Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Corso in presenza
Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Scheda del corso
A.A. 2026/2027
Laurea magistrale
LM-8 R - Biotecnologie industriali
The Master's Degree in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (MB&B) is designed to prepare graduates with a robust and diverse cultural foundation in the key disciplines of industrial biotechnology. The program fosters the ability to excel in the inherently interdisciplinary field of modern biotechnology, equipping students to integrate knowledge and skills across various domains effectively. Graduates will be well-positioned to work independently, take on leadership roles in projects and facilities, and contribute to research, development, innovation, management, and quality control in both public and private sectors within the biotechnology industry and services. This program also lays a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, including Ph.D. programs.
The program is delivered in English, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the global job market. It emphasizes critical application of the scientific method to biological systems, offering:
- A comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, structural, molecular, and cellular aspects of biological systems.
- Expertise in advanced analytical and bioinformatics methodologies for the analysis and integration of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data.
- Skills to design, improve, and implement biotechnological processes, services, and applications with an interdisciplinary approach.
This curriculum integrates core chemical, biological, and technological disciplines relevant to industrial biotechnology.
Related and complementary activities allow students to specialize in areas such as microbial, animal, and plant biotechnology.
In the first year, students will gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation in biotechnology core disciplines. In the first and second years, students can also tailor their learning experience through elective courses as well as develop soft skills and language competencies, aligning with their professional and academic goals.
A significant portion of the second year is dedicated to an experimental thesis leading to a final dissertation. Students will work in cutting-edge research laboratories, either at the university or within national or international public or private facilities. This hands-on experience enables students to apply their knowledge, refine their scientific investigation skills, and master modern analytical and instrumental techniques. The thesis process also enhances their abilities to analyze, process, and present scientific data effectively.
The program is delivered in English, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the global job market. It emphasizes critical application of the scientific method to biological systems, offering:
- A comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, structural, molecular, and cellular aspects of biological systems.
- Expertise in advanced analytical and bioinformatics methodologies for the analysis and integration of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data.
- Skills to design, improve, and implement biotechnological processes, services, and applications with an interdisciplinary approach.
This curriculum integrates core chemical, biological, and technological disciplines relevant to industrial biotechnology.
Related and complementary activities allow students to specialize in areas such as microbial, animal, and plant biotechnology.
In the first year, students will gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation in biotechnology core disciplines. In the first and second years, students can also tailor their learning experience through elective courses as well as develop soft skills and language competencies, aligning with their professional and academic goals.
A significant portion of the second year is dedicated to an experimental thesis leading to a final dissertation. Students will work in cutting-edge research laboratories, either at the university or within national or international public or private facilities. This hands-on experience enables students to apply their knowledge, refine their scientific investigation skills, and master modern analytical and instrumental techniques. The thesis process also enhances their abilities to analyze, process, and present scientific data effectively.
The Master's degree in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics opens diverse career opportunities in both public and private sectors. Graduates are prepared to work in research laboratories, biotechnology industry production facilities, and quality control laboratories, across various fields such as diagnostics, chemicals, and the agro-food industry. They will also be equipped to promote scientific development and technological innovation in R&D environments within the industrial sector.
Graduates will be able to assume high-level responsibilities, managing the ethical, technical, and legal aspects of their work within their areas of expertise. The MB&B program's comprehensive training across a wide range of biotechnological disciplines also serves as a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, such as Ph.D. programs or other advanced degrees.
MB&B graduates can pursue careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food production, environmental biotechnology, and biotechnology services. They will also be qualified to work in genomics and proteomics research laboratories, whether in public or private institutions. Relevant professions include biologist, biochemist, biophysicist, and biotechnologist, among others.
Statistiche occupazionali (Almalaurea)
Graduates will be able to assume high-level responsibilities, managing the ethical, technical, and legal aspects of their work within their areas of expertise. The MB&B program's comprehensive training across a wide range of biotechnological disciplines also serves as a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, such as Ph.D. programs or other advanced degrees.
MB&B graduates can pursue careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food production, environmental biotechnology, and biotechnology services. They will also be qualified to work in genomics and proteomics research laboratories, whether in public or private institutions. Relevant professions include biologist, biochemist, biophysicist, and biotechnologist, among others.
Statistiche occupazionali (Almalaurea)
The MB&B programme supports the international mobility initiatives offered by the University. MB&B faculty members (for the academic year 2026/2027, Prof. Veronica Gregis) serve as tutors for students interested in the Erasmus+ programme, providing guidance in selecting the most suitable mobility option for their academic development. Each year, in January, the Erasmus+ programme is presented to MB&B students during a dedicated event organized by the Erasmus+ Coordinator for the Industrial Biotechnology area (Prof. Veronica Gregis).
