Quantitative Biology
Quantitative Biology
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Master programme
LM-8 - Industrial biotechnologies
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:
(a) biochemical and biophysical aspects of cellular processes and molecular interactions;
(b) experimental methodologies for the study and measurement of these processes;
(c) analytical techniques and protocols used in structural biology and molecular and cellular biophysics studies;
(d) technical bases of modelling in systems biology for the study of interactions in complex biological systems;
(e) linear algebra, matrix calculus and its use in the description of dynamic biological phenomena and to
understand the basis of artificial intelligence (machine learning);
(f) Python programming language and its use for statistical data analysis;
(g) formal logic elements
Characteristic and related mandatory teachings (72 CFU, of which 6 CFU with guided choice) include teachings on quantitative aspects of the main molecular and cellular biological disciplines, teachings on chemistry involving spectroscopy and its applications in biology; aspects of statistical analysis of data and errors, measurements of nanoscale interactions between biomolecules, programming elements in Python and machine learning aspects, linear and matrix algebra, description of dynamic systems using differential equations. In addition, 12 CFU will be freely chosen by the students among all the teachings activated by the University of Milan, provided they are consistent with the training project and 3 CFU for other activities (Italian language skills for foreigner students or seminars and orientation to the world of work). Finally, the course includes, as a qualifying moment of training and acquisition of skills, an experimental thesis lasting at least 33 CFU. The Thesis Internship must be carried out in research laboratories of the University of Milan or in other public or private institutions, national or foreign, after approval, and provides for the production of a written thesis, in which the original results of the research are reported.
(a) biochemical and biophysical aspects of cellular processes and molecular interactions;
(b) experimental methodologies for the study and measurement of these processes;
(c) analytical techniques and protocols used in structural biology and molecular and cellular biophysics studies;
(d) technical bases of modelling in systems biology for the study of interactions in complex biological systems;
(e) linear algebra, matrix calculus and its use in the description of dynamic biological phenomena and to
understand the basis of artificial intelligence (machine learning);
(f) Python programming language and its use for statistical data analysis;
(g) formal logic elements
Characteristic and related mandatory teachings (72 CFU, of which 6 CFU with guided choice) include teachings on quantitative aspects of the main molecular and cellular biological disciplines, teachings on chemistry involving spectroscopy and its applications in biology; aspects of statistical analysis of data and errors, measurements of nanoscale interactions between biomolecules, programming elements in Python and machine learning aspects, linear and matrix algebra, description of dynamic systems using differential equations. In addition, 12 CFU will be freely chosen by the students among all the teachings activated by the University of Milan, provided they are consistent with the training project and 3 CFU for other activities (Italian language skills for foreigner students or seminars and orientation to the world of work). Finally, the course includes, as a qualifying moment of training and acquisition of skills, an experimental thesis lasting at least 33 CFU. The Thesis Internship must be carried out in research laboratories of the University of Milan or in other public or private institutions, national or foreign, after approval, and provides for the production of a written thesis, in which the original results of the research are reported.
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.
- Primary duties of a graduate in QB can range from analyze and optimize pre/clinical trials and predict outcomes using modeling and simulation, integration and interpretation of data from many sources to help drive project decisions, apply molecular modeling and computer aided drug design techniques, basic use and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, literature review.
- Skills: Autonomy, precision, ability to synthesize, problem solving through modeling and simulation, goal-orientation and excellent predisposition to work in team, good/excellent level of written and spoken English, good direct intervention capacity on the instrumentation on both, the hardware and the software of the instrument.
- The graduate in QB can be hired as junior research scientist, product scientist, bio-nanotechnologist, junior research project manager, scientific application specialist, scientific equipment services specialist.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
- Primary duties of a graduate in QB can range from analyze and optimize pre/clinical trials and predict outcomes using modeling and simulation, integration and interpretation of data from many sources to help drive project decisions, apply molecular modeling and computer aided drug design techniques, basic use and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, literature review.
- Skills: Autonomy, precision, ability to synthesize, problem solving through modeling and simulation, goal-orientation and excellent predisposition to work in team, good/excellent level of written and spoken English, good direct intervention capacity on the instrumentation on both, the hardware and the software of the instrument.
- The graduate in QB can be hired as junior research scientist, product scientist, bio-nanotechnologist, junior research project manager, scientific application specialist, scientific equipment services specialist.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
The QB degree program supports the international mobility of the University program: QB lecturers (for the academic year 2024/2025, 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, 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, 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 to lectures and practical courses is mandatory. Training activities related to the Master thesis are certified by the Supervisor.
