Quantitative Biology
Corso in presenza
Quantitative Biology
Scheda del corso
A.A. 2026/2027
Laurea magistrale
LM-8 R - Biotecnologie industriali
The Master's degree course in Quantitative biology (QB) prepares graduates in biological and biotechnological disciplines to operate at the intersection between biology and physics. The quantitative approach requires a physical understanding of biological phenomena and the development of mathematical and computational tools for the analysis, understanding, and redesign of biological systems. The aim is to train a new generation of experts with integrated skills in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science, able to perform accurate experimental measurements and apply predictive theoretical models, to explain biological complexity. Quantitative biology uses emerging technological and computational capabilities to model biological processes for biotechnological applications such as protein and metabolic engineering, drug discovery and synthetic biology. It is therefore proposed a path that includes training activities aimed at acquiring in-depth knowledge of:
- Molecular, cellular, and structural biological area: provides in-depth knowledge of basic biological processes, both cellular and molecular, and identifies macromolecular complexes and regulatory networks that require quantitative analysis.
- Biophysics-chemistry area: provides thermodynamic and statistical knowledge of the behavior of individual molecules and covers the most innovative investigation and data analysis techniques in this area (such as, for example, atomic force microscopy, super resolution microscopy, single particle electron cryo microscopy).
- Mathematics-informatics-logic area: provides the tools for formulating predictive and descriptive mathematical models of the behavior of cellular and molecular systems and teaches programming languages for data analysis. It also introduces the concepts and methods of artificial intelligence used to represent and solve logical and computational problems, in particular machine learning.
- Molecular, cellular, and structural biological area: provides in-depth knowledge of basic biological processes, both cellular and molecular, and identifies macromolecular complexes and regulatory networks that require quantitative analysis.
- Biophysics-chemistry area: provides thermodynamic and statistical knowledge of the behavior of individual molecules and covers the most innovative investigation and data analysis techniques in this area (such as, for example, atomic force microscopy, super resolution microscopy, single particle electron cryo microscopy).
- Mathematics-informatics-logic area: provides the tools for formulating predictive and descriptive mathematical models of the behavior of cellular and molecular systems and teaches programming languages for data analysis. It also introduces the concepts and methods of artificial intelligence used to represent and solve logical and computational problems, in particular machine learning.
The Master's degree in Quantitative Biology provides employment opportunities in research institutes and industry in the areas of bio-nano-technologies, bio-pharmaceutical research, and in the development of high-tech research instrumentation.
Job profiles
Product scientist, Bio-nanotechnologist
- Applies laboratory procedures relating to cellular and molecular processes by identifying and resolving any critical issues.
- Uses non-standard, high-tech scientific instrumentation.
- Manages the IT aspects of the use of machines for generating experimental data.
- Analyses raw experimental data and converts them into various formats.
- Writes codes to analyze biological data using a programming language.
- Interacts effectively with both experimental laboratory staff and developers of high-tech instrumentation and facilitates their communication.
Employment
In bio-nanotechnology startups, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, public and private research institutes with the following assignments:
Junior research scientist - biotechnology/biophysics research laboratory
- Knows the biological system under study, understands the experimental question and helps to identify the appropriate experimental measure to provide adequate answers.
- Designs and carries out experiments independently using high-tech instrumentation.
- Carries out data analysis using specific software.
- Confidently presents scientific data and methods to internal and external partners.
Employment
Public and private scientific institutes, research and development in pharmaceutical, biotechnological and startups industries or companies developing scientific instrumentation with high technological content and innovation.
Statistiche occupazionali (Almalaurea)
Job profiles
Product scientist, Bio-nanotechnologist
- Applies laboratory procedures relating to cellular and molecular processes by identifying and resolving any critical issues.
- Uses non-standard, high-tech scientific instrumentation.
- Manages the IT aspects of the use of machines for generating experimental data.
- Analyses raw experimental data and converts them into various formats.
