Expected learning outcomes

Code 6254 - Molecular and Computational Biology (activated from a.y. 2026/27)

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Molecular and Computational Biology:

• possess in-depth knowledge of the structure and biochemical characteristics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, as well as viruses;
• understand the biochemical mechanisms regulating cellular energy transformation, intracellular signalling, and organelle–organelle, cell–cell, and cell–environment interactions;
• are familiar with the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying development, cell identity determination, and tumorigenesis;
• have knowledge of the cellular and molecular processes regulating nervous system function and its pathological alterations;
• understand the genetic, genomic, and biochemical mechanisms mediating plant and bacterial responses to environmental stress;
• are familiar with the main techniques for in vitro cell and tissue culture, as well as with the challenges associated with in vivo experimentation;
• are able to critically analyse scientific literature in the fields of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and organismal physiology;
• know the main methodologies for the computational analysis of biological data;
• possess a solid knowledge of basic biology and fundamental molecular processes;
• are able to understand and model the main biological processes at the molecular level;
• have a strong command of programming techniques and information technology methodologies applied to biology;
• possess good computational knowledge in the areas of neural networks, artificial intelligence, soft computing, computational simulation, computer graphics, human–computer interaction, and multimedia systems;
• have a good knowledge of modern biology, functional genomics, and genetic engineering at the protein and cellular levels.

These competences are acquired through participation in lectures, individual laboratory sessions and practical exercises, internship experiences, and independent study. Achievement of the specific learning outcomes for each course unit is assessed through oral and/or written examinations, reports and exercises related to the activities carried out, and, at the end of the programme, through an experimental thesis and a collegial evaluation of the final examination.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Graduates are able to apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired to address complex problems in the fields of molecular and computational biology. They possess multidisciplinary applied skills that integrate experimental and computational approaches and are capable of independently using advanced tools and technologies for the analysis of biological systems at different levels of organisation.

In particular, graduates are able to employ laboratory techniques in cellular and molecular biology, use analytical instrumentation for data acquisition and quantification, and apply mathematical, statistical, and computational tools for the processing, integration, and interpretation of biological data. They are also capable of designing, developing, and evaluating computational pipelines, predictive models, and integrated analysis strategies, operating in both academic and industrial research contexts.

Assessment of applied skills takes place through the examinations associated with each educational activity, which may include written and/or oral tests, technical reports, practical exercises, or individual or group projects. Special emphasis is placed on laboratory and computational activities, in which students’ ability to independently apply the knowledge acquired is evaluated. At the end of the programme, the final examination consists of the discussion of an experimental dissertation, which is assessed collegially on the basis of project autonomy, methodological appropriateness, and the ability to analyse and communicate results.

MAKING JUDGMENTS

Graduates in Molecular and Computational Biology are able to critically address complex problems in the fields of molecular, cellular, and computational biology, formulating independent judgements regarding the choice of the most appropriate experimental and bioinformatic strategies for their resolution. They are capable of designing, evaluating, and validating experimental protocols and computational analyses, integrating laboratory approaches with digital tools and innovative methodologies. They can critically analyse and interpret experimental and bioinformatic data, including complex datasets, identifying their limitations and potential, and rationalising them into interpretative models consistent with the principles of the scientific method. Graduates demonstrate problem-solving skills, autonomy in work organisation and in conducting experimental and computational activities, and are able to assess the ethical, scientific, and technological impact of their choices. They are also capable of reflecting on interdisciplinary issues related to genetics, personalised medicine, bioethics, and systems biology, critically interpreting scientific sources and specialised literature in order to contribute to the development of research and innovation projects.

Autonomy of judgement is fostered through interaction with faculty members, critical reading of scientific articles and reviews, preparation of oral presentations in the form of seminars, and, above all, through the design and development of a research project for the final examination. Key educational tools for achieving this objective include teaching laboratories within individual courses and the activities carried out during the internship. Students further consolidate their independent judgement during exam preparation, the drafting of the final dissertation, and continuous interaction with the supervisor. Assessment of autonomy of judgement takes place during course examinations through interviews aimed at verifying acquired competences, during supervision of thesis writing, and finally through the thesis discussion before the co-supervisor and the degree committee.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme in Molecular and Computational Biology possess solid communication and interpersonal skills that enable them to interact effectively with collaborators and professionals from different backgrounds, including in international contexts. They are able to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions in both Italian and English, with a command of English at least at the B2 level, allowing them to engage in technical discussions in the fields of biology and bioinformatics, prepare technical and scientific reports, contribute to the drafting of articles for international journals, and publicly present the results of their research activities, also with the support of multimedia tools.

Communication skills are developed and strengthened through seminar activities, regular discussions with the supervisor during thesis preparation (in Italy or abroad), the presentation of research results, a preliminary interview prior to the final examination, and the thesis defence.

LEARNING SKILLS

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme in Molecular and Computational Biology possess advanced learning skills that enable them to autonomously update their competences in response to continuous scientific and technological developments in the fields of molecular and cellular biology and bioinformatics. These skills allow them to pursue third-cycle education with a high degree of independence, such as PhD programmes or international doctoral degrees, as well as second-level university Master’s programmes. They are also able to use digital tools to access databases and specialised scientific literature, and to conduct independent study, bibliographic research, and scientific project design.

