Pharmacy

Sede didattica farmacia
Pharmacy
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Single-cycle master
LM-13. - Pharmacy and industrial pharmacy
Single-cycle master
300
ECTS
Access
Limited enrolment with admission test
5
Years
Course location
Milan
Language
Italian
The Master's degree in Pharmacy aims to give students a theoretical and practical training in the fields of biology, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry and biomedicine, chemistry and pharmacy, pharmacology and toxicology, pharmaceutical technology, legislation and professional ethics. This will enable students to practise as pharmacists and hold high-profile positions related to pharmaceutical, diagnostics and health products. The Master's degree in Pharmacy provides students with cutting-edge scientific expertise in the health sector, to prepare future pharmaceutical experts and train them in the therapeutic use of drugs. These experts should contribute to reaching the goals set by the Italian Health Service to meet the changing healthcare needs of our society. Graduate pharmacists will be able to operate in accordance with the objectives of public health, advising healthy customers for prevention purposes and providing tailored assistance to chronic and non-chronic patients to encourage adherence to pharmacological therapies.
Pursuant to articles 1 and 3 of Law no.163 dated 8 November 2021, after passing the final exam of the single-cycle Master's degree in Pharmacy (degree class LM-13), graduates are qualified to work as pharmacists.
In order to reach the above-mentioned goals, the Master's degree in Pharmacy will provide students with:
a) a robust knowledge of the main scientific subjects (physics, chemistry, biology, microbiology, medicine), enabling them to adopt a scientific approach to solve problems related to the profession of pharmacist;
b) an in-depth understanding of the composition of drugs, as well as their chemical, pharmaceutical and technological features, therapeutic efficacy, contra-indications and use, applicable legislation and any other guidelines on the matter;
c) the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the dosage of drugs, their identification with purity tests and the preparation of compounds;
d) adequate knowledge of biochemistry, physiology, pathology, endocrinology and nutrition, to help prevent diseases and support the patient's compliance with the medical treatment;
e) adequate knowledge of pharmacogenetics, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacovigilance, telehealth and any other aspect contributing to patient-tailored pharmacological therapies, which are becoming increasingly important for a correct use of medicines;
f) adequate medical knowledge with regard to patient's anamnesis, first-instance tests, screening and prevention campaigns and other services offered by pharmacies, which are becoming truly multifunctional in order to respond to the growing healthcare needs of our society, in line with the new concept of 'Pharmacy of Services';
g) knowledge of the legal and ethical aspects and responsibilities related to the job, to practise the profession and protect citizens' health;
h) knowledge of the fundamentals of economics, management and communication applied to the health sector, and particularly the pharmaceutical sector;
i) the learning skills needed to attend advanced courses, postgraduate schools and PhD programmes in the pharmaceutical and pharmacological area.
Pharmacist responsible for dispensing drugs and health products
Job function: graduates in Pharmacy will be qualified for the preparation, control, storage and dispensing of drugs in pharmacies open to the public, as well as in commercial establishments where no medical prescription is needed (parapharmacies). They will also be qualified for dispensing health products in pharmacies open to the public, controlling expenditures and managing medical devices in hospital pharmacies and Local Health Units (ASL).
Professional skills: interacting with the patient to promote an appropriate use of prescription and non-prescription drugs and other health products; identifying the problems related to the use of drugs; performing new tasks as provided for by the laws and regulations on the 'Pharmacy of Services'; selecting the best drugs on the basis of risk-benefit and cost-benefit assessments; responding to citizens' therapeutic needs.
Employment opportunities: public and private pharmacies open to the public; commercial establishments for the sale of drugs that do not require medical prescription (parapharmacies); health facilities of the Italian Health Service (hospital pharmacies and ASLs).