- Writes codes to analyze biological data using a programming language.
- Interacts effectively with both experimental laboratory staff and developers of high-tech instrumentation and facilitates their communication.
Employment
In bio-nanotechnology startups, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, public and private research institutes with the following assignments:
Junior research scientist - biotechnology/biophysics research laboratory
- Knows the biological system under study, understands the experimental question and helps to identify the appropriate experimental measure to provide adequate answers.
- Designs and carries out experiments independently using high-tech instrumentation.
- Carries out data analysis using specific software.
- Confidently presents scientific data and methods to internal and external partners.
Employment
Public and private scientific institutes, research and development in pharmaceutical, biotechnological and startups industries or companies developing scientific instrumentation with high technological content and innovation.
Statistiche occupazionali (Almalaurea)
The QB degree programme supports the University's international mobility initiatives. QB lecturers (for the academic year 2026/2027, Veronica Gregis and Marco Buscaglia) act as tutors for students interested in the Erasmus+ programme, guiding them in selecting the most suitable mobility opportunity for their academic development. Every January, the Erasmus+ programme is presented to QB students during a local event organized by the Erasmus+ Coordinator for the Industrial Biotechnology area (Prof. Veronica Gregis).
As part of the Erasmus+ framework, the QB Master's programme 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, as well as to carry out the experimental work for the dissertation. Students admitted to the mobility programme must submit a study plan outlining the training activities they intend to undertake, together with the corresponding number of credits.
The number of credits should, as far as possible, 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 contents of the Master's programme. The study plan must be approved by the QB Student Mobility Committee, which may request changes or additions.
At the end of the mobility period, and in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Milan, all courses completed abroad (with passed examinations) will be recorded in the student's transcript, preferably preserving their original titles, together with the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) value and the corresponding CFU conversion (typically, 1 ECTS = 1 CFU).
Students wishing to conduct their dissertation work abroad must have an internal supervisor (chosen from among the QB faculty), and their study plan must be approved by the QB Board.
As part of the Erasmus+ framework, the QB Master's programme 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, as well as to carry out the experimental work for the dissertation. Students admitted to the mobility programme must submit a study plan outlining the training activities they intend to undertake, together with the corresponding number of credits.
The number of credits should, as far as possible, 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 contents of the Master's programme. The study plan must be approved by the QB Student Mobility Committee, which may request changes or additions.
At the end of the mobility period, and in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Milan, all courses completed abroad (with passed examinations) will be recorded in the student's transcript, preferably preserving their original titles, together with the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) value and the corresponding CFU conversion (typically, 1 ECTS = 1 CFU).
Students wishing to conduct their dissertation work abroad must have an internal supervisor (chosen from among the QB faculty), and their study plan must be approved by the QB Board.
Attendance at lectures and practical courses is compulsory. The attendance threshold for exam admission is 75%. Below this threshold, admission to the exam is at the discretion of the teacher, who may require additional activities before admission to the exam.
Immatricolazione
Basic knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology is required.
Students willing to enroll in the Master Course in Quantitative Biology must possess the following requirements:
Bachelor or University Degree obtained with a three-year course, or equivalent title obtained abroad.
Minimum English level, assessed by interview
Adequate basic knowledge, assessed by interview
Bachelor's Degree
Eligible for admission to the master's degree program in Quantitative Biology are graduates in the classes:
L-02 Biotechnology
L-05 Philosophy
L-07 Civil and Environmental Engineering
L-08 Information Engineering
L-13 Biological Sciences
L-27 Chemical sciences and technology
L-29 Pharmaceutical sciences and technologies
L-30 Physical sciences and technology
L-31 Computer science and technology
L-32 Science and technology for the environment and nature
L-33 Economic sciences and statistics
L-35 Mathematical Sciences
L-41 Statistics
who have attained sufficient knowledge (at least 12 CFU) in basic disciplines of biological area relevant for QB (SSD BIO/06, BIO/09, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18, BIO/19).
