Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Master programme
LM-8 - Industrial biotechnologies
The MB&B Master's degree aims to provide students with advanced skills in molecular biotechnology, computational biology, and bioinformatics, with a strong focus on the most advanced tools and approaches for the analysis of genomes, proteomes, and metabolomes. The main goal of the MB&B Master's degree is to give the students the broad theoretical and practical background needed to apply their knowledge to various biological/biotechnology problems.
A specific goal of MB&B includes providing deep and up-to-date knowledge in the following core subjects:
- bioinformatics
- molecular biology and biotechnology
- functional genomics and "-omics" technologies
- protein expression systems
- metabolic engineering and industrial processes
- structural biochemistry
- molecular enzymology
- data analysis
In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop skills in further specific disciplines of their interest, choosing from courses in plant genetics, nanotechnology, biophysics, molecular microbiology, molecular parasitology, structural biology, patenting and technology transfer (the latter, included in the University project for the development of soft skills). The MB&B Master's degree combines lecture-based courses (in the first year and the first term of the second year) with an experimental laboratory project leading to a dissertation (second year), to be chosen by the students among many projects offered by the University of Milan and other research institutes, including private companies.
A specific goal of MB&B includes providing deep and up-to-date knowledge in the following core subjects:
- bioinformatics
- molecular biology and biotechnology
- functional genomics and "-omics" technologies
- protein expression systems
- metabolic engineering and industrial processes
- structural biochemistry
- molecular enzymology
- data analysis
In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop skills in further specific disciplines of their interest, choosing from courses in plant genetics, nanotechnology, biophysics, molecular microbiology, molecular parasitology, structural biology, patenting and technology transfer (the latter, included in the University project for the development of soft skills). The MB&B Master's degree combines lecture-based courses (in the first year and the first term of the second year) with an experimental laboratory project leading to a dissertation (second year), to be chosen by the students among many projects offered by the University of Milan and other research institutes, including private companies.
The MB&B Master degree provides employment opportunities in the following areas:
research laboratories in both private and public institutions, management of production facilities in the biotechnological industry, including diagnostics, chemicals, and the agro-food industry; promotion of scientific development and technological innovation in Research & Development in various industrial settings; service management in areas related to industrial biotechnology, as well as in Quality Control laboratories; research laboratories in both private and public institutions. Graduates will be able to operate, in their fields of specialization, at a high level of responsibility, managing the ethical, technical, and legal aspects of their work. In addition, thanks to its strong commitment to teaching a broad range of biotechnological disciplines, the MB&B Master's degree is ideal to provide the background knowledge required for Ph.D. and other higher education courses.
The specific business contexts that the MB&B graduates can enter are, among others: the pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry, food industry, industry and services for environmental biotechnology, biotechnology service centers applying information technology, genomics, and proteomics research laboratories of both public and private institutions, with reference to the professions here listed: biologist and similar professions, biochemist, biophysicist, biotechnologist.
MB&B graduates will possess full and updated knowledge in:
- the production of intermediates and products for fine chemicals and the food industry
- industrial fermentation processes for the production of metabolites and for obtaining energy from renewable sources
- control of biotechnological processes
- development of innovative diagnostic techniques
- analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences and structures
- development of new biologically active molecules through the study of molecular interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, and the identification of new molecular targets
- design and development of bioinformatics platforms and new methods for biological data analysis.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
research laboratories in both private and public institutions, management of production facilities in the biotechnological industry, including diagnostics, chemicals, and the agro-food industry; promotion of scientific development and technological innovation in Research & Development in various industrial settings; service management in areas related to industrial biotechnology, as well as in Quality Control laboratories; research laboratories in both private and public institutions. Graduates will be able to operate, in their fields of specialization, at a high level of responsibility, managing the ethical, technical, and legal aspects of their work. In addition, thanks to its strong commitment to teaching a broad range of biotechnological disciplines, the MB&B Master's degree is ideal to provide the background knowledge required for Ph.D. and other higher education courses.
The specific business contexts that the MB&B graduates can enter are, among others: the pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry, food industry, industry and services for environmental biotechnology, biotechnology service centers applying information technology, genomics, and proteomics research laboratories of both public and private institutions, with reference to the professions here listed: biologist and similar professions, biochemist, biophysicist, biotechnologist.
