Programme aims

The second cycle/two-year master’s degree programme in Animal Biotechnology aims to produce professional figures with advanced competences in biotechnology applied to animal and human health, biomedical research and food safety, following an integrated approach consistent with the One Medicine-One Health paradigm. The degree programme develops the learning outcomes through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates biological, biomedical and biotechnological knowledge, with the aim of offering specific cultural competences while also providing technical and interpretative tools that are useful in a wide range of activities, ranging from diagnostics to research in various biological-biotechnological fields.

The study programme is structured as a single, coherent project, aimed at preparing professional profiles able to design, coordinate and manage basic and applied research activity, also with organisational and management responsibilities, in compliance with national and international legislation. Graduates will be able to work in research and advanced diagnostic laboratories, have access to the Professional Register of Biologists (Section A) and continue their education at a national and international level (PhDs, Master’s Programmes, Specialisation Schools).

The degree programme is designed to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and competences in the areas of molecular and cellular biology, applied biochemistry, genetics and genomics, pathology, bioinformatics, pharmacology, as well as legislation and bioethics, with particular reference to the use of animal models, in vitro and ex vivo systems, and reproductive biotechnologies. In this context, the specific learning outcomes of the degree programme include the development of knowledge and competences for the application of advanced molecular, genetic and genomic analysis techniques aimed at biomedical research, diagnostics and the definition of innovative therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Additional objectives include the achievement of knowledge and competences in the development and application of in vitro and ex vivo experimental systems, the use of animal models for the study of pathophysiological processes, and the use of regenerative medicine methods based on stem cells and biomaterials. The study programme also includes the acquisition of competences in the use of bioinformatics tools and statistical methods for the analysis and interpretation of biomedical data, together with knowledge of national and international legislation in the biotechnology field. The educational profile is completed by the development of transferable skills, such as project management abilities, teamwork and effective scientific communication, in both Italian and English.

Based on the specific learning outcomes of the degree programme, two pathways are offered, representing cultural and scientific variants of a single educational project. The two curricular pathways share the same learning outcomes, methodological approach and a strong common foundation of knowledge and competences, differing from each other in specific areas of in-depth study.

A first curricular pathway is aimed at in-depth study of biotechnology in the veterinary and translational fields, with particular attention to diagnostic and nutritional applications and food safety, as well as reproductive biotechnologies, the use of experimental models and regenerative medicine. In this context, further learning outcomes, which complement the general ones in the degree programme, concern the acquisition of knowledge and competences for the application of advanced technologies in laboratory diagnostics, in improving animal production, as well as in the assessment of quality and safety along the food supply chain and in the development of innovative functional foods. The pathway is completed with the acquisition of knowledge and competences in advanced reproductive technologies, including in vitro embryo production, cloning and the generation of transgenic animals, and in the use of animal models and in vitro and ex vivo systems for pathogenetic and pharmacotoxicological studies.

A second curricular pathway is aimed at in-depth study of biotechnology in the comparative and translational fields, with particular reference to the study of the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying oncological and infectious diseases and innovative therapeutic approaches, the integrated analysis of complex biomedical data, and the use of animal models and in vitro experimental systems. In this context, further learning outcomes, which complement the general ones in the degree programme, include the acquisition of knowledge and competences on the processes underlying oncogenesis and the pathogenetic mechanisms of transmissible diseases, such as angiogenesis, cell differentiation, epigenetic and metabolic mutations; on vertebrate and invertebrate animal models and in vitro systems for comparative animal-human studies of infectious and oncological diseases; as well as the acquisition of knowledge and competences for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. These competences are complemented by advanced training in the use of advanced bioinformatics and statistical tools and artificial intelligence applied to biomedical research.

Both educational pathways, despite their specific features, contribute to achieving the same learning outcomes in the degree programme, ensured by an integrated set of compulsory course units, which introduce students to the main topics of molecular and experimental biology, general pathology, genetics and cell physiology, as well as cell culture techniques and advanced analysis methodologies. The study path also includes course units on assisted reproduction, food safety, nutritional biotechnologies, advanced diagnostic techniques, mechanisms of cellular toxicity, angiogenesis and epigenetics, biomaterials, genetic engineering, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence applied to the biomedical field, in vitro experimental methods, animal models, therapy and prophylaxis, and national and international legislation. All course units are characterised by strong integration between theoretical, experimental and applied activities. Achievement of the learning outcomes listed above is ensured by compulsory learning activities consisting of lectures, seminars, group work, educational visits and practical exercises and sessions. For both curricular pathways, compulsory learning activities are delivered in Italian and in English, aimed at ensuring that students acquire knowledge and competences suitable for a national and international context. These activities are designed to promote the effective integration of graduates into national and international work environments, as well as to facilitate their participation in global academic and professional collaboration and mobility networks. The practical work in the compulsory curricular internship and in preparation for the final examination can be carried out at research and diagnostic laboratories operating within the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences - DIMEVET, as well as at organisations having an agreement with the University. Also with the aim of broadening students’ educational and professional opportunities and facilitating their integration into diversified work environments, these internship activities can be carried out at organisations having an agreement with the University both in Italy and abroad. Given the existence of learning activities delivered in both Italian and English, both curricular pathways envisage the awarding of ECTS credits dedicated to language skills. These activities are aimed at ensuring that Italian students achieve an adequate level of knowledge of English and that international students have an adequate command of Italian, in order to promote regular progress in their studies and facilitate integration into professional settings at national and international level. Achievement of the learning outcomes in the degree programme is assessed through exams, practical work, reports and the defence of the final dissertation.