Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology
Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Master programme
LM-6 - Biology
The Master of Science (M.Sc.) programme in BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (BIOEVO, Class LM-6 Biology) is focused on the organismic biology and is addressed to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the organisms in their integrity, complexity and evolutionary context.
In terms of formation, the objectives of this Master imply to deepen the basic formation in biology and related applications with particular reference to the knowledge of the organisms at all the organization levels, including their ecological aspects. The central themes of biodiversity and evolution of animals and plants are presented with specific reference to structural and functional adaptations, reproductive and developmental processes, behaviour, interactions between organisms and environment and finally current problems of evolutionary biology.
This M.Sc. programme explores a field of central interest in Biology. Its objectives are addressed to offer an advanced preparation in the field of biodiversity and environment, and to develop specific capacities to apply the learning outcomes in biodiversity protection and conservation. In this view the central themes of this field are proposed in a format that integrates traditional and topical aspects according to an innovative approach to modern biology.
In terms of formation, the objectives of this Master imply to deepen the basic formation in biology and related applications with particular reference to the knowledge of the organisms at all the organization levels, including their ecological aspects. The central themes of biodiversity and evolution of animals and plants are presented with specific reference to structural and functional adaptations, reproductive and developmental processes, behaviour, interactions between organisms and environment and finally current problems of evolutionary biology.
This M.Sc. programme explores a field of central interest in Biology. Its objectives are addressed to offer an advanced preparation in the field of biodiversity and environment, and to develop specific capacities to apply the learning outcomes in biodiversity protection and conservation. In this view the central themes of this field are proposed in a format that integrates traditional and topical aspects according to an innovative approach to modern biology.
The M.Sc. graduates in BIOEVO possess a specific and modern cultural preparation in the field of organism biology and a deep knowledge of the organism in its integrity, complexity and evolutionary context. The wide differential expertise acquired in biodiversity knowledge and conservation will provide a specific professional preparation in biology for a successful employment in industrial or public sectors whenever it is required: 1) deep understanding of biological phenomena at all levels and dissemination/divulgation activities related to these competences; 2) deep knowledge of biodiversity; 3) identification and analysis of animal and plant communities and species, and activities addressed to their management and conservation; 4) conscious employment and sustainable development of biotic resources; 5) analysis and control of ecosystems, environmental impact evaluation; 6) broad spectrum biological applications in the environmental and cultural heritage fields.
The master's graduate will therefore be able to carry out:
- positions of responsibility in public or private institutions in charge of environmental protection and management, in biological research laboratories and in all professional fields in which a complete knowledge of organisms is required, in terms of adaptations and biological phenomena, and their interactions each other and with the environment;
- advisory function in environmental impact investigations, responsible management of natural resources and repopulation projects;
- basic and applied research activities in university laboratories, in other public or private research institutions, and in industry;
- promotion and development of scientific methodologies and biological monitoring;
- scientific publishing and dissemination activities;
- teaching: the preparation of the master's degree is in fact also particularly suitable for the development of the activity aimed at teaching the biological disciplines at all levels of school education, subject to verification of the additional training requirements established by national legislation, and possible passing of supplementary exams relating to disciplines for which a lack of requirements is highlighted.
After passing the exam for the profession, M.Sc. graduates in BIOEVO can enroll the Biologist?s Professional Register, section A, with the title of Biologist, to perform the activities recognized by the Italian law.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The master's graduate will therefore be able to carry out:
- positions of responsibility in public or private institutions in charge of environmental protection and management, in biological research laboratories and in all professional fields in which a complete knowledge of organisms is required, in terms of adaptations and biological phenomena, and their interactions each other and with the environment;
- advisory function in environmental impact investigations, responsible management of natural resources and repopulation projects;
- basic and applied research activities in university laboratories, in other public or private research institutions, and in industry;
- promotion and development of scientific methodologies and biological monitoring;
- scientific publishing and dissemination activities;
- teaching: the preparation of the master's degree is in fact also particularly suitable for the development of the activity aimed at teaching the biological disciplines at all levels of school education, subject to verification of the additional training requirements established by national legislation, and possible passing of supplementary exams relating to disciplines for which a lack of requirements is highlighted.
