Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
In-person programme
Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Course sheet
A.Y. 2026/2027
Master programme
LM-8 R - Biotecnologie industriali
The Master's Degree in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (MB&B) is designed to prepare graduates with a robust and diverse cultural foundation in the key disciplines of industrial biotechnology. The program fosters the ability to excel in the inherently interdisciplinary field of modern biotechnology, equipping students to integrate knowledge and skills across various domains effectively. Graduates will be well-positioned to work independently, take on leadership roles in projects and facilities, and contribute to research, development, innovation, management, and quality control in both public and private sectors within the biotechnology industry and services. This program also lays a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, including Ph.D. programs.
The program is delivered in English, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the global job market. It emphasizes critical application of the scientific method to biological systems, offering:
- A comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, structural, molecular, and cellular aspects of biological systems.
- Expertise in advanced analytical and bioinformatics methodologies for the analysis and integration of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data.
- Skills to design, improve, and implement biotechnological processes, services, and applications with an interdisciplinary approach.
This curriculum integrates core chemical, biological, and technological disciplines relevant to industrial biotechnology.
Related and complementary activities allow students to specialize in areas such as microbial, animal, and plant biotechnology.
In the first year, students will gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation in biotechnology core disciplines. In the first and second years, students can also tailor their learning experience through elective courses as well as develop soft skills and language competencies, aligning with their professional and academic goals.
A significant portion of the second year is dedicated to an experimental thesis leading to a final dissertation. Students will work in cutting-edge research laboratories, either at the university or within national or international public or private facilities. This hands-on experience enables students to apply their knowledge, refine their scientific investigation skills, and master modern analytical and instrumental techniques. The thesis process also enhances their abilities to analyze, process, and present scientific data effectively.
The program is delivered in English, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the global job market. It emphasizes critical application of the scientific method to biological systems, offering:
- A comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, structural, molecular, and cellular aspects of biological systems.
- Expertise in advanced analytical and bioinformatics methodologies for the analysis and integration of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data.
- Skills to design, improve, and implement biotechnological processes, services, and applications with an interdisciplinary approach.
This curriculum integrates core chemical, biological, and technological disciplines relevant to industrial biotechnology.
Related and complementary activities allow students to specialize in areas such as microbial, animal, and plant biotechnology.
In the first year, students will gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation in biotechnology core disciplines. In the first and second years, students can also tailor their learning experience through elective courses as well as develop soft skills and language competencies, aligning with their professional and academic goals.
A significant portion of the second year is dedicated to an experimental thesis leading to a final dissertation. Students will work in cutting-edge research laboratories, either at the university or within national or international public or private facilities. This hands-on experience enables students to apply their knowledge, refine their scientific investigation skills, and master modern analytical and instrumental techniques. The thesis process also enhances their abilities to analyze, process, and present scientific data effectively.
The Master's degree in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics opens diverse career opportunities in both public and private sectors. Graduates are prepared to work in research laboratories, biotechnology industry production facilities, and quality control laboratories, across various fields such as diagnostics, chemicals, and the agro-food industry. They will also be equipped to promote scientific development and technological innovation in R&D environments within the industrial sector.
Graduates will be able to assume high-level responsibilities, managing the ethical, technical, and legal aspects of their work within their areas of expertise. The MB&B program's comprehensive training across a wide range of biotechnological disciplines also serves as a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, such as Ph.D. programs or other advanced degrees.
MB&B graduates can pursue careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food production, environmental biotechnology, and biotechnology services. They will also be qualified to work in genomics and proteomics research laboratories, whether in public or private institutions. Relevant professions include biologist, biochemist, biophysicist, and biotechnologist, among others.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Graduates will be able to assume high-level responsibilities, managing the ethical, technical, and legal aspects of their work within their areas of expertise. The MB&B program's comprehensive training across a wide range of biotechnological disciplines also serves as a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, such as Ph.D. programs or other advanced degrees.