Enrolment
Students willing to enroll in the Master Course in Quantitative Biology must possess the following requirements:
1. Bachelor or University Degree obtained with a three-year course, or equivalent title obtained abroad.
2. Minimum English requirements
3. Adequate personal background, evaluated during the entry interview
1. Bachelor's Degree
Italian or foreign citizens with a Bachelor's degree (Italian Laurea Triennale or equivalent) in Biotechnology (L-2 class and previous class 1) and Biological Sciences (L-13 class) can apply and will be admitted by default to the entry interview (comma 2).
Italian or foreign citizens with a Bachelor's degree (Italian Laurea Triennale or equivalent) in the following classes:
- Chemical sciences and technologies (L27 class)
- Physical sciences and technologies (L30 class);
- Mathematical sciences (L35 class)
- Food Science and Technology (L26 class);
- Pharmaceutical science and technology (L29 class)
- Agriculture and forestry industry (L25 class)
can apply and will be admitted to the entry interview ON CONDITION that they have acquired at least 12 University credits (ECTS, European Credit Transfer System or CFU, Crediti Formativi Universitari), in the following subjects: Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Cell Biology and/or Cell Physiology (SSD BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/06). If the candidate does not have the above curricular requirements, her/his knowledge will be evaluated during the Entry interview.
2. Language Requirements
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 interview, is evidently good.
3. Adequate personal background: Entry interview
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 an 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 the official start of the Academic year.
1. Bachelor or University Degree obtained with a three-year course, or equivalent title obtained abroad.
2. Minimum English requirements
3. Adequate personal background, evaluated during the entry interview
1. Bachelor's Degree
Italian or foreign citizens with a Bachelor's degree (Italian Laurea Triennale or equivalent) in Biotechnology (L-2 class and previous class 1) and Biological Sciences (L-13 class) can apply and will be admitted by default to the entry interview (comma 2).
Italian or foreign citizens with a Bachelor's degree (Italian Laurea Triennale or equivalent) in the following classes:
- Chemical sciences and technologies (L27 class)
- Physical sciences and technologies (L30 class);
- Mathematical sciences (L35 class)
- Food Science and Technology (L26 class);
- Pharmaceutical science and technology (L29 class)
- Agriculture and forestry industry (L25 class)
can apply and will be admitted to the entry interview ON CONDITION that they have acquired at least 12 University credits (ECTS, European Credit Transfer System or CFU, Crediti Formativi Universitari), in the following subjects: Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Cell Biology and/or Cell Physiology (SSD BIO/10, BIO/11, BIO/06). If the candidate does not have the above curricular requirements, her/his knowledge will be evaluated during the Entry interview.
2. Language Requirements
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 interview, is evidently good.
3. Adequate personal background: Entry interview
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 an 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 the official start of the Academic year.
Admission
Application for admission: from 22/01/2024 to 31/10/2024
Application for matriculation: from 08/04/2024 to 15/01/2025
Attachments and documents
Please note
Non-EU students visa applicants are required to apply for admission no later than 30 April 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated and it will in no case be possible to request the refund of the admission fee.
Online services
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Programme description and courses list
year
| Courses or activities | 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 | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Cell Biophysics | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/04 BIO/09 |
| Mathematical Modeling for Biology | 6 | 56 | English | MAT/05 MAT/06 MAT/07 MAT/08 MAT/09 |
| Measurement of Nanoscale Interactions in Biological Systems and Data Analysis | 6 | 64 | English | FIS/01 FIS/02 FIS/03 |
| Programming in Python | 6 | 56 | English | INF/01 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Advanced Molecular Biology | 9 | 80 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 |
| Integrated Structural Biology | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/10 |
| Molecular Biophysics | 6 | 56 | English | FIS/07 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Imaging in Living Cells | 5 | 56 | English | BIO/04 FIS/07 |
| Introduction to Logic | 6 | 48 | English | M-FIL/02 |
| Optional | ||||
| Non Linear Dynamics in Quantitative Biology | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/11 BIO/18 BIO/19 |
| Structural Bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | English | FIS/07 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Cell Population Dynamics | 6 | 64 | English | BIO/06 BIO/13 BIO/17 |
Conclusive activities
| Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Other Training Activities | 3 | 0 | English | |
| Thesis Project and Final Dissertation | 33 | 0 | English | |
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Location
Milan
Course locations
Lecture rooms and laboratories are 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. 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
Seminar and workshop tutor
Dissertation tutor
Master's degree admission tutor
Credit recognition tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- 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: - Academic Services Office
Milan - Via Celoria, 26
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML
+390250314870
By appointment. - International Students Office
Milan - Via S. Sofia, 9/1
https://www.unimi.it/en/international/coming-abroad/international-students-office-welcome-desk - Disability manager
Matteo Chiara - Boards
Anna Moroni, Matteo Brilli (Masters degree admission); Marco Buscaglia (Student Mobility); Matteo Brilli (Study Plan).
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
Official documents