Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy

Pianta di lattughino
Corso in presenza
Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy
Scheda del corso
A.A. 2026/2027
Laurea magistrale
LM-7 R - Biotecnologie agrarie
Laurea magistrale
120
Crediti
Accesso
Libero con valutazione dei requisiti di accesso
2
Anni
Sede
Milano
Lingua
Inglese
Bioeconomy responds to the environmental challenges the world is facing, oriented to reduce the dependence on natural resources, transform manufacturing, promote sustainable production of renewable plant, microbial and animal resources and their conversion into food, feed, materials, bio-based products and bio-energy, while growing new jobs and industries.
Biotechnology is one of the key enabling technologies to sustain a new green and sustainable economy (i.e. bioeconomy), offering solutions for an efficient and sustainable production of plant and microbial biomasses; the production of bioenergy from (waste) biomasses; environmental protection and safety in terms of bioremediation; green chemistry processes and applications; sustainable agri-food production and processes, circular economy.
In this context, the Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy (BforB) Master degree aims at providing students with advanced molecular and cellular background of microbe and plant systems, which are the basis for the several sectors of the biotechnologies applied to the bio-economy. The BforB Master degree will equip students with a solid and broad expertise about the structure and function of biological macromolecules of interest for the bioeconomy sector, and complete knowledge about the analyses of informational molecules and the expression of characters with a special focus on multidisciplinary and integrated approaches. The BforB Master degree will provide theoretical and practical instruments for the set-up, analyses and improvement of biotechnological processes for i) the transformation of renewable raw materials in biotechnological processes exploiting microorganisms, plants and enzymes, ii) plant and microbial-based bioremediation strategies, iii) bio-based approaches in food and agriculture sustainable development.
The BforB Master?s degree will be taught entirely in English, providing the students with knowledge and competences that can be applied at European and extra European level, to which the bioeconomy sector is faced. Moreover, the English language will allow the participation of students from out of Italy, making the Master degree a stimulant international learning environment.
The professional profile of the graduate in Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy is that of a biotechnologist for the bioeconomy and concerns the coordination, management and development of research and development laboratories in public and private bodies and in the chemical, agri-food and biotechnology industries, in particular, those operating in the broad sector of the bioeconomy.
His function in a work context is to carry out and coordinate laboratory activities in the context of basic and applied research projects, developing and fine-tuning bioprocesses, and quality control.
The skills associated with the functions are mainly:
- skills to carry out basic and applied research, promotion and development of sustainability and scientific and technological innovation in the field of biotechnology disciplines in the agricultural sector;
- skills needed to design, develop and monitor fermentation processes, both on a laboratory scale and on an industrial scale, for producing primary and secondary metabolites and obtaining renewable energy sources;
- ability to develop new biological and biotechnological products in the agricultural, food and other sectors of the bioeconomy (e.g. biomaterials, bioenergy), also through the valorization of waste biomass;
- skills in selecting, obtaining and developing plant and microbial cells as biofactories for producing molecules of interest in the sectors of fine chemicals, polymers, agri-food and pharmaceutical industries;
- ability to develop and control biological processes for producing raw materials (plant and microbial biomass) suitable for transformation into molecules of applicative interest;
- skills in the development and application of bioremediation processes, in particular through the use of microorganisms and plants;
- ability to design, develop and control bioprocesses for the production of intermediates and products for green chemistry production activities and for the agri-food industry (use of cells or their parts, in particular enzymes);
- molecular and cellular skills in designing and developing innovative diagnostic techniques, particularly for the traceability of agri-food supply chains.
Career opportunities exist within public and private research and development institutions, including Ph.D. programs after passing the relevant competitive exams, and in the chemical, pharmaceutical, agri-food, and biotechnology industries.
BforB graduates can access the Italian State exams for professional qualification and registration in the Professional Register of the Order of Agronomists and Forestry Doctors (section A), and in the Professional Register of the National Order of Biologists (section A). Furthermore, graduates can participate in the qualifying exams for the profession of Agrotechnician and Graduate Agrotechnician.

