Quantitative Biology
Quantitative Biology
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Master programme
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
The QB degree program supports the international mobility of the University program: QB lecturers (for the academic year 2025/2026, Veronica Gregis and Marco Buscaglia) act as tutors for students interested in the Erasmus + program, to guide students in their choice of the most suitable program for their formation. Every January, the Erasmus + program is presented to the QB students through a local event organized by the coordinator of the Erasmus + program of the Industrial Biotechnology area (Prof. Veronica Gregis).
In the framework of the Erasmus+ program, the QB Master course has in place agreements with Universities in Germany, Spain, France, Norway, Denmark and The Netherlands, all offering courses in English.
Calls for participation to Erasmus Studio can be found at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
The time spent abroad can be used to attend courses and pass the relative exams, thus collecting credits towards the Master's degree, as well as to carry out the experimental project for the dissertation. Students admitted to the mobility program must submit a study plan detailing the training activities that they plan 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 should acquire in a similar time at the home University. The proposed activities must be consistent with the goals and the contents of the Master's degree. The study plan must be approved by the QB Student Mobility Committee, which can request changes or integrations. At the end of the mobility program, according to the guidelines provided by the University of Milan, the courses attended (with a passed exam) by the student are registered in his/her career record, preferably 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 QB lecturers) and the study plan must be approved by the QB board.
In the framework of the Erasmus+ program, the QB Master course has in place agreements with Universities in Germany, Spain, France, Norway, Denmark and The Netherlands, all offering courses in English.
Calls for participation to Erasmus Studio can be found at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus.
The time spent abroad can be used to attend courses and pass the relative exams, thus collecting credits towards the Master's degree, as well as to carry out the experimental project for the dissertation. Students admitted to the mobility program must submit a study plan detailing the training activities that they plan 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 should acquire in a similar time at the home University. The proposed activities must be consistent with the goals and the contents of the Master's degree. The study plan must be approved by the QB Student Mobility Committee, which can request changes or integrations. At the end of the mobility program, according to the guidelines provided by the University of Milan, the courses attended (with a passed exam) by the student are registered in his/her career record, preferably 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 QB lecturers) and the 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.
Enrolment
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). If the candidate is not in possession of the above curricular requirements, the interview will evaluate if he/she needs to acquire them, prior enrollment.
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.
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). If the candidate is not in possession of the above curricular requirements, the interview will evaluate if he/she needs to acquire them, prior enrollment.
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.
Admission
Application for admission: from 22/01/2025 to 31/10/2025
Application for matriculation: from 02/04/2025 to 15/01/2026
Attachments and documents
Online services
Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Principle of Spectroscopy and Applications to Quantitative Biology | 10 | 104 | English | CHIM/01 CHIM/02 CHIM/03 CHIM/06 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Cell Biophysics | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/09 |
| Imaging in Living Cells | 5 | 56 | English | BIO/04 FIS/07 |
| Mathematical Modeling for Biology | 6 | 56 | English | MAT/05 MAT/06 MAT/07 MAT/08 |
| Programming in Python | 6 | 56 | English | INF/01 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Molecular Biology | 9 | 80 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| Integrated Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/10 |
| Measurement of Nanoscale Interactions in Biological Systems and Data Analysis | 6 | 64 | English | FIS/01 FIS/02 FIS/03 |
| Molecular Biophysics | 6 | 56 | English | FIS/07 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Artificial Intelligence in Quantitative Biology | 6 | 48 | English | FIS/07 INF/01 |
| Optional | ||||
| Introduction to Logic | 6 | 48 | English | M-FIL/02 |
| Non Linear Dynamics in Quantitative Biology | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 BIO/19 |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | FIS/07 |
| Synthetic Biology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/04 BIO/11 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Cell Population Dynamics | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/06 BIO/13 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Other Training Activities | 3 | 0 | English | |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Thesis Project and Final Dissertation | 33 | 0 | English | |
Study plan rules
1 - The student must choose one of the following courses:
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Logic | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | M-FIL/02 |
| Non Linear Dynamics in Quantitative Biology | 6 | 64 | English | First semester | BIO/11 BIO/18 BIO/19 |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | First semester | FIS/07 |
| Synthetic Biology | 6 | 48 | English | First semester | BIO/04 BIO/11 |
| Cell Population Dynamics | 6 | 64 | English | Second semester | BIO/06 BIO/13 |
Learn more
Location
Milan
Course locations
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 Phylosophy) is held in the University headquarter, 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.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Study plan tutor
Internship tutor
Dissertation tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Credit recognition tutor
Reference structures
Contacts
- Academic Services Office
Milan - Via Celoria, 26
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/
By appointment. - 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 following webpage: - International Students Office
Milan - Via S. Sofia, 9/1
https://www.unimi.it/en/international/coming-abroad/international-students-office-welcome-desk - Boards
Anna Moroni, Matteo Brilli (Masters degree admission); Marco Buscaglia (Student Mobility); Matteo Brilli (Study Plan). - Disability manager
Matteo Chiara
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment