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INDUSTRIAL AND MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY Degree Program Profile

Basic Information

Qualification awarded

Laurea Magistrale Degree in INDUSTRIAL AND MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY

Qualification Type/Level

EHEA Second Cycle; EQF level7

Number of Years/credits

2 years; 120 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-Time/Part-Time*

*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own rhythm. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.

Name of Course Director and other contact information

President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof. Massimo Pasqualetti
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Department of BIOLOGY

Internationalization Coordinator (CAI)
Prof. Giulio Petroni
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Language of Teaching

Italian/English

Admission Requirements

Formal Requirements

Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or foreign equivalent in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if required competences are lacking.

Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences

Obligatory entrance exam for orientation purposes (non-selective).

Required knowledge and competences support programmes

Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.

General Information

Programme Profile

The Degree Programme in Industrial and Molecular Biotechnologies has the objective of preparing graduates with deep knowledge of complex biological systems and advanced expertise in several fields of biotechnological research, addressed to realize industrial biotechnological platforms. These students will learn molecular cloning, genetic manipulation, molecular modeling, biocompatibility of purported biological materials, and biotechnological strategies for bioremediations of environments contaminated by chemicals and/or potential pathogenic organisms. In addition, a peculiar aim of the program is to acquire the ability for the realization of molecular tools to be used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Finally, students will became familiar with the use of bioinformatics and statistical methods and methodologies. Graduation opens to further possibilities for professional training, such as Master, PhD courses and Schools of Specialization.

Key Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Program will be able to demonstrate: - Deep knowledge of advanced genetic and microbial biotechnologies, as well as cellular technologies for the manipulation of stem cells, selection of animal models and generation of transgenic animals; - Basic knowledge of gene expression and cloning in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to optimize the biotechnological large scale production of useful bio-molecules and recombinant cells; - Ability to carry out genetic, genomic, proteomic and cellular function analyses by using technological approaches in silico, ex-vivo and in vivo; - Ability to design and realize highly efficient tools for molecular investigations, such as microarrays, biochips and biosensors to be used for various purposes in basic and applied research, biotransformation and bioremediation included; - Ability to operate by alone as well as in coordinated research teams with responsibility and critical approaches to plan innovative strategies, also taking into consideration bioethics and economic problems intrinsically endowed with innovative biotechnological applications;

Occupational Profile/s of Graduates

Graduates may find employment in both private and public laboratories (Universities, National Research Council, National Institute of Health, Pharmaceutical companies, and other international organizations), where the graduated may exert highly qualified professional activities: -- Researcher in biotechnological sciences, namely addressed to develop innovative strategies to obtain devices and products in the emerging fields of biotechnological research, such as genetics, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, animal and vegetal physiology; - Technician with expertise in planning and validating biotechnological processes for large scale industrial production of biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; - Occupational opportunities will paralleled the increasing requirements to produce, trough biotechnological approaches, novel molecules pharmacologically useful, to develop recombinant vaccines for preventing human diseases, to plan rapid and efficient diagnostic tools, and to study strategies leading to adequate waste bioconversion and environment bioremediation/protection.

Access to further study

The Laurea Magistrale degree in INDUSTRIAL AND MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.

Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading

Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, comment of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer on the basis of performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. Main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**. Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of examination and final grades among students of each degree programme, in order to facilitate comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).

**The exam sessions are organised in sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The student chooses which of the appelli he or she wishes to respond to. In most cases it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.

Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification

The learner must complete the curriculum/one of the 'curricula' (tracks) as described in the Table below. This includes obligatory and elective course units and other activities for a total of 120 credits.

The final exam, to which 45 ECTS credits are allocated, must demonstrate a deep knowledge of complex biological systems, advanced expertise in the field of biotechnological research, and the ability to critically discuss the experimental results obtained

Course structure diagram w/credits

Available Tracks

• Track PIANO DI STUDIO UNICO

Track PIANO DI STUDIO UNICO