compulsory), General Pathology and Immunology (compulsory), Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology (compulsory) |
| General Pathology and Immunology | General and Cellular Biology (compulsory), Genetics (compulsory) |
| Human Molecular Genetics | Molecular Biology (compulsory), Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology (compulsory) |
| Human Physiology | Applied Physics (compulsory), Human Anatomy and Histology (compulsory) |
| Medical Pharmacology | Biochemistry and Fundamentals of Human Biochemistry (compulsory), General Pathology and Immunology (compulsory), Human Molecular Genetics (compulsory) |
| Microbiology and Medical Virology | General and Cellular Biology (compulsory) |
| Molecular Biology | General and Cellular Biology (compulsory), Genetics (compulsory) |
| Physiopathology, Introduction in Biotechnologies Diagnostic and Therapy | Biochemistry and Fundamentals of Human Biochemistry (compulsory), General Pathology and Immunology (compulsory), Human Physiology (compulsory) |
| Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology | General and Cellular Biology (compulsory), Genetics (compulsory) |
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Location
Milan
Course locations
Location of the Degree Course at the Didactic/Scientific Pole LITA Segrate - via F.lli Cervi, 93 - Segrate (MI)
The didactic activities of the first semester of the first year are carried out at the didactic facilities located in the Città Studi area, while from the second semester onwards they take place at the LITA Scientific Educational Pole (Segrate), the site of the second and third year classes.
Traineeships may take place at facilities belonging to the Faculty of Medicine or outside, equipped with modern scientific and welfare facilities, with a high degree of expertise in the field of biotechnology applied to the medical sciences.
The didactic activities of the first semester of the first year are carried out at the didactic facilities located in the Città Studi area, while from the second semester onwards they take place at the LITA Scientific Educational Pole (Segrate), the site of the second and third year classes.
Traineeships may take place at facilities belonging to the Faculty of Medicine or outside, equipped with modern scientific and welfare facilities, with a high degree of expertise in the field of biotechnology applied to the medical sciences.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Internship tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Secretariat 1st, 2nd and 3rd year: Ms Lucia Loseto
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale sede di via Vanvitelli, 32
[email protected]
+3902/50317123
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