Thesis project and final dissertation

The Master Degree in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics combines lecture-based courses (in the first year and in the first term of the second year) and an experimental laboratory project leading to a dissertation (second year), to be chosen by the students among a variety of research projects offered by the heads of laboratories at scientific Departments of the University of Milan and other research institutes, including private companies.
The thesis project is developed by the student under the guidance of a supervisor, and it must consist of an original/novel research project, which complements and completes the individual two-year course of study. The thesis project is not only the occasion to apply the knowledge acquired during the MB&B classes, but it also promotes the active participation of the student in the life of a research laboratory and to develop the ability to work in partnership with other scientists.

The experimental thesis project, which will lead to the writing of the final dissertation and its presentation, will be instrumental to increase the students' ability to apply their knowledge in the biotechnology field, to increase their ability to work in team and to improve their communication in English through the oral presentation and discussion of the thesis results and the writing of the dissertation work.
At the end of the thesis work the student will have acquired the main techniques relevant to the various branches of biotechnology and the ability to plan, perform and critically analyze the experimental work. Furthermore, students will be able to carry out literature searches; present their data and ideas to their fellow students and their supervisors during lab meetings; critically collect their results in the final thesis; present and discuss the experimental project during the final exam. As part of training, students will also be given the opportunity to attend seminars, which are routinely organized on campus, interact with collaborating groups, learn the basics of lab safety and management. Through continuous interactions with fellow students, PhD students, and post-doctoral associates, the student will also be helped to make informed decisions about future training and career moves.