After passing the exam for the profession, M.Sc. graduates in BIOEVO can enroll the Biologist?s Professional Register, section A, with the title of Biologist, to perform the activities recognized by the Italian law.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
BIOEVO 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. BIOEVO 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 Denmark, Holland, Norway, Ireland, Germany - where courses are taught in English - 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 BIOEVO 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 Erasmus and international mobility tutor for Biological Area is Dr. Cristina Bonza ([email protected]).
Attendance is strongly recommended for all courses.
Enrolment
- Admission requirements
Applicants to the programme must hold minimum curricular requirements and prove adequate knowledge (Ministerial Decree 270/04).
Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) fully meeting curricular requirements can access the Master's Degree Programme in BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, 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.
In order to meet CFU requirements, you can sit for the relevant exams at our or other universities before enrolling in the MDP.
For all categories of candidates, adequate knowledge and personal skills will be key for admission and will be assessed by an individual interview.
FOR INFORMATION ON CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS, students from degree programmes outside class L-13 should submit their academic curriculum for assessment to [email protected] well in advance, ideally during their Bachelor's programme. Based on your curriculum, you may be required to take any additional exams 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. This requirement will be assessed based on: 1. the candidate's previous academic records; 2. the candidate's knowledge and skills.
The candidate's knowledge and aptitude will be key for admission and will be assessed by a board made up of at least three faculty members through an individual interview as well as based on previous academic records. Only students who have already graduated may sit for the interview. Candidates who fail the assessment interview may not enrol on the programme for the current year.
For 2024/2025 academic year , admission interviews will take place:
- at 2.00 pm on 18 September 2024, Meeting Room (Department of Biosciences, via Celoria 26, 2nd floor, tower A) for those who graduated by 11 September 2024;
- at 2.00 pm on 14 November 2024, Meeting Room (Department of Biosciences, via Celoria 26, 2nd floor, tower A) for those who graduated after 11 September 2024, and no later than 11 November 2024;
- at 2.00 pm on 13 January 2025, Meeting Room (Department of Biosciences, via Celoria 26, 2nd floor, tower A) for those who graduated after 11 November 2024, and no later than 31 December 2024;
Those who graduate after 31 December 2024 will not be admitted to the interview.
Those who have submitted an application for admission must show up before the examining boards with an ID on the above dates without further notice.
For non-EU, non-resident students with international qualifications, applications will be assessed based on the qualifications, and possibly an online interview.
EU citizens and non-EU citizens residing in Italy access university education on equal terms with Italian citizens and therefore must take the same tests.
Applicants to the programme must hold minimum curricular requirements and prove adequate knowledge (Ministerial Decree 270/04).
Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) fully meeting curricular requirements can access the Master's Degree Programme in BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, 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.
In order to meet CFU requirements, you can sit for the relevant exams at our or other universities before enrolling in the MDP.
For all categories of candidates, adequate knowledge and personal skills will be key for admission and will be assessed by an individual interview.
FOR INFORMATION ON CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS, students from degree programmes outside class L-13 should submit their academic curriculum for assessment to [email protected] well in advance, ideally during their Bachelor's programme. Based on your curriculum, you may be required to take any additional exams 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. This requirement will be assessed based on: 1. the candidate's previous academic records; 2. the candidate's knowledge and skills.
The candidate's knowledge and aptitude will be key for admission and will be assessed by a board made up of at least three faculty members through an individual interview as well as based on previous academic records. Only students who have already graduated may sit for the interview. Candidates who fail the assessment interview may not enrol on the programme for the current year.
For 2024/2025 academic year , admission interviews will take place:
- at 2.00 pm on 18 September 2024, Meeting Room (Department of Biosciences, via Celoria 26, 2nd floor, tower A) for those who graduated by 11 September 2024;
- at 2.00 pm on 14 November 2024, Meeting Room (Department of Biosciences, via Celoria 26, 2nd floor, tower A) for those who graduated after 11 September 2024, and no later than 11 November 2024;
- at 2.00 pm on 13 January 2025, Meeting Room (Department of Biosciences, via Celoria 26, 2nd floor, tower A) for those who graduated after 11 November 2024, and no later than 31 December 2024;
Those who graduate after 31 December 2024 will not be admitted to the interview.
Those who have submitted an application for admission must show up before the examining boards with an ID on the above dates without further notice.
