Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine
Biology Applied to Research in Biomedicine
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Master programme
LM-6 - Biology
The Master of Science (M.Sc.) programme in BIOLOGY APPLIED to BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH (BARB, Class LM-6 Biology) aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to manage individually or in collaboration with other professional figures their research in both basic and applied aspects of the biomedical field.
The M.Sc. in BARB proposes the basic flexible scheme applied previously and introduces some substantial new features that allow a better characterization of the biomedical aspects of the M.Sc. programme and a better identification of the professional figure of the biomedical scientist and its role in all aspects of basic/applied research activities.
Specific educational aims are:
1) to provide students with the basic notions of biological processes underlying the physiology of organs and systems, their pathological dysfunctions and their modulation by pharmacological and other interventions, specifically in man.
2) to teach students how to apply theoretical notions to applications of biomedical interest for humans and in relation to the interaction with the environment;
3) to provide tools for understanding and practicing theoretical knowledge in the lab;
4) to foster the most updated knowledge in the biomedical field by use of specific teaching modules whose content will be continuously refreshed.
The M.Sc. in BARB proposes the basic flexible scheme applied previously and introduces some substantial new features that allow a better characterization of the biomedical aspects of the M.Sc. programme and a better identification of the professional figure of the biomedical scientist and its role in all aspects of basic/applied research activities.
Specific educational aims are:
1) to provide students with the basic notions of biological processes underlying the physiology of organs and systems, their pathological dysfunctions and their modulation by pharmacological and other interventions, specifically in man.
2) to teach students how to apply theoretical notions to applications of biomedical interest for humans and in relation to the interaction with the environment;
3) to provide tools for understanding and practicing theoretical knowledge in the lab;
4) to foster the most updated knowledge in the biomedical field by use of specific teaching modules whose content will be continuously refreshed.
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 http://www.dbs.unimi.it/ecm/home/erasmus/studenti-in-uscita/scienze-biologiche; https://bioscienzebio.unimi.it/mobilita/outgoing-students). 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 2024/2025 academic year, admission interviews will take place as follows:
- written exam at 2.00 pm on 3 September 2024, room G14, via Golgi 19
- oral interview between 9 and 12 September 2024, 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 2024/2025 academic year, admission interviews will take place as follows:
- written exam at 2.00 pm on 3 September 2024, room G14, via Golgi 19
- oral interview between 9 and 12 September 2024, 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 22/01/2024 to 25/08/2024
Application for matriculation: from 08/04/2024 to 15/01/2025
Attachments and documents
Please note
Non-EU students visa applicants are required to apply for admission no later than 30 April 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated and it will in no case be possible to request the refund of the admission fee.
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
First semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Human Anatomy and Experimental Models in Biomedicine | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/06 |
| Pathology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
| Principles of Physiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| System Pharmacology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Optional | ||||
| Cellular and Molecular Physiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Cellular Microbiology and Immunology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/19 |
| Cellular, Molecular and Functional Approaches to Genetic Disease | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/14 |
| Differentiation Biology and Cell Therapies | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/17 |
| Human and Experimental Neuroanatomy | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/16 |
| Techniques for Advanced Biomedical Research | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Epidemiologic and Preventive Sciences | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/42 |
| Molecular Biology Applied to the Biomedical Research | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/11 |
| Optional | ||||
| Cellular and Molecular Pathology | 6 | 48 | Italian | MED/04 |
| Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology | 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/14 |
| Human and Molecular Genetics | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/18 MED/03 |
| Membrane Biophysics and Signal Transduction | 6 | 48 | English | FIS/07 |
| Methods in Mathematics and Statistics | 6 | 64 | Italian | MAT/06 MAT/07 |
| Neurophysiology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
| Physiology and Pharmacology of the Endocrine System | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 BIO/14 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| English Proficiency B2 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | |
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Exam | 39 | 0 | Italian | |
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 A, II Floor).
The Academic Services Office is located in the Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria, 26 - Milano (Tower A, II 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
University and programme transfer tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Credit recognition tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Study programme head and course management
via Celoria, 26 - 2° piano, torre A.
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML - Student registrar
Via Celoria, 18
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/359
+390250325032
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/360 - New student information center
via Celoria, 26 - 2° piano, torre A.
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML - Admissions and enrolment
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programme-enrolment/enrolment-masters-programme - Admission information contact email
[email protected] - Disability and SLD academic tutor (appointed by the Academic Board):
Prof.ssa Diletta Dolfini
[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