As part of the Erasmus+ framework, the MB&B MSc has established agreements with several partner universities offering courses taught in English. The list of currently available destinations is regularly updated and can be consulted at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus
Time spent abroad may be used to attend courses and take the corresponding examinations, thereby earning credits towards the Master's degree, and to carry out the experimental work related to the thesis project. Students admitted to the mobility programme must submit a study plan describing the training activities they intend to undertake and the corresponding number of credits. As far as possible, the credit load should correspond to the number of credits the student would normally acquire at the home university during the same period. The proposed activities must be consistent with the objectives and content of the Master's programme.
The MB&B Student Mobility Committee must approve the study plan and may request modifications or additions. At the end of the mobility period, and according to the regulations of the University of Milan, all courses completed abroad (with passed examinations) will be recorded in the student's transcript, preferably maintaining their original titles, alongside their ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) value and the corresponding conversion into CFU (typically, 1 ECTS = 1 CFU).
Students wishing to complete their thesis work abroad must appoint an internal supervisor (selected from the MB&B faculty), and their study plan must be approved by the MB&B Board.
As part of the Erasmus+ framework, the MB&B MSc has established agreements with several partner universities offering courses taught in English. The list of currently available destinations is regularly updated and can be consulted at the following link: https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad/studying-abroad-erasmus
Time spent abroad may be used to attend courses and take the corresponding examinations, thereby earning credits towards the Master's degree, and to carry out the experimental work related to the thesis project. Students admitted to the mobility programme must submit a study plan describing the training activities they intend to undertake and the corresponding number of credits. As far as possible, the credit load should correspond to the number of credits the student would normally acquire at the home university during the same period. The proposed activities must be consistent with the objectives and content of the Master's programme.
The MB&B Student Mobility Committee must approve the study plan and may request modifications or additions. At the end of the mobility period, and according to the regulations of the University of Milan, all courses completed abroad (with passed examinations) will be recorded in the student's transcript, preferably maintaining their original titles, alongside their ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) value and the corresponding conversion into CFU (typically, 1 ECTS = 1 CFU).
Students wishing to complete their thesis work abroad must appoint an internal supervisor (selected from the MB&B faculty), and their study plan must be approved by the MB&B Board.
Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended. The experimental project leading to the final dissertation is compulsory for the Master's degree.
Immatricolazione
Students with an Italian university degree:
The MB&B Master's degree is open to graduates of the Laurea Triennale of the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and the previous class 1 (Biotechnology). Graduates from other degree programmes who have earned at least 60 ECTS credits in the core and specialised biological disciplines of the L-2 class (BIO/01-19), of which at least 36 ECTS credits must be in the fields of biochemistry (BIO/10), molecular biology (BIO/11), genetics (BIO/18) and microbiology (BIO/19); at least 10 ECTS credits in the basic mathematical, physical, computer science and statistical disciplines of class L-2 (FIS/01-08, INF/01, ING-INF/05-06, MAT/01-09, MED/01, SECS-S/01-02); at least 10 ECTS credits in basic chemistry subjects in class L-2 (CHIM/01-03, CHIM/06)
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college at the time of application and have a good knowledge in all the following areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology. Sufficient knowledge in the disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and statistics is also required. A commission, appointed by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of applicants to verify that the minimum requirements for admission are met. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with other forms of assessment, including interviews. The master's degree does not have a programmed number of students, with a maximum of 25 places reserved for non-EU students residing outside Italy.
In addition to the above curricular requirements, proficiency in English at level B2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Valid language certificate at B2 level or higher, issued no more than three years before the application date. The list of language certificates recognized by the University is available at https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322 .The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the application date, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. Verification will be carried out automatically, no documents need to be uploaded.
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/)
Applicants who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and submit it to SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline set by the master's degree programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who fail to meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
Eligibility assessment
The admission process includes an evaluation of the applicant's undergraduate curriculum by an Admissions Committee consisting of the Program Coordinator and one or more faculty members. The personal preparation is considered adequate if the score obtained in the BSc is higher than 88/110 or 23/30 as an average of all exam scores for students who have not yet obtained the BSc. The purpose of the examination is to determine whether the candidate has the necessary preparation in the basic subjects. If necessary, the Commission may require the candidate to integrate the information provided. Successful applicants will be notified of their eligibility and may proceed with enrollment in the master's program.
For detailed information on the application process, please visit: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programmeenrolment/enrolment-masters-programme/open-admission-master-programmes
The Admissions Committee may request an interview or other forms of evaluation to further assess the applicant's qualifications. For non-EU applicants who require a visa, the application deadline is April 30, 2026, due to the visa processing time and the limited number of available places, as stipulated by current regulations.