MB&B graduates can pursue careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food production, environmental biotechnology, and biotechnology services. They will also be qualified to work in genomics and proteomics research laboratories, whether in public or private institutions. Relevant professions include biologist, biochemist, biophysicist, and biotechnologist, among others.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The MB&B programme supports the international mobility initiatives offered by the University. MB&B faculty members (for the academic year 2026/2027, Prof. Veronica Gregis) serve as tutors for students interested in the Erasmus+ programme, providing guidance in selecting the most suitable mobility option for their academic development. Each year, in January, the Erasmus+ programme is presented to MB&B students during a dedicated event organized by the Erasmus+ Coordinator for the Industrial Biotechnology area (Prof. Veronica Gregis).
As part of the Erasmus+ framework, the MB&B MSc has established agreements with several partner universities offering courses taught in English. The list of currently available destinations is regularly updated and can be consulted at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus
Time spent abroad may be used to attend courses and take the corresponding examinations, thereby earning credits towards the Master's degree, and to carry out the experimental work related to the thesis project. Students admitted to the mobility programme must submit a study plan describing the training activities they intend to undertake and the corresponding number of credits. As far as possible, the credit load should correspond to the number of credits the student would normally acquire at the home university during the same period. The proposed activities must be consistent with the objectives and content of the Master's programme.
The MB&B Student Mobility Committee must approve the study plan and may request modifications or additions. At the end of the mobility period, and according to the regulations of the University of Milan, all courses completed abroad (with passed examinations) will be recorded in the student's transcript, preferably maintaining their original titles, alongside their ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) value and the corresponding conversion into CFU (typically, 1 ECTS = 1 CFU).
Students wishing to complete their thesis work abroad must appoint an internal supervisor (selected from the MB&B faculty), and their study plan must be approved by the MB&B Board.
As part of the Erasmus+ framework, the MB&B MSc has established agreements with several partner universities offering courses taught in English. The list of currently available destinations is regularly updated and can be consulted at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus
Time spent abroad may be used to attend courses and take the corresponding examinations, thereby earning credits towards the Master's degree, and to carry out the experimental work related to the thesis project. Students admitted to the mobility programme must submit a study plan describing the training activities they intend to undertake and the corresponding number of credits. As far as possible, the credit load should correspond to the number of credits the student would normally acquire at the home university during the same period. The proposed activities must be consistent with the objectives and content of the Master's programme.
The MB&B Student Mobility Committee must approve the study plan and may request modifications or additions. At the end of the mobility period, and according to the regulations of the University of Milan, all courses completed abroad (with passed examinations) will be recorded in the student's transcript, preferably maintaining their original titles, alongside their ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) value and the corresponding conversion into CFU (typically, 1 ECTS = 1 CFU).
Students wishing to complete their thesis work abroad must appoint an internal supervisor (selected from the MB&B faculty), and their study plan must be approved by the MB&B Board.
Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended. The experimental project leading to the final dissertation is compulsory for the Master's degree.
Enrolment
Students with an Italian university degree:
The MB&B Master's degree is open to graduates of the Laurea Triennale of the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and the previous class 1 (Biotechnology). It is also open to students with a Laurea Triennale with a strong background (at least 60 University Credits (CFU)) in biotechnology-related subjects, including at least 36 CFU in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology; at least 10 CFU in mathematics, physics, computer science and statistics; at least 10 CFU in chemistry.
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college at the time of application and have a good knowledge in all the following areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology. Sufficient knowledge in the disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and statistics is also required. A commission, appointed by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of applicants to verify that the minimum requirements for admission are met. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with other forms of assessment, including interviews. The master's degree does not have a programmed number of students, with a maximum of 25 places reserved for non-EU students residing outside Italy.
In addition to the above curricular requirements, proficiency in English at level B2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Valid language certificate at B2 level or higher, issued no more than three years before the application date. The list of language certificates recognized by the University is available at https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322 .The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the application date, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor?s degree at the University of Milan. Verification will be carried out automatically, no documents need to be uploaded.