Pharmacist operating in the intermediate distribution
Job function: graduates in Pharmacy will be qualified for the storage and distribution of drugs to pharmacies open to the public and hospital pharmacies.
Professional skills: stock management
Employment opportunities: intermediate distributors (wholesalers and depositories)

Pharmacist for scientific dissemination
Job function: graduates in Pharmacy possess adequate knowledge to prepare scientific and educational materials for healthcare professionals, researchers and graduates in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as to promote health education among citizens.
Professional skills: pharmacological, toxicological, chemical, biological, technological and microbiological expertise.
Employment opportunities: scientific and educational journals, radio and television. Graduates in Pharmacy may also perform consultancy services, as well as dissemination and promotional activities regarding industrial medications and medical devices, for healthcare professionals (general practitioners or medical specialists) operating in university clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries and other health facilities.

Pharmacist working in the industrial sector and for regulatory agencies
Job function: graduates in Pharmacy are equipped to: work in R&D, production, control, storage and conservation of drugs and other regulatory activities; draft and assess the dossier for marketing authorisation; operate in the distribution of active substances and finished products, such as drugs, medical devices, in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD), disinfectants and sanitizers, food supplements, dietetic products, cosmetics); perform pharmacovigilance activities and promote scientific dissemination.
Professional skills: pharmacological, toxicological, chemical, biological, microbiological, technological and regulatory expertise.
Employment opportunities: chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, medical device industry and pharmaceutical consulting firms.

Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Grazie a programmi di mobilità quali Erasmus+, Erasmus+Placement, e Erasmus Mundus, il Corso di Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico in Farmacia offre ai propri studenti la possibilità di trascorrere periodi di formazione all'estero. Il Programma Erasmus Placement, inoltre, offre la possibilità di svolgere un tirocinio formativo all'estero presso imprese, altre organizzazioni o università. Le Università e gli Enti partners coinvolti in tali programmi risiedono principalmente in Europa e nelle regioni balcaniche. Le Sedi con le quali sono stati stabiliti Agreement offrono la possibilità di svolgere attività in un ampio ventaglio di ambiti. Nel periodo di mobilità lo studente può:
- proseguire gli studi frequentando insegnamenti e sostenendo i relativi esami;
- svolgere la tesi di laurea;
- svolgere il tirocinio in Farmacia Ospedaliera.
Ogni studente è seguito da un docente tutor individuato all'interno del corso di studio.
Procedura per il riconoscimento dei periodi di studio all'estero: ciascuno studente deve proporre un Learning Agreement riguardante attività formative che portino al riconoscimento di un numero di CFU adeguati al periodo di permanenza all'estero e precisamente:
- 60 CFU per un anno accademico;
- 30 CFU per un semestre accademico;
- 20 CFU per un trimestre accademico;
- 15 CFU per il periodo di tirocinio in Farmacia ospedaliera la cui durata massima sia di 3 mesi.
Il periodo di studio all'estero sarà riconosciuto valido previa acquisizione di almeno il 70% dei CFU previsti nel learning agreement, mentre l'attività di tesi o di tirocinio sarà ritenuta valida solo dopo acquisizione di tutti i crediti previsti.
Per il periodo di tirocinio in Farmacia Ospedaliera, è necessario che lo studente apra il libretto di tirocinio prima della partenza e si confronti con l'Ordine dei Farmacisti per la scelta della sede presso cui svolgere il suddetto tirocinio. Tale attività deve seguire le propedeuticità riportate nel manifesto degli studi.
Per gli studenti che abbiano portato a compimento in modo soddisfacente il programma formativo, sono previsti opportuni incentivi che, su proposta del Docente responsabile, verranno corrisposti dalla Commissione in seduta di laurea. Si prevede un punteggio aggiuntivo al voto di laurea variabile da un minimo di 1 ad un massimo di 3 punti in funzione della durata del periodo di studio, dell'ammontare di CFU conseguiti e del risultato complessivo ottenuto dallo studente.
La frequenza degli insegnamenti di laboratorio è obbligatoria. La frequenza delle lezioni è fortemente consigliata.
Enrolment
Qualifications and knowledge required for admission
Admission to the single-cycle Master's degree programme in Pharmacy is capped pursuant to Law no. 264 of 2 August 1999. Applicants to the single-cycle Master's degree programme in Pharmacy must hold a high-school diploma or equivalent foreign qualification, and have adequate background knowledge. In particular, applicants must be proficient in oral and written Italian, demonstrate logical reasoning skills and know the basics of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, as envisaged by the high-school syllabus.
Admission assessment
To gain entry to Year I of the single-cycle Master's degree programme in Pharmacy, candidates must take the TOLC-F online test by CISIA (http://www.cisiaonline.it/), which is aimed at assessing the aptitude of candidates for this degree programme, and whether they have the necessary background knowledge. The TOLC-F test consists of five sections with multiple-choice questions to ascertain the candidate's knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Logic and English (optional), as provided by high school. The schedule of TOLC-F tests held by our and other Italian universities is available at https://tolc.cisiaonline.it/calendario.php. Deadlines and admission procedures can be found in the call for applications available on the University website at https://farmacia-cu.cdl.unimi.it/it/iscriversi
The educational background required to attend this degree programme is assessed through the admission test. In order to meet the background knowledge requirements, candidates must achieve, in the admission test, the minimum passing score set out in the call for applications. Admission is based on merit ranking, up to the number of places available.
Waivers from test requirements and admission to years subsequent to Year I are governed by the rules laid down in the call for applications.
For more information: https://farmacia-cu.cdl.unimi.it/it/iscriversi.
Additional learning requirements (OFA) and remedial activities
Students who did not achieve at least 4 points in the mathematics module of the TOLC-F test will have to fulfil additional learning requirements (OFAs). For this purpose, they will have to attend remedial activities (online exercises, meetings with the tutor) organised by the University and take a remedial test to prove they have filled their gaps by the end of Year I. Students with OFAs may not take the Principles of Mathematics and Physics with Elements of Biostatistics and Computer Science exam before fulfilling said requirements.