The MB&B Master's degree is open to graduates of the Laurea Triennale of the L-2 class (Biotechnology) and the previous class 1 (Biotechnology). Graduates from other degree programmes who have earned at least 60 ECTS credits in the core and specialised biological disciplines of the L-2 class (BIO/01-19), of which at least 36 ECTS credits must be in the fields of biochemistry (BIO/10), molecular biology (BIO/11), genetics (BIO/18) and microbiology (BIO/19); at least 10 ECTS credits in the basic mathematical, physical, computer science and statistical disciplines of class L-2 (FIS/01-08, INF/01, ING-INF/05-06, MAT/01-09, MED/01, SECS-S/01-02); at least 10 ECTS credits in basic chemistry subjects in class L-2 (CHIM/01-03, CHIM/06)
Students with a degree from a non-Italian institution:
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college at the time of application and have a good knowledge in all the following areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology. Sufficient knowledge in the disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and statistics is also required. A commission, appointed by the Academic Board, is responsible for collegially analyzing the curriculum studiorum of applicants to verify that the minimum requirements for admission are met. If deemed necessary, the commission may integrate this documentary assessment with other forms of assessment, including interviews. The master's degree does not have a programmed number of students, with a maximum of 25 places reserved for non-EU students residing outside Italy.
In addition to the above curricular requirements, proficiency in English at level B2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Valid language certificate at B2 level or higher, issued no more than three years before the application date. The list of language certificates recognized by the University is available at https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322 .The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the application date, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. Verification will be carried out automatically, no documents need to be uploaded.
- Entry test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/)
Applicants who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the Entry test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the Entry test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and submit it to SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline set by the master's degree programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267/).
Applicants who fail to meet the requirement by said deadline will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.
Eligibility assessment
The admission process includes an evaluation of the applicant's undergraduate curriculum by an Admissions Committee consisting of the Program Coordinator and one or more faculty members. The personal preparation is considered adequate if the score obtained in the BSc is higher than 88/110 or 23/30 as an average of all exam scores for students who have not yet obtained the BSc. The purpose of the examination is to determine whether the candidate has the necessary preparation in the basic subjects. If necessary, the Commission may require the candidate to integrate the information provided. Successful applicants will be notified of their eligibility and may proceed with enrollment in the master's program.
For detailed information on the application process, please visit: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/degree-programmeenrolment/enrolment-masters-programme/open-admission-master-programmes
The Admissions Committee may request an interview or other forms of evaluation to further assess the applicant's qualifications. For non-EU applicants who require a visa, the application deadline is April 30, 2026, due to the visa processing time and the limited number of available places, as stipulated by current regulations.
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Manifesto ed elenco insegnamenti
Primo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Biotechnological products and processes | 6 | 48 | Inglese | CHEM-05/A CHEM-07/C |
| Functional genomics and bioinformatics | 10 | 88 | Inglese | BIOS-08/A BIOS-14/A |
| Methods in bioinformatics | 6 | 48 | Inglese | INFO-01/A |
| Molecular and cellular microbiology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | BIOS-14/A BIOS-15/A |
| Rational design and structural characterization of bioactive molecules | 6 | 48 | Inglese | CHEM-02/A CHEM-05/A |
Secondo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Advanced molecular and cellular biotechnology | 10 | 80 | Inglese | BIOS-04/A BIOS-08/A |
| Plant biotechnology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | BIOS-02/A BIOS-14/A |
| Protein engineering and molecular enzymology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | BIOS-07/A |
sarà attivato dall'A.A. 2027/2028
Attività conclusive
Per queste attività non è previsto un periodo di offerta.
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obbligatorio | ||||
| Laboratory training | 7 | 0 | Inglese | NN |
| Thesis project and final dissertation | 30 | 0 | Inglese | NN |
Primo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facoltativo | ||||
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | Inglese | PHYS-03/A PHYS-06/A |
| Biotechnological and molecular strategies in the control of parasites and vector-borne pathogens | 6 | 48 | Inglese | MVET-03/B |
| Nanotechnology for biomedical applications and biosensors | 6 | 48 | Inglese | CHEM-01/A CHEM-05/A |
| Structural bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | Inglese | PHYS-06/A |
Secondo semestre
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facoltativo | ||||
| Advanced bioinformatics for biotechnology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | BIOS-08/A INFO-01/A |
| Macromolecular structural biology | 6 | 64 | Inglese | BIOS-07/A |
| Molecular breeding and plant genetics | 6 | 48 | Inglese | AGRI-06/A BIOS-14/A |
| Patenting and technology transfer | 6 | 64 | Inglese | AGRI-01/A GIUR-01/A GIUR-02/A |
Periodo non definito
Per queste attività non è previsto un periodo di offerta.