For non-EU, non-resident students with international qualifications, applications will be assessed based on the qualifications, and possibly an online interview.
EU citizens and non-EU citizens residing in Italy access university education on equal terms with Italian citizens and therefore must take the same tests.
Admission
Application for admission: from 22/01/2024 to 31/10/2024
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
Not specified period
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/11 BIO/19 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Biogeography | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/02 BIO/03 BIO/05 |
| Biology of Animal Development | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/06 |
| Communities and Ecosystems | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/07 |
| Ethology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/05 BIO/07 |
| Photobiology and Bioenergy | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/04 |
| Plant Ecology, Evolution and Diversification | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/02 BIO/03 |
| Population Biology and Genetics | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/07 |
| Reproductive Strategies | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/01 BIO/05 BIO/06 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Deontology and Bioethics | 6 | 48 | Italian | IUS/14 MED/02 |
| Optional | ||||
| Animal Adaptations and Applications | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/05 |
| Biodiversity | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/03 BIO/05 |
| Ecotoxicology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/07 |
| Evolution and Adaptations of Plants to the Environment | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/01 |
| History and Philosophy of Sciences | 6 | 48 | Italian | FIS/08 M-FIL/02 M-STO/05 |
| Human Functional Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/16 BIO/17 |
| Integrated Systems of Plants | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/04 BIO/18 |
| Marine Biology and Ecology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/05 BIO/07 |
| Mathematical Modeling in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | INF/01 MAT/07 |
| Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/11 |
| Plant-Environment Interactions | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/01 |
| Symbiosis and Parasitism | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/02 BIO/05 |
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 | |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1a - The student must choose one of the following principal courses:
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Adaptations and Applications | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/05 |
| Symbiosis and Parasitism | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/02 BIO/05 |
1b - The student must choose one of the following principal courses:
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/03 BIO/05 |
| Biogeography | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/02 BIO/03 BIO/05 |
1c - The student must choose one of the following principal courses:
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethology | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/05 BIO/07 |
| Plant Ecology, Evolution and Diversification | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/02 BIO/03 |
2 - Elective activities: the student must choose four of the following courses. The student can also choose fundamental activities that are not chosen among the mandatory activities
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Adaptations and Applications | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/05 |
| Biodiversity | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/03 BIO/05 |
| Biogeography | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/02 BIO/03 BIO/05 |
| Biology of Animal Development | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/06 |
| Communities and Ecosystems | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/07 |
| Ecotoxicology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/07 |
| Ethology | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/05 BIO/07 |
| Evolution and Adaptations of Plants to the Environment | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/01 |
| Integrated Systems of Plants | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/04 BIO/18 |
| Marine Biology and Ecology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/05 BIO/07 |
| Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/11 |
| Photobiology and Bioenergy | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/04 |
| Plant Ecology, Evolution and Diversification | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/02 BIO/03 |
| Plant-Environment Interactions | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIO/01 |
| Population Biology and Genetics | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/07 |
| Reproductive Strategies | 6 | 48 | Italian | First semester | BIO/01 BIO/05 BIO/06 |
| Symbiosis and Parasitism | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/02 BIO/05 |
3 - Akin and integrative activities: the student must choose two of the following courses:
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/11 BIO/19 | |
| History and Philosophy of Sciences | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | FIS/08 M-FIL/02 M-STO/05 |
| Human Functional Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/16 BIO/17 |
| Mathematical Modeling in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | INF/01 MAT/07 |
4 - The student must acquire 12 CFU by selecting any of the courses offered by the University of Milan, provided that they are coherent with their educational plan and that the course content does not overlap with those present in mandatory and guided-choice courses in the study plan, including the Bachelor's Degree one. The student can pick the remaining principal and guided-choice courses that he/she had not inserted in the study plan.
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Exam | 45 | 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
University and programme transfer tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Credit recognition tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Student registrar
Via Celoria, 18 - Milano
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/359
+390250325032
https://www.unimi.it/en/node/360 - Study programme head and course management
Via Celoria, 26 - Milano (2° piano, torre A).
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML - New student information center
Via Celoria, 26 - Milano (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 - Disability and SLD academic tutor (appointed by the Academic Board):
Dr.ssa Diletta Dolfini
[email protected] - Admission information contact email
[email protected]
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment
Official documents