Molecular Biology of the Cell (Class LM-6)-Enrolled from 2015/2016 to 2024/2025 Academic Year
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.
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.
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
course year not available
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
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| 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
ISABELLA DALLE DONNE
Docenti tutor
Academic guidance advisors - Marta Valenza and Federica Marini
Erasmus and International Mobility advisors - Cristina Bonza and David Horner
Study plan advisor - Monica Beltrame
Thesis advisors - Paolo Pesaresi, David Horner
Master's Degree admission advisor - Paolo Pesaresi
Credit recognition advisor - Paolo Pesaresi
Erasmus and International Mobility advisors - Cristina Bonza and David Horner
Study plan advisor - Monica Beltrame
Thesis advisors - Paolo Pesaresi, David Horner
Master's Degree admission advisor - Paolo Pesaresi
Credit recognition advisor - Paolo Pesaresi
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
Official documents