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/)
Applicants who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and submit it to SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline set by the master?s degree programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who fail to meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
Eligibility assessment
The admission process includes an evaluation of the applicant's undergraduate curriculum by an Admissions Committee consisting of the Program Coordinator and one or more faculty members. The personal preparation is considered adequate if the score obtained in the BSc is higher than 88/110 or 23/30 as an average of all exam scores for students who have not yet obtained the BSc. The purpose of the examination is to determine whether the candidate has the necessary preparation in the basic subjects. If necessary, the Commission may require the candidate to integrate the information provided. Successful applicants will be notified of their eligibility and may proceed with enrollment in the master?s program.
For detailed information on the application process, please visit: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programmeenrolment/enrolment-masters-programme/open-admission-master-programmes
The Admissions Committee may request an interview or other forms of evaluation to further assess the applicant's qualifications. For non-EU applicants who require a visa, the application deadline is April 30, 2026, due to the visa processing time and the limited number of available places, as stipulated by current regulations.
The MB&B Master's degree is open to graduates of the Laurea Triennale of the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and the previous class 1 (Biotechnology). It is also open to students with a Laurea Triennale with a strong background (at least 60 University Credits (CFU)) in biotechnology-related subjects, including at least 36 CFU in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology; at least 10 CFU in mathematics, physics, computer science and statistics; at least 10 CFU in chemistry.
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college at the time of application and have a good knowledge in all the following areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology. Sufficient knowledge in the disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and statistics is also required. A commission, appointed by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of applicants to verify that the minimum requirements for admission are met. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with other forms of assessment, including interviews. The master's degree does not have a programmed number of students, with a maximum of 25 places reserved for non-EU students residing outside Italy.
In addition to the above curricular requirements, proficiency in English at level B2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Valid language certificate at B2 level or higher, issued no more than three years before the application date. The list of language certificates recognized by the University is available at https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322 .The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the application date, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor?s degree at the University of Milan. Verification will be carried out automatically, no documents need to be uploaded.
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/)
Applicants who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and submit it to SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline set by the master?s degree programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who fail to meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
Eligibility assessment
The admission process includes an evaluation of the applicant's undergraduate curriculum by an Admissions Committee consisting of the Program Coordinator and one or more faculty members. The personal preparation is considered adequate if the score obtained in the BSc is higher than 88/110 or 23/30 as an average of all exam scores for students who have not yet obtained the BSc. The purpose of the examination is to determine whether the candidate has the necessary preparation in the basic subjects. If necessary, the Commission may require the candidate to integrate the information provided. Successful applicants will be notified of their eligibility and may proceed with enrollment in the master?s program.
For detailed information on the application process, please visit: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programmeenrolment/enrolment-masters-programme/open-admission-master-programmes
The Admissions Committee may request an interview or other forms of evaluation to further assess the applicant's qualifications. For non-EU applicants who require a visa, the application deadline is April 30, 2026, due to the visa processing time and the limited number of available places, as stipulated by current regulations.