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facoltativo | ||||
| Additional language skills: italian (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Italiano | NN |
| Other training activities | 3 | 0 | Inglese | NN |
Attività a scelta e regole di composizione del piano didattico
1 - The student must choose at least two of the following courses
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | Periodo | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced bioinformatics for biotechnology | 6 | 48 | Inglese | Secondo semestre | BIOS-08/A INFO-01/A |
| Bioimaging | 6 | 56 | Inglese | Primo semestre | PHYS-03/A PHYS-06/A |
| Biotechnological and molecular strategies in the control of parasites and vector-borne pathogens | 6 | 48 | Inglese | Primo semestre | MVET-03/B |
| Macromolecular structural biology | 6 | 64 | Inglese | Secondo semestre | BIOS-07/A |
| Molecular breeding and plant genetics | 6 | 48 | Inglese | Secondo semestre | AGRI-06/A BIOS-14/A |
| Nanotechnology for biomedical applications and biosensors | 6 | 48 | Inglese | Primo semestre | CHEM-01/A CHEM-05/A |
| Patenting and technology transfer | 6 | 64 | Inglese | Secondo semestre | AGRI-01/A GIUR-01/A GIUR-02/A |
| Structural bioinformatics | 6 | 56 | Inglese | Primo semestre | PHYS-06/A |
2 - The student must acquire 12 CFU freely chosen and 3 CFU focused on the development of soft skills, including language courses (Italian for foreigners), additional computer skills or other skills useful for job placement, including attending seminars from invited experts and scientist. The courses can be chosen either from the list of MB&B electives or from any course offered by the University of Milan, including courses taught in Italian, if they are considered compatible with the objectives of the MB&B degree and are not a repetition of courses already offered in the program. Three credits can be acquired by extending the thesis project, upon presenting a motivated written request that must be approved by the MB&B Study Plan Committee.
| Attività formative | Crediti massimi | Ore totali | Lingua | Periodo | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional language skills: italian (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | Italiano | Periodo non definito | NN |
| Other training activities | 3 | 0 | Inglese | Periodo non definito | NN |
There are no propaedeutic courses that limit progression from the first to the second year.
Altre informazioni
Orientamento:
Info su ammissioni e immatricolazioni
- Contatta le segreterie
- Sportello online InformaStudenti
- Studenti internazionali: welcome desk
- Studenti con disabilità
- Studenti con DSA
Milano
Sedi didattiche
Lecture rooms and laboratories are in the "Città Studi" campus, mostly in the University buildings of Via Celoria, 26 (Edifici Biologici); Via Celoria, 20 (Settore Didattico); Via Golgi, 19 (Edificio Golgi). The Department of Biosciences is the reference structure for all teaching activities related to the MB&B course.
Sedi laboratori
The MB&B course is characterized by an intense laboratory activity that is mainly carried out in the internship activity for the thesis.
Presidente del Collegio didattico
Tutor per l'orientamento
Tutor per la mobilità internazionale e l'Erasmus
Tutor per i piani di studio
Tutor per ammissioni lauree magistrali
Referente AQ del corso di studio
Strutture di riferimento
Contatti
- 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 webpage - International Students Office - Welcome Desk
Milan - Via S. Sofia, 9/1
https://www.unimi.it/en/international/coming-abroad/international-students-office-welcome-desk - Industrial Biotechnology Academic Board
http://www.unimi.it/en/education/faculties-and-schools/science-and-technology/industrial-biotechnology - Boards
Prof. Veronica Gregis, Prof. Federica Marini (Erasmus and study mobility); Prof. Carlo Camilloni, Prof. Thomas Vaccari (Study Plan); Prof. Carlo Camilloni, Prof. Achille Pellicioli (Admission). - Disability manager
Prof. Matteo Chiara - Academic Services Office
Milan - Via Celoria, 26
https://informastudenti.unimi.it/
[email protected]
Desk by appointment, either online or in person. Please book your appointment via email: [email protected]
Le tasse universitarie per gli studenti iscritti ai corsi di laurea, di laurea magistrale e a ciclo unico sono suddivise in due rate:
- la prima rata ha importo uguale per tutti e si paga al momento dell’immatricolazione;
- la seconda rata varia in base al valore ISEE Università e al Corso di laurea;
- per gli studenti internazionali con redditi e patrimoni all’estero la seconda rata varia in base al Paese di provenienza
Diritto allo studio e altre agevolazioni
L’Ateneo prevede borse di studio, mense, alloggi e altre agevolazioni a favore dei propri studenti con specifici requisiti di merito e condizioni economiche.
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