For more information: https://matematica.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole

Places available: 300 + 20 reserved for non-EU citizens

Call for applications

Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.

Session: 1

Application for admission: from 14/03/2024 to 30/05/2024

Application for matriculation: from 06/06/2024 to 20/06/2024

Read the Call

Session: 2

Application for admission: from 24/06/2024 to 15/07/2024

Application for matriculation: from 18/07/2024 to 01/08/2024

Read the Call

Session: 3

Application for admission: from 05/08/2024 to 05/09/2024

Application for matriculation: from 20/09/2024 to 11/10/2024

Read the Call

Programme description and courses list
Over several sessions
These activities are scheduled over several sessions. Please refer to course overviews for details.
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Principles of Mathematics and Physics with Elements of Biostatistics and Computer Science 10 104 Italian FIS/07 INF/01 MAT/05
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Biology and Basic Genetics 7 56 Italian BIO/13
General Inorganic Chemistry and Stoichiometry 8 80 Italian CHIM/03
Human Anatomy 6 48 Italian BIO/16
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Analytical Chemistry 6 64 Italian CHIM/01
Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany 7 72 Italian BIO/15
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
English Proficiency B2 (2 ECTS) 2 0 English
Over several sessions
These activities are scheduled over several sessions. Please refer to course overviews for details.
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Applied Microbiology, Virology and Principles of Public Health 10 80 Italian BIO/19
General Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy 10 80 Italian BIO/14
Human Physiology 11 96 Italian BIO/09
Organic Chemistry 10 88 Italian CHIM/06
Qualitative Inorganic Analysis According to Pharmacopoeia and Laboratory of Qualitative Inorganic Analysis 6 64 Italian CHIM/08
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
General Biochemistry 8 64 Italian BIO/10
be activated by the A.Y. 2025/2026
year
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Functional Foods, Dietotherapics and Food Supplements 9 72 Italian BIO/14 CHIM/08 CHIM/10
General Pathology and Pathophysiology 11 88 Italian MED/04
Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry I 10 80 Italian CHIM/08
Pharmaceutical Technology and Legislation, with Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology 12 128 Italian CHIM/09
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Systematic and Nutritional Biochemistry 6 56 Italian BIO/10
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy 10 80 Italian BIO/14
Quantitative Analysis According to Pharmacopoeia and Laboratory of Quantitative Analysis 8 80 Italian CHIM/08
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
year
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Analytical Methodologies for Pharmacy and Laboratory of Analytical Methodologies 10 96 Italian CHIM/08
Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry Ii 10 80 Italian CHIM/08
Pharmaceutical Legislation, Professional Ethics and Pharmacy Management, with Laboratory of Compounding 9 88 Italian CHIM/09 SECS-P/07
Optional
Drugs and Innovation 8 64 Italian BIO/14
Pharmaceutical and Health Products Market 8 64 Italian CHIM/09
Phytopharmacy 8 64 Italian BIO/14
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Biotechnological Drugs and Chemotherapeutics 8 64 Italian BIO/14
Gender Medicine and Pharmacotherapy 6 48 Italian BIO/14 MED/13
Optional
Drug Development and Scientific Communication 8 64 Italian BIO/14
