Master in Molecular Biology
Master's Degree Programme in Molecular Biology
The Master's Degree in Molecular Biology completes the training in biological disciplines that begins with the Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Molecular Biology. This degree programme aims to train experienced graduates with an advanced operational background in the field of molecular biology and with in-depth knowledge of instrumental methodology, analytical instruments and data acquisition and data analysis techniques. The degree programme aims to provide complete mastery of the scientific method of investigation, making graduates capable of working with a high degree of autonomy and even assuming responsibility for projects and facilities.
From the AY 2023/2024, the course offering has been changed to take into account the new skills required in modern molecular biology. The programme is divided into three areas, purely experimental curricula (Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology of Plants and Molecular Biology of Metabolic Organelles). The three curricula share core course units, which provide the essential background for an in-depth understanding of modern molecular biology, and then differentiate with specific teachings on the topics of the different curricula.
In order to complete and expand the knowledge acquired in the degrees in Biology and Molecular Biology, different subjects are taught in the three experimental programmes. The aim is to provide an in-depth view and practical mastery of the molecular mechanisms related to: metabolic and structural biochemistry; genetics, molecular, cellular and adaptive biology of plants; neurobiology; genetics and molecular biology of stem and embryonic cells; organelle physiology.
In the second year of the degree programme, approximately two thirds of the students’ work will be focused on the dissertation. The aim is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire, through significant experimental work in a laboratory, both the knowledge and the ability for critical analysis, which is necessary to carry out research activities or to assume responsibility for projects and facilities. The Master's Degree in Molecular Biology provides the academic foundation for the continuation of advanced training in a PhD.