Admission
Application for admission: from 22/01/2026 to 20/07/2026
Application for matriculation: from 05/05/2026 to 15/01/2027
Attachments and documents
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
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotechnological Products and Processes | 6 | 48 | English | CHEM-05/A CHEM-07/C |
| Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics | 10 | 88 | English | BIOS-08/A BIOS-14/A |
| Methods in Bioinformatics | 6 | 48 | English | INFO-01/A |
| Molecular and Cellular Microbiology | 6 | 48 | English | BIOS-14/A BIOS-15/A |
| Rational Design and Structural Characterization of Bioactive Molecules | 6 | 48 | English | CHEM-02/A CHEM-05/A |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology | 10 | 80 | English | BIOS-04/A BIOS-08/A |
| Plant Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | BIOS-02/A BIOS-14/A |
| Protein Engineering and Molecular Enzymology | 6 | 48 | English | BIOS-07/A |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - The student must choose at least two of the following courses
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Bioinformatics for Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIOS-08/A INFO-01/A |
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | FIS/03 PHYS-06/A |
| Biotechnological and Molecular Strategies in the Control of Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | MVET-03/B |
| Macromolecular Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | Second semester | BIOS-07/A |
| Molecular Breeding and Plant Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | AGRI-06/A BIOS-14/A |
| Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications and Biosensors | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | CHEM-01/A CHEM-05/A |
| Patenting and Technology Transfer | 6 | 64 | English | Second semester | AGRI-01/A GIUR-01/A GIUR-02/A |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | PHYS-06/A |
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Laboratory Training | 7 | 0 | English | NN |
| Thesis Project and Final Dissertation | 30 | 0 | English | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | English | FIS/03 PHYS-06/A |
| Biotechnological and Molecular Strategies in the Control of Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens | 6 | 48 | English | MVET-03/B |
| Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications and Biosensors | 6 | 48 | English | CHEM-01/A CHEM-05/A |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | PHYS-06/A |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Advanced Bioinformatics for Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | BIOS-08/A INFO-01/A |
| Macromolecular Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | BIOS-07/A |
| Molecular Breeding and Plant Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | AGRI-06/A BIOS-14/A |
| Patenting and Technology Transfer | 6 | 64 | English | AGRI-01/A GIUR-01/A GIUR-02/A |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Italian | NN |
| Other Training Activities | 3 | 0 | English | NN |
Optional activities and study plan rules
2 - The student must acquire 12 CFU freely chosen and 3 CFU focused on the development of soft skills, including language courses (Italian for foreigners or advanced English courses), additional computer skills or other skills useful for job placement, including attending seminars from invited experts and scientist. The courses can be chosen either from the list of MB&B electives or from any course offered by the University of Milan, including courses taught in Italian, if they are considered compatible with the objectives of the MB&B degree and are not a repetition of courses already offered in the program. Three credits can be acquired by extending the thesis project, upon presenting a motivated written request that must be approved by the MB&B Study Plan Committee.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Italian | Open sessions | NN |
| Other Training Activities | 3 | 0 | English | Open sessions | NN |
There are no propaedeutic courses that limit progression from the first to the second year.
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment
Milan
Course locations
Lecture rooms and laboratories are in the "Città Studi" campus, mostly in the University buildings of Via Celoria, 26 (Edifici Biologici); Via Celoria, 20 (Settore Didattico); Via Golgi, 19 (Edificio Golgi). The Department of Biosciences is the reference structure for all teaching activities related to the MB&B course.
Laboratory locations
The MB&B course is characterized by an intense laboratory activity that is mainly carried out in the internship activity for the thesis.
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Study plan tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Academic Services Office
Milan - Via Celoria, 26
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/
[email protected]
Desk by appointment, either online or in person. Please book your appointment via email: [email protected] - Student administrative office
Milan - Via Celoria, 18
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/welcome-desk-informastudenti/student-desks-locations-and-opening-hours
+390250325032
The front offices receive in the days and times indicated on the webpage - International Students Office - Welcome Desk
Milan - Via S. Sofia, 9/1
https://www.unimi.it/en/international/coming-abroad/international-students-office-welcome-desk - Industrial Biotechnology Academic Board
http://www.unimi.it/en/education/faculties-and-schools/science-and-technology/industrial-biotechnology - Boards
Prof. Veronica Gregis, Prof. Federica Marini (Erasmus); Prof. Carlo Camilloni, Prof. David Horner (Study mobility); Prof. Carlo Camilloni, Prof. Thomas Vaccari (Study Plan); Prof. Carlo Camilloni, Prof. Federico Zambelli (Admission). - Disability manager
Prof. Matteo Chiara
For students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes, tuition fees are to be paid in two instalments:
- the amount of the first instalment is the same for all students and is due upon enrolment
- the amount of the second instalment varies according to each student's ISEE University value and the degree programme in which they are enrolled
- for international students with income and assets abroad, the second instalment varies according to their country of origin.
Education incentive programmes and other benefits
The University offers scholarships, cafeterias, subsidised accommodation and other forms of financial support to students meeting specific economic and merit requirements.
More information
Official documents