MB&B graduates will possess full and updated knowledge in:
- the production of intermediates and products for fine chemicals and the food industry
- industrial fermentation processes for the production of metabolites and for obtaining energy from renewable sources
- control of biotechnological processes
- development of innovative diagnostic techniques
- analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences and structures
- development of new biologically active molecules through the study of molecular interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, and the identification of new molecular targets
- design and development of bioinformatics platforms and new methods for biological data analysis.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The MB&B degree program supports the international mobility of the University program: MB&B lecturers (for the academic year 2023/2024, Prof. Veronica Gregis, and Prof. Concetta Compagno) act as tutors for students interested in the Erasmus + program, in order to guide students in their choice of the most suitable program for their training. Every January, the Erasmus + program is presented to the MB&B students through a local event organized by the coordinator of the Erasmus + program of the Industrial Biotechnology area (Prof. Veronica Gregis). In the framework of the Erasmus+ program, the MB&B Master course has in place agreements with Universities in Germany, Spain, France, Norway, Denmark, and The Netherlands, all offering courses in English. Calls for participation to Erasmus + study program can be found at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
The time spent abroad can be used to attend courses and pass the relative exams, thus collecting credits towards the Master's degree and carrying out the dissertation's experimental project. Students admitted to the mobility program must submit a study plan detailing the training activities that they intend to carry out, with the corresponding credits. The number of credits should correspond as much as possible to the number of credits that the student should acquire in a similar time period at the home University. The proposed activities must be consistent with the goals and the contents of the Master's degree. The MB&B Student Mobility Committee must approve the study plan, and/or request changes or integrations. At the end of the mobility program, according to the guidelines provided by the University of Milan, the courses attended (with a passed exam) by the student are recordered in his/her career record, preferably with its original name and with an indication of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and their conversion in CFU (usually 1 ECTS= 1 CFU). The students willing to carry out their dissertation work as part of a mobility program abroad must have an internal supervisor (chosen among the MB&B lecturers) and the study plan must be approved by the MB&B board.
The time spent abroad can be used to attend courses and pass the relative exams, thus collecting credits towards the Master's degree and carrying out the dissertation's experimental project. Students admitted to the mobility program must submit a study plan detailing the training activities that they intend to carry out, with the corresponding credits. The number of credits should correspond as much as possible to the number of credits that the student should acquire in a similar time period at the home University. The proposed activities must be consistent with the goals and the contents of the Master's degree. The MB&B Student Mobility Committee must approve the study plan, and/or request changes or integrations. At the end of the mobility program, according to the guidelines provided by the University of Milan, the courses attended (with a passed exam) by the student are recordered in his/her career record, preferably with its original name and with an indication of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and their conversion in CFU (usually 1 ECTS= 1 CFU). The students willing to carry out their dissertation work as part of a mobility program abroad must have an internal supervisor (chosen among the MB&B lecturers) and the study plan must be approved by the MB&B board.
Attendance to frontal lessons is strongly recommended. The experimental project leading to the final dissertation is mandatory for the obtainment of the Master's Degree.
Enrolment
Students with an Italian University degree:
the MB&B Master's degree can be accessed by graduates of Laurea Triennale belonging to the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and previous class 1 (Biotechnology). It can also be accessed by any student with a Laurea Triennale providing a strong background (at least 60 University credits) in biotechnology-related subjects, i.e., subjects identified as "core disciplines" for the L-2 class of Laurea Triennale.
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
the candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree at the time of the admission request from an accredited college or university, and strong knowledge in most (or all) of the following areas: genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry. A dedicated commission, designated by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of the applicants in order to verify that the minimum requirements for the registration are satisfied. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with an interview with the candidates. The Laurea Magistrale does not foresee a programmed number of students, with a maximum of 25 places set aside for non-EU students residing outside Italy.
In addition to the aforementioned curricular requirements, a knowledge of English equal to or higher than level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (QCER) is required.
Proficiency in English at a B1 level or higher under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B1-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate at or above B1, obtained no more than three years earlier. For the list of language certificates recognized by the University please review: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267). 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 date of admission application. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Placement test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267
All those 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 placement test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the placement test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master?s programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267).
Applicants who do not 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 curriculum studiorum of the applicants will be evaluated by an Admission Committee composed of the coordinator and at least two lecturers of the Master's degree. Successful applicants will receive notice of their eligibility and will be allowed to enroll in the Master's degree program.
For details of application procedures see: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programme-enrolment/enrolment-masters-programme/open-admission-master-programmes
The Admission Committee may require an interview with the applicant in order to better assess their eligibility. For extra-EU candidates applying for visas, the deadline for application will be on 30 April 2024, in consideration of the particular timing related to the issuance of the visa and the need to select a limited number of places, as required by current regulations.
the MB&B Master's degree can be accessed by graduates of Laurea Triennale belonging to the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and previous class 1 (Biotechnology). It can also be accessed by any student with a Laurea Triennale providing a strong background (at least 60 University credits) in biotechnology-related subjects, i.e., subjects identified as "core disciplines" for the L-2 class of Laurea Triennale.
