Second Cycle Degree/Two Year Master in Animal Biotechnology

Prospects

If you haven’t enrolled yet, please look at code 6262.
If you have already enrolled, the course code is available in Studenti Online.

6262 - Animal Biotechnology

Professional profiles

professional profile

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Biotechnologist

ROLE IN A PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Animal Biotechnology are highly qualified professionals capable of:

  • applying molecular and biomolecular techniques for basic and advanced diagnostics of transmissible and non-transmissible diseases;

  • using innovative techniques in the pharmacological and prophylactic fields;

  • applying anatomical and pathological diagnostic methods and performing analyses of normal and pathological tissues;

  • designing, coordinating, and conducting biomedical, veterinary, translational research and animal experimentation;

  • developing protocols for the manipulation and culture of embryonic and adult stem cells and for in vitro and ex vivo studies;

  • applying genetic engineering techniques for the production of transgenic animal models;

  • assessing the genetic, reproductive, and functional quality of animals and applying reproductive biotechnological methods;

  • performing genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatic analyses for diagnosis, epidemiological studies, and biomarker identification;

  • controlling food quality and safety and developing innovative functional foods;

  • analyzing major cellular metabolic pathways and mechanisms of cellular damage, programmed cell death, senescence, inflammation, and immune responses;

  • selecting and using vertebrate and invertebrate animal models and in vitro systems for preclinical studies and therapeutic evaluations;

  • applying cell culture systems and assessing their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine and advanced biomedicine;

  • using bioinformatics tools, statistical methods, and artificial intelligence techniques for the analysis and interpretation of biomedical and diagnostic data;

  • conducting tumor biology analyses through functional genomics and identifying potential therapeutic targets;

  • performing innovative diagnostic procedures for infectious and oncological diseases, assessing their quality and reliability;

  • comparing and critically evaluating innovative therapeutic approaches based on experimental and clinical evidence;

  • interpreting and applying national and European regulations in the biotechnological field and ethical principles governing the use of animals in scientific research;

  • collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals (physicians, veterinarians, pharmacologists, epidemiologists, nutritionists, and bioinformaticians) in research projects and biotechnological applications.

SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLE
The skills acquired enable graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Animal Biotechnology to carry out the following activities:

  • designing, developing, and coordinating research projects in clinical, therapeutic, biomedical, and animal science fields within multidisciplinary contexts;

  • diagnosing pathological conditions and genetic, infectious, and parasitic diseases using advanced molecular, biomolecular, and bioinformatic techniques;

  • applying technological research methods and genetic selection strategies for biodiversity conservation and the improvement of animal production;

  • designing and conducting medically assisted reproduction programs in both human and veterinary contexts;

  • developing and conducting in vitro and in vivo experimental protocols using animal models, including transgenic models and cellular systems;

  • preparing samples and applying methodologies for regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapy;

  • controlling the quality and safety of foods of animal origin and animal feed, applying nutritional biotechnologies and innovative methods to optimize food production;

  • analyzing and interpreting cellular, metabolic, and immunological mechanisms for the design of experimental and therapeutic strategies;

  • using bioinformatics, statistical, and artificial intelligence tools for the analysis and interpretation of biomedical data in research and diagnostics;

  • applying and complying with national and European ethical and regulatory frameworks in biotechnology, animal experimentation, and biomedical research;

  • critically evaluating innovative therapeutic approaches based on experimental and clinical evidence;

  • collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals such as physicians, veterinarians, pharmacologists, nutritionists, and epidemiologists.

In addition to the technical skills related to veterinary biotechnology, upon completion of their training graduates in Animal Biotechnology also acquire the following transferable skills:

  • critical thinking and the ability to apply deductive reasoning to address specific problems using general principles;

  • problem-solving skills through the collection of relevant information to evaluate possible options and identify causes and effects;

  • analytical skills and critical judgment, including in data evaluation;

  • independent judgment regarding the effectiveness and suitability of experimental protocols;

  • ability to identify and assess ethical issues related to the use of animal experimentation protocols;

  • ability to apply the scientific method and prepare technical-scientific reports in Italian and English;

  • organizational, managerial, and planning skills consistent with the level of autonomy and responsibility assigned in relation to key stakeholders (colleagues, other professionals, and public and/or private clients);

  • ability to organize and manage time effectively;

  • ability to apply basic principles of Business Development and the most effective communication methods and languages for different types of stakeholders (investors, marketing, medical management, researchers).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Animal Biotechnology may find employment in the following professional sectors*:

  • Universities and public and private research institutions, at national and international level

  • National Health Service facilities

  • Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes

  • Public and private human and veterinary analytical laboratories

  • Commercial and consulting offices in biotechnology-related fields, including patents and intellectual property

  • Diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries

  • Biotechnology industry

  • Veterinary industry

  • Notified bodies and certification organizations

  • Clinical trial monitoring (Clinical Research Associate – CRA or Clinical Monitor – CM)

  • National and international regulatory agencies

  • Patent offices

  • Technology transfer companies

  • Scientific publishing and communication companies

  • Sector associations (scientific, industrial, patient associations)

  • Public institutions (Ministry of Health)

* After passing the national State Examination, graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Animal Biotechnology may register with the Professional Register of Biologists (Section A), which is required for the practice of the profession as a freelance biologist.

Continuing to study

It gives access to third-cycle studies (PhD and specialization school) and second-level university master's degrees.