Statistiche occupazionali (Almalaurea)
The complete and updated bouquet of opportunities for participation in international programs can be found at https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad. It is possible to participate to each of them following selections on a competitive basis. The offer includes:
1) Thesis abroad (Tesi all'estero) program: the University of Milan calls twice every year for applications for a study-abroad scholarship to be used to prepare usually a portion of the student's Master's Degree thesis while in residence at an international academic or research institution. Students can choose any destination and institution worldwide, without any geographical restrictions. Specific information and deadlines: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/thesis-abroad.
2) ERASMUS+ Traineeship program: students can undertake a traineeship with a company, research or training center, university or other organization, in the member states of the European Union, and other associated countries such as Islands, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. Specific information and deadlines: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/traineeships-abroad/erasmus-traineeship-outgoing-mobility.
3) ERASMUS+ Study program: the time spent abroad can be used to attend courses and pass the relative exams, thus collecting credits towards the Master degree and carrying out the experimental project for the dissertation. The BforB Master course has established agreements with Universities from various European countries. Calls for participation will usually be open in February, and details can be found at the following link: https3) ://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
The student admitted to any of the mobility programs must submit a study plan detailing the training activities that he/she plans 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 would acquire in a similar span of time at the home University. The proposed activities must be consistent with the goals and the contents of the Master degree. The study plan must be approved by the BforB Erasmus and international mobility tutor, who can request changes or integrations. At the end of the mobility program, according to the guidelines provided by the University of Milan, the courses (with a passed exam) and laboratory trainings attended by the student are registered in his/her career, 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 BforB lecturers) and the study plan must be approved by the BforB Erasmus and international mobility tutor.
For conducting any experimental activity abroad, a letter of acceptance from the hosting supervisor is required as part of the admission process. As an indicative timeframe only, stays at the foreign laboratory shorter than six months generally require the student to complete the experimental thesis work at the internal supervisor's lab, or other facility indicated by the supervisor.
Immatricolazione
Students with an Italian University degree: The BforB Master degree can be accessed by graduates of Laurea Triennale belonging to the L-2 class (Biotecnologia) and previous class 1 (Biotecnologia). It can also be accessed by any student with a Laurea Triennale providing a strong background in biotechnology-related subjects, specifically at least 35 university credits (CFU) in basic disciplines (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology) among the following SSD: MAT/01-02-03-04- 05-06-07-08-09, FIS/01-02-03-04-05-06-07-08, SECS-S/01-02, AGR/07-16, BIO/04-10-11-12-13-18-19, CHIM/01-02-03-
06 and at least 25 CFU in "core disciplines" for the L-2 class of Laurea Triennale, among the following SSD: AGR/01-02- 03-04-11-12-13-15-17-18, BIO/01-02-03-07-09-15, CHIM/04-05-08-10-11-12, MED/03-07-42, VET/03-04.
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution: They must possess a Bachelor?s degree from an accredited college or University that includes exams in basic disciplines of mathematics, physics, general chemistry, biology, and also an adequate number of exams in all the following disciplines: organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and plant biology, and disciplines included in the biotechnology area.

Proficiency in English at level B2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Valid language certificate at B2 level or higher, issued no more than three years before the application date. The list of language certificates recognized by the University is available at https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322 .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 application date, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. Verification will be carried out automatically, no documents need to be uploaded.
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/)
Applicants 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 Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and submit it to SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline set by the master's degree programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who fail to 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 personal curriculum of the applicants and the certifications will be evaluated to verify that the requirements for admission are satisfied by an Admission Committee composed of the coordinator and at least one lecturer of the Master degree. For students with an Italian Bachelor degree the analysis of the curriculum aims to verify the level of knowledge in the "core disciplines" for the L-2 class of Laurea Triennale. Students who have qualified abroad equivalent to a Bachelor's degree must have passed, together with the basic disciplines of mathematics, physics, general chemistry and biology, also a suitable number of exams in all the following disciplines: organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and plant physiology, and disciplines included in the biotechnology area.
Admission to the LM for all applicants requires, in addition to the specified curricular prerequisites, an evaluation of the candidate's overall personal preparation. This evaluation aims to verify the level of knowledge (assessed by ECTS/CFU acquired and grades obtained) in the following core disciplines: mathematics and statistics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, plant biology, and microbiology. It should be noted that preparation in the disciplines mentioned above may also have been achieved through attendance at individual courses. The assessment of overall personal preparation takes into account the final degree grade.
If deemed necessary, the Committee may integrate this documentary assessment with an interview with the applicants. The interview may be held remotely through an online conference platform. Should the candidates be called by the commission, the interview is mandatory for possible admission to the Master. The interview aims to examine the applicant's background knowledge thoroughly and thus assess their potential for the timely completion of studies.
The applicants will receive communication of their eligibility and be allowed to enroll in the Master's degree program. An online anonymous self-assessment test will be provided to enable admitted students to identify knowledge areas for focused and autonomous study. Faculty members are available to offer personalized guidance and relevant bibliographic resources.

Practical instructions
Applicants considered eligible by the Admission Committee can enroll in the BforB Master degree under the terms and conditions indicated at https://www.unimi.it/en/education/biotechnology-bioeconomy.
Students who have applied for admission to BforB prior to the conclusion of their bachelor degree (Laurea Triennale), if possessing the other admission requirements and a valid English proficiency certificate, will be granted the possibility to attend the first term classes (pre-enrollment). In this case students must present to Segreteria Studenti the bachelor degree up to December 31st 2026 to receive formal admission to the course. Only after admission are students allowed to enrol and only after enrolment can they take exams.

Ammissione

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

Avviso di ammissione


Ammissioni A.A. 2026/2027

Sono aperte le domande di ammissione per l'Anno Accademico 2026/2027. Gli studenti non UE richiedenti visto possono presentare domanda di ammissione entro il 30 aprile 2026.