Language Requirement
Knowledge of English (B2 level) is a requirement for the access to the QB master's degree. Students should have acquired beforehand a B2 level certification (vantage or upper intermediate, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment). Students without a B2 level certification may be accepted on condition that their level of English proficiency, assessed during the entry interview, is evidently good.
Adequate basic knowledge:
The adequate personal background of the candidates and their ability to communicate in English are decisive elements for the acceptance to QB and they are going to be verified and tested during the entry interview. Knowledge of Italian is not required. Particular attention will be given to the knowledge in biological subjects of candidates with non-biological backgrounds. In this case, the entry interview will identify gaps requiring extra study to be levelled off by the student with the support of tutors before enrollment.
Students willing to enroll in the Master Course in Quantitative Biology must possess the following requirements:
Bachelor or University Degree obtained with a three-year course, or equivalent title obtained abroad.
Minimum English level, assessed by interview
Adequate basic knowledge, assessed by interview
Bachelor's Degree
Eligible for admission to the master's degree program in Quantitative Biology are graduates in the classes:
L-02 Biotechnology
L-05 Philosophy
L-07 Civil and Environmental Engineering
L-08 Information Engineering
L-13 Biological Sciences
L-27 Chemical sciences and technology
L-29 Pharmaceutical sciences and technologies
L-30 Physical sciences and technology
L-31 Computer science and technology
L-32 Science and technology for the environment and nature
L-33 Economic sciences and statistics
L-35 Mathematical Sciences
L-41 Statistics
who have attained sufficient knowledge (at least 12 CFU) in basic disciplines of biological area relevant for QB (SSD BIO/06, BIO/09, BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/18, BIO/19).
Language Requirement
Knowledge of English (B2 level) is a requirement for the access to the QB master's degree. Students should have acquired beforehand a B2 level certification (vantage or upper intermediate, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment). Students without a B2 level certification may be accepted on condition that their level of English proficiency, assessed during the entry interview, is evidently good.
Adequate basic knowledge:
The adequate personal background of the candidates and their ability to communicate in English are decisive elements for the acceptance to QB and they are going to be verified and tested during the entry interview. Knowledge of Italian is not required. Particular attention will be given to the knowledge in biological subjects of candidates with non-biological backgrounds. In this case, the entry interview will identify gaps requiring extra study to be levelled off by the student with the support of tutors before enrollment.
Immatricolazione
Domanda di ammissione: dal 22/01/2026 al 30/10/2026
Domanda di immatricolazione: dal 05/05/2026 al 15/01/2027
Allegati e documenti
Gli studenti non UE richiedenti visto possono presentare domanda di ammissione entro il 30 aprile 2026.
Servizi online
Per approfondire:
Manifesto ed elenco insegnamenti
annuale
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Principles of spectroscopy and applications to quantitative biology | 10 | 104 | Inglese | CHEM-01/A CHEM-02/A CHEM-03/A CHEM-05/A |
Primo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Cell biophysics | 6 | 64 | Inglese | BIOS-06/A |
| Imaging in living cells | 5 | 56 | Inglese | BIOS-02/A PHYS-06/A |
| Mathematical modeling for biology | 6 | 56 | Inglese | MATH-03/A MATH-03/B MATH-04/A MATH-05/A |
| Programming in python | 6 | 56 | Inglese | INFO-01/A |
Secondo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Advanced molecular biology | 9 | 80 | Inglese | BIOS-08/A BIOS-14/A |
| Integrated structural biology | 6 | 64 | Inglese | BIOS-07/A |
| Measurement of nanoscale interactions in biological systems and data analysis | 6 | 64 | Inglese | PHYS-03/A PHYS-04/A |
| Molecular biophysics | 6 | 56 | Inglese | PHYS-06/A |
sarà attivato dall'A.A. 2027/2028
Primo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Artificial intelligence in quantitative biology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | INFO-01/A PHYS-06/A |
| Facoltativo | ||||
| Introduction to logic | 6 | 48 | Inglese | PHIL-02/A |
| Non linear dynamics in quantitative biology | 6 | 64 | Inglese | BIOS-08/A BIOS-14/A BIOS-15/A |
| Structural bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | Inglese | PHYS-06/A |
| Synthetic biology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | BIOS-02/A BIOS-08/A |
Secondo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facoltativo | ||||
| Cell population dynamics | 6 | 64 | Inglese | BIOS-04/A BIOS-10/A |
Attività conclusive
Per queste attività non è previsto un periodo di offerta.