The educational pathway promotes the development of these skills through autonomous activities such as project writing, preparation of oral presentations, drafting of the final dissertation, and thesis work, often accompanied by moments of discussion with tutors and faculty members.

Learning skills are assessed through continuous evaluation during coursework, with particular attention to autonomy in study, adherence to deadlines, and the ability to independently retrieve and process data during the final examination.

CODE 6670 - Molecular and Cell Biology

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Molecular and Cell Biology:

• possess in-depth knowledge of the structure and biochemical characteristics of eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells, and viruses;

• have knowledge of the physicochemical principles and biochemical mechanisms governing cellular energy transformation processes, intracellular signalling, organelle–organelle, cell–cell, cell–system, and cell–environment interactions;

• are familiar with the mechanisms underlying the evolution and functioning of genomes and transcriptomes, as well as the regulation of gene expression;

• know the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control development, cell identity, and tumorigenesis;

• possess fundamental knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to nervous system function and its pathological alterations;

• understand the genetic, genomic, and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant and bacterial responses to environmental stresses of different nature;

• are familiar with physicochemical, biochemical, and microscopic methodologies used to study protein and cellular structure and function;

• know molecular genetics strategies aimed at manipulating gene function;

• are familiar with the main methodologies for in vitro cell and tissue culture, as well as with the challenges associated with in vivo experimentation;

• know how cell cultures are used as model systems for the study of diseases;

• are able to critically approach the scientific literature in the fields of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and the physiology of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.

These competences are acquired through participation in lectures, individual laboratory sessions and practical exercises, internship experiences, and independent study. Achievement of the intended learning outcomes is primarily assessed through oral and/or written examinations, reports on laboratory activities, an experimental thesis, and the final examination.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Molecular and Cell Biology:

• are able to propose appropriate experimental solutions to problems in cellular biology and biochemistry;

• can carry out accurate measurements to test a predefined hypothesis and compare the experimental data obtained with predictions generated by theoretical models;

• are able to apply basic technical skills in omics analyses, gene network studies, and systems biology;

• can use biochemical methodologies and molecular tools for the expression and purification of recombinant proteins;

• are able to select experimental animal model systems appropriate to the biological question of interest;

• are familiar with the tools required to critically address the study and construction of recombinant organisms for applied purposes in confined environments, using advanced molecular biology techniques;

• can use genetically modified microorganisms in selected areas of applied biology and biomedicine;

• are able to critically analyse the scientific literature in the fields of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and the physiology of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms;

• know how to organise and deliver a presentation of experimental results.

The ability to apply knowledge and understanding is developed through participation in individual teaching laboratories embedded within the courses and through the internship experience for the preparation of the experimental thesis. Achievement of the intended learning outcomes is primarily assessed through laboratory reports, supervision of experimental and writing activities carried out during the internship, and the discussion of the thesis.

MAKING JUDGEMENT

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme in Molecular and Cell Biology are able to:

• propose new experimental strategies to solve problems in molecular and cellular biology;

• assess the potential of the main scientific instrumentation used in the field of molecular and cellular biology;

• critically evaluate the usefulness and limitations of different experimental approaches in molecular and cellular biology research;

• critically analyse experimental data;

• design and organise laboratory activities;

• design and validate experimental protocols;

• organise their work independently;

• express independent judgements on scientific topics in the biological field;

• interpret scientific sources, data, and literature.

The main educational tools used to achieve these objectives include teaching laboratories within individual courses and the development of a research project during the internship for the preparation of the final examination. In addition, students consolidate their autonomy of judgement through the reading of scientific articles for exam preparation, the preparation of oral presentations in the form of seminars within individual courses, and the drafting of the final dissertation.

Assessment takes place primarily during course examinations, through supervision by the thesis supervisor during the writing of the dissertation, and during the thesis defence before the co-supervisor and the degree committee.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme in Molecular and Cell Biology:

• are able to interact effectively with collaborators in the design and implementation of experimental protocols;

• possess interpersonal and communication skills in both Italian and English, enabling them to work in international contexts;

• are capable of drafting technical and scientific reports and contributing to the writing of papers suitable for publication in English-language scientific journals;

• are able to disseminate experimental results through public presentations in English, with the support of multimedia tools.

Communication skills in both English and Italian are developed through seminar activities, during the preparation of the Master’s thesis in Italy or abroad, through regular presentations and discussions of research results, and through the presentation and discussion of the final examination. Proficiency in English is cultivated throughout the entire programme, which uses English as the language of instruction.

Assessment takes place primarily during course examinations, through supervision by the thesis supervisor during the writing of the dissertation, and during the thesis defence. Students who do not possess adequate proficiency in Italian acquire, also through language courses provided by the University, Italian language skills at B2 level or higher by the completion of the study programme.

LEARNING SKILLS

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme in Molecular and Cell Biology:

• acquire learning skills that enable the continuous updating of their knowledge;

• acquire the learning abilities necessary to undertake third-cycle education with a high degree of autonomy, such as PhD programmes in Italy or doctoral programmes abroad;

• acquire the ability to use digital tools for consulting databases and specialised scientific literature.

Achievement of these objectives is supported by autonomous activities included in the study programme, such as bibliographic research for thesis preparation and the preparation of oral presentations on specific topics within individual courses. Learning skills are assessed during course examinations and during the preparation of the final examination.