Per approfondire:
Manifesto ed elenco insegnamenti
Primo semestre
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua SSD
Obbligatorio
Biomass and waste recycling promoting the circular economy 7 56 Inglese AGRI-06/B
Fermentation biotechnology 7 60 Inglese CHEM-07/C
Methods in biotechnology 9 96 Inglese AGRI-05/B AGRI-06/A
Structure and functions of biomolecules 8 72 Inglese CHEM-07/B
Secondo semestre
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua SSD
Obbligatorio
Environmental microbial biotechnology 6 52 Inglese AGRI-08/A
Environmental plant biotechnology 6 56 Inglese AGRI-06/B
Plants as biofactories 6 56 Inglese AGRI-06/A
Protein engineering and proteomics 6 60 Inglese BIOS-07/A
sarà attivato dall'A.A. 2027/2028
Primo semestre
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua SSD
Obbligatorio
Bioeconomy: management, assessment and intellectual property 6 56 Inglese AGRI-01/A
Attività conclusive
Per queste attività non è previsto un periodo di offerta.
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua SSD
Obbligatorio
Internship and final exam 36 0 Inglese NN
Primo semestre
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua SSD
Facoltativo
Bio-based innovation in the food industry 6 54 Inglese AGRI-07/A
Biostatistics and design of experiments in biotechnology 6 64 Inglese AGRI-09/A
Developing soft skills in science: case-studies from microbial biotechnology 6 56 Inglese AGRI-08/A
Molecular analysis and traceability of biotechnological products 6 56 Inglese BIOS-07/A
Molecular biobased approaches for plant protection 6 64 Inglese AGRI-05/B
Secondo semestre
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua SSD
Facoltativo
Applied biocatalysis 6 52 Inglese CHEM-07/C
Biomolecular experiment planning 2 16 Inglese BIOS-07/A
Functional foods and nutraceuticals 6 56 Inglese MEDS-08/C
Plant microbiome-based strategies for agri-environmental biotechnologies 4 36 Inglese AGRI-08/A
Ree crispres - a workshop on genome editing technologies 3 40 Inglese AGRI-06/A BIOS-01/A
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 activities (laboratories, seminars) 3 0 Inglese NN
Attività a scelta e regole di composizione del piano didattico
- Table 1 - Elective courses: the student will choose 2 courses among the following:
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua Periodo SSD
Applied biocatalysis 6 52 Inglese Secondo semestre CHEM-07/C
Bio-based innovation in the food industry 6 54 Inglese Primo semestre AGRI-07/A
Biostatistics and design of experiments in biotechnology 6 64 Inglese Primo semestre AGRI-09/A
Developing soft skills in science: case-studies from microbial biotechnology 6 56 Inglese Primo semestre AGRI-08/A
Functional foods and nutraceuticals 6 56 Inglese Secondo semestre MEDS-08/C
Molecular analysis and traceability of biotechnological products 6 56 Inglese Primo semestre BIOS-07/A
- Table 2 - Optional courses
To complete the study program the student must acquire 8 CFU by freely choosing among:
i) Courses activated by the University of Milan for Master Degrees, as long as consistent with the aims of the BforB degree and not a repetition of any course already inserted in the study plan;
ii) Optional courses specifically activated by the BforB Master Degree:
iii) Additional elective courses (see Table 1).
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua Periodo SSD
Biomolecular experiment planning 2 16 Inglese Secondo semestre BIOS-07/A
Molecular biobased approaches for plant protection 6 64 Inglese Primo semestre AGRI-05/B
Plant microbiome-based strategies for agri-environmental biotechnologies 4 36 Inglese Secondo semestre AGRI-08/A
Ree crispres - a workshop on genome editing technologies 3 40 Inglese Secondo semestre AGRI-06/A BIOS-01/A
- Table 3 - Additional educational activities:

STUDENTS HAVE TO ACQUIRE 3 CREDITS according to the following rules:
· students holding an Italian high school diploma or university degree must obtain 3 credits in "Other activities (laboratories, seminars)" or in "Ree Crispres - A workshop on genome editing technologies"
· foreign students, who do not hold an Italian high school diploma, an Italian bachelor's degree or a certificate of knowledge at the A2 or higher level per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), can also acquire 3 CFU through "Additional Language Skills: Italian".

The acquisition of Italian language skills is strongly recommended for international students, as they may be necessary for employment and professional opportunities in the Italian national context, in accordance with the educational objectives of this Master's programme.
Attività formative Crediti massimi Ore totali Lingua Periodo SSD
Additional language skills: italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italiano Periodo non definito NN
Other activities (laboratories, seminars) 3 0 Inglese Periodo non definito NN
Ree crispres - a workshop on genome editing technologies 3 40 Inglese Secondo semestre AGRI-06/A BIOS-01/A
Altre informazioni
Milano
Tutor per l'orientamento
Tutor per la mobilità internazionale e l'Erasmus
Tutor per i piani di studio
Tutor per laboratori e altre attività
Tutor per trasferimenti
Tutor per ammissioni lauree magistrali
Tutor per riconoscimento crediti
Referente AQ del corso di studio
Contatti

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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