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
the candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree at the time of the admission request from an accredited college or university, and strong knowledge in most (or all) of the following areas: genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry. A dedicated commission, designated by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of the applicants in order to verify that the minimum requirements for the registration are satisfied. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with an interview with the candidates. The Laurea Magistrale does not foresee a programmed number of students, with a maximum of 25 places set aside for non-EU students residing outside Italy.
In addition to the aforementioned curricular requirements, a knowledge of English equal to or higher than level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (QCER) is required.
Proficiency in English at a B1 level or higher under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B1-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate at or above B1, obtained no more than three years earlier. For the list of language certificates recognized by the University please review: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267). 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 date of admission application. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Placement test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267
All those 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 placement test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the placement test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master?s programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267).
Applicants who do not 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 curriculum studiorum of the applicants will be evaluated by an Admission Committee composed of the coordinator and at least two lecturers of the Master's degree. Successful applicants will receive notice of their eligibility and will be allowed to enroll in the Master's degree program.
For details of application procedures see: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programme-enrolment/enrolment-masters-programme/open-admission-master-programmes
The Admission Committee may require an interview with the applicant in order to better assess their eligibility. For extra-EU candidates applying for visas, the deadline for application will be on 30 April 2024, in consideration of the particular timing related to the issuance of the visa and the need to select a limited number of places, as required by current regulations.
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 | ||||
| Biotechnological Products and Processes | 6 | 48 | English | CHIM/06 CHIM/11 |
| Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics | 10 | 88 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| Methods in Bioinformatics | 6 | 48 | English | INF/01 |
| Molecular and Cellular Microbiology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/18 BIO/19 |
| Rational Design and Structural Characterization of Bioactive Molecules | 6 | 48 | English | CHIM/02 CHIM/06 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology | 10 | 80 | English | BIO/06 BIO/11 |
| Advanced Plant Cell Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/04 BIO/18 |
| Protein Engineering and Molecular Enzymology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/10 |
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 | ||||
| Thesis Project and Final Dissertation | 39 | 0 | English | |
First semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | English | FIS/03 FIS/07 |
| Biotechnological and Molecular Strategies in the Control of Parasites and Vector-Borne Diseases | 6 | 48 | English | VET/06 |
| Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications and Biosensors | 6 | 48 | English | CHIM/01 CHIM/06 |
| Patenting and Technology Transfer | 6 | 64 | English | AGR/01 IUS/01 IUS/04 |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | BIO/10 BIO/11 FIS/07 INF/01 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Advanced Bioinformatics for Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/11 INF/01 |
| Macromolecular Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Breeding and Plant Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/07 BIO/18 |
Optional activities and study plan rules
1 - The student must choose at least two of the following courses
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Bioinformatics for Biotechnology | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | BIO/11 INF/01 |
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | FIS/03 FIS/07 |
| Biotechnological and Molecular Strategies in the Control of Parasites and Vector-Borne Diseases | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | VET/06 |
| Macromolecular Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | Second semester | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Breeding and Plant Genetics | 6 | 48 | English | Second semester | AGR/07 BIO/18 |
| Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications and Biosensors | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | CHIM/01 CHIM/06 |
| Patenting and Technology Transfer | 6 | 64 | English | First semester | AGR/01 IUS/01 IUS/04 |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | BIO/10 BIO/11 FIS/07 INF/01 |
2 - The student must acquire 10 additional credits (CFU) choosing from any course offered by the University of Milan, provided that they are coherent to the topics of the MBB and the contents not overlapping with those of mandatory and guided through courses in the study plan.
Four credits can be acquired by carrying out a small project (100 hours) in a research laboratory, either at the University of Milan or at another structure. The project must be approved by the MBB Coordinator
Four credits can be acquired by carrying out a small project (100 hours) in a research laboratory, either at the University of Milan or at another structure. The project must be approved by the MBB Coordinator
There are no propaedeutic courses that limit progression from the first to the second year.
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Location
Milan
Course locations
Lecture rooms and laboratories are located 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.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Study plan tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Disability manager
Prof. Matteo Chiara - Boards
Prof. Veronica Gregis, Prof. Concetta Compagno (Erasmus); Prof. Marco Nardini, Prof. David Horner (Study mobility); Prof. David Stephen Horner, Prof. Thomas Vaccari (Study Plan); Prof. David Stephen Horner, Prof. Carlo Camilloni, Prof. Federico Zambelli (Admission). - 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 following webpage: - Academic Services Office
Milan - Via Celoria, 26
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML
+390250314870
By appointment. - International Students Office - Welcome Desk
Milan - Via S. Sofia, 9/1
https://www.unimi.it/en/international/coming-abroad/international-students-office-welcome-desk
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