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Thesis project and final dissertation | 33 | 0 | Inglese | NN |
Regole di composizione
1 - The student must choose one of the following courses:
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | Periodo | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to logic | 6 | 48 | Inglese | Primo semestre | PHIL-02/A |
| Non linear dynamics in quantitative biology | 6 | 64 | Inglese | Primo semestre | BIOS-08/A BIOS-14/A BIOS-15/A |
| Structural bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | Inglese | Primo semestre | PHYS-06/A |
| Synthetic biology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | Primo semestre | BIOS-02/A BIOS-08/A |
| Cell population dynamics | 6 | 64 | Inglese | Secondo semestre | BIOS-04/A BIOS-10/A |
2 - Open choice courses: 12 ECTS
Periodo non definito
Per queste attività non è previsto un periodo di offerta.
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facoltativo | ||||
| Additional language skills: italian (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Italiano | NN |
| Other training activities | 3 | 0 | Inglese | NN |
Regole di composizione
3 - Student must acquire 3 ECTS chosen among: Italian language course (only for foreign students), attending seminars, workshop, short internship (75h) in a research lab, others activity related to job placement
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | Periodo | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional language skills: italian (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Italiano | Periodo non definito | NN |
| Other training activities | 3 | 0 | Inglese | Periodo non definito | NN |
Altre informazioni
Orientamento:
Info su ammissioni e immatricolazioni
- Contatta le segreterie
- Sportello online InformaStudenti
- Studenti internazionali: welcome desk
- Studenti con disabilità
- Studenti con DSA
Milano
Sedi didattiche
Lecture rooms and laboratories are located in the campus "Città Studi" , in the University buildings of Via Celoria, 26 (Edifici Biologici); Via Celoria, 20 (Settore Didattico); Via Golgi, 19 (Edificio Golgi). The course of Logic (Department of Philosophy) is held in the University headquarters, via Festa del Perdono 7 and Via Santa Sofia. The Department of Biosciences is the reference structure for all teaching activities related to the QB course.
Presidente del Collegio didattico
Tutor per l'orientamento
Tutor per la mobilità internazionale e l'Erasmus
Tutor per i piani di studio
Tutor per stage e tirocini
Tutor per tesi di laurea
Tutor per ammissioni lauree magistrali
Tutor per riconoscimento crediti
Referente AQ del corso di studio
Strutture di riferimento
Contatti
- 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
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
Anna Moroni, Matteo Brilli, Giovanni Nava (Masters degree admission); Veronica Gregis, Federica Marini (Student Mobility); Matteo Brilli (Study Plan). - Disability manager
Prof. Matteo Chiara
Le tasse universitarie per gli studenti iscritti ai corsi di laurea, di laurea magistrale e a ciclo unico sono suddivise in due rate:
- la prima rata ha importo uguale per tutti e si paga al momento dell’immatricolazione;
- la seconda rata varia in base al valore ISEE Università e al Corso di laurea;
- per gli studenti internazionali con redditi e patrimoni all’estero la seconda rata varia in base al Paese di provenienza
Diritto allo studio e altre agevolazioni
L’Ateneo prevede borse di studio, mense, alloggi e altre agevolazioni a favore dei propri studenti con specifici requisiti di merito e condizioni economiche.
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