Hormones/phytohormones and Metabolic Diseases 8 64 Italian MED/13
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance 10 80 Italian BIO/14
Optional
Skincare and Makeup Cosmetics 8 64 Italian CHIM/09
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Experimental Laboratory 8 0 Italian
Study plan rules
- During Year IV, students are required to earn 8 CFU for elective activities. These can be freely chosen from those offered by the University, provided that they are coherent with the study programme and have been approved by the Interdepartmental Academic Board To this end, the degree programme offers some ad-hoc courses that are worth 8 CFUs each. Third-year students may choose one of the courses listed below, by following the instructions which are published every year, between June and July, on the website of the degree programme. Courses will be launched only if they are chosen by a minimum of 6 students. Elective courses are graded on a scale of 30. Students are required to check the prerequisites of elective courses in the relevant table. Students who wish to undertake an experimental thesis may choose "Experimental laboratory" as their elective course to earn 8 CFU. This option is not mandatory.
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Drugs and Innovation 8 64 Italian year BIO/14
Pharmaceutical and Health Products Market 8 64 Italian year CHIM/09
Phytopharmacy 8 64 Italian year BIO/14
Drug Development and Scientific Communication 8 64 Italian First semester BIO/14
Hormones/phytohormones and Metabolic Diseases 8 64 Italian First semester MED/13
Skincare and Makeup Cosmetics 8 64 Italian Second semester CHIM/09
Experimental Laboratory 8 0 Italian Open sessions
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Advanced Drug Delivery Systems 6 48 Italian CHIM/09
Medical Devices 6 48 Italian CHIM/08 CHIM/09
Personalized Pharmacotherapy 7 56 Italian BIO/14
Pharmacy Services 8 64 Italian BIO/12 MED/09 MED/42
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 15 0 Italian
Pharmacy Internship with Evaluation Test 30 0 Italian
Please note that attendance is mandatory for laboratories and registration is required.
For information on how and when to register for laboratories, please check the website of the degree programme at https://farmacia-cu.cdl.unimi.it/it and the Ariel websites of the relevant laboratory instructors.

ADMISSION TO LABORATORIES
Students may attend the LABORATORY OF QUALITATIVE INORGANIC ANALYSIS only if they pass the General inorganic chemistry and stoichiometry exam by 28 February of the academic year during which they wish to attend the laboratory.
Students may attend the LABORATORY OF QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS only if they have attended the Laboratory of qualitative inorganic analysis. As the Laboratory of quantitative analysis according to Pharmacopoeia is scheduled in the second semester, students may attend the preparatory laboratory in the first semester of the same academic year.
Students may attend the LABORATORY OF ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGIES only if they pass the Medicinal and toxicological chemistry I exam by 31 January of the academic year during which they wish to attend the laboratory, and provided they have already attended the Laboratory of quantitative analysis (even if they have not passed the exam yet).
Students may attend the LABORATORY OF PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY only if they have attended the Laboratory of qualitative inorganic analysis.
Students may attend the LABORATORY OF COMPOUNDING only if they have attended the Laboratory of pharmaceutical technology.

EXAM PREREQUISITES
Exam prerequisites are set in order to ensure that students progress gradually in their studies. Students may sit for the exams of the courses listed in the left column of the table below only if they have passed the exams of the preparatory courses listed in the right column.

REMOVAL OF PREREQUISITES - If a prerequisite listed in one of the programme descriptions of the previous years is not included in the current programme description, this removal applies to all students regardless of their year of enrolment.
ADDITION OF PREREQUISITES - Should the programme description add new prerequisites, students will have to meet such prerequisites only if they are specified in the programme description of the academic year prior to the one during which the exam is taken.
Prescribed foundation courses
Learning activityPrescribed foundation courses
Advanced Drug Delivery Systems Pharmaceutical Legislation, Professional Ethics and Pharmacy Management, with Laboratory of Compounding (compulsory)
Analytical Methodologies for Pharmacy and Laboratory of Analytical Methodologies Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry I (compulsory), Quantitative Analysis According to Pharmacopoeia and Laboratory of Quantitative Analysis (compulsory)
Applied Microbiology, Virology and Principles of Public Health Biology and Basic Genetics (compulsory), Human Anatomy (compulsory)
Biotechnological Drugs and Chemotherapeutics Applied Microbiology, Virology and Principles of Public Health (compulsory), Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory)
Drug Development and Scientific Communication Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory)
Drugs and Innovation General Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy (compulsory)
Functional Foods, Dietotherapics and Food Supplements General Biochemistry (compulsory), General Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy (compulsory), Human Physiology (compulsory)
Gender Medicine and Pharmacotherapy Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory)
General Biochemistry Biology and Basic Genetics (compulsory), General Inorganic Chemistry and Stoichiometry (compulsory)
General Pathology and Pathophysiology General Biochemistry (compulsory), Human Physiology (compulsory)
General Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy Biology and Basic Genetics (compulsory), Human Anatomy (compulsory), Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany (compulsory)
Hormones/phytohormones and Metabolic Diseases General Pathology and Pathophysiology (compulsory)
Human Physiology Biology and Basic Genetics (compulsory), Human Anatomy (compulsory), Principles of Mathematics and Physics with Elements of Biostatistics and Computer Science (compulsory)
Medical Devices Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry Ii (compulsory), Pharmaceutical Legislation, Professional Ethics and Pharmacy Management, with Laboratory of Compounding (compulsory), Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance (compulsory)
Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry I Organic Chemistry (compulsory)
Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry Ii Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry I (compulsory)
Organic Chemistry General Inorganic Chemistry and Stoichiometry (compulsory)
Personalized Pharmacotherapy Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory)
Pharmaceutical Legislation, Professional Ethics and Pharmacy Management, with Laboratory of Compounding Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry I (compulsory), Pharmaceutical Technology and Legislation, with Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology (compulsory), Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory)
Pharmaceutical Technology and Legislation, with Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology General Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy (compulsory), Human Physiology (compulsory)
Pharmaceutical and Health Products Market Pharmaceutical Technology and Legislation, with Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology (compulsory)
Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy General Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy (compulsory)
Pharmacy Services Analytical Methodologies for Pharmacy and Laboratory of Analytical Methodologies (compulsory), General Pathology and Pathophysiology (compulsory), Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory), Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance (compulsory)
Phytopharmacy Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory)
Qualitative Inorganic Analysis According to Pharmacopoeia and Laboratory of Qualitative Inorganic Analysis General Inorganic Chemistry and Stoichiometry (compulsory)
Quantitative Analysis According to Pharmacopoeia and Laboratory of Quantitative Analysis Analytical Chemistry (compulsory), Organic Chemistry (compulsory), Qualitative Inorganic Analysis According to Pharmacopoeia and Laboratory of Qualitative Inorganic Analysis (compulsory)
Skincare and Makeup Cosmetics Pharmaceutical Technology and Legislation, with Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology (compulsory)
Systematic and Nutritional Biochemistry General Biochemistry (compulsory)
Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (compulsory)
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Location
Milan
Course locations
Milano
Head of study programme
Erasmus and international mobility tutor 
Quality Assurance Delegate
Contacts

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