In accordance with the learning outcome of class LM-08, the objective of the second cycle degree programme in Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology is to allow students to master the activities necessary to research and produce goods and services in the different industrial biotechnology sectors, in chemistry-, biochemistry-, genetics- andmicrobiology-related areas, applying the experimental scientific method asbasic approach to biotechnology disciplines.
Compulsory learning activities andassociated laboratory work, include:
A. Bio-Molecular Area
- Knowledge of the molecular and cellularbasis of prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral biological systems;
- Knowledge of bioinformatics, to consultgenome and proteome databases.
- Knowledge of the organisation and methodof expression of eukaryote, prokaryote and viral genomes;
- Knowledge of microbiology applied toenvironmental and industrial biotechnology.
B. Chemical Industrial Area
- Knowledge of the structure-function relationships of biological macromolecules useful for biotechnology purposes and of the instrumental and methodological approaches required for their characterisation;
- Knowledge of chemical engineering and of industrial biotechnology systems, in order to apply the biology and chemistry knowledge acquired to production;
- Knowledge of enzymology, proteinengineering and biocatalysis, to use natural or modified enzymes for biotechnology application in the industrial sector.
The vocational learning activities provide knowledge about the main intellectual property rights and how to acquire and protect intellectual property, in order to protect scientific research results and their repercussions on the economy of biotechnology companies within the framework laid out by the law to improve the economic value of intellectual property.
Students have the chance to integrate the programme by acquiring specific knowledge on subjects such as the development and design of nanobiomaterials, development and production of biosensors and nanosensors, industrial biochemistry and microbiology, innovation of the production processes in the chemical-biotechnology industry, sustainable chemistry, circular economy, chemical-molecular methods to study proteins and metalloproteins, identification and synthesis of bioactive compounds.
Good knowledge of English (level B2) is required to help graduates enter the world of work.
The degree programme ends with an experimental internship that enables students to apply the theoretical and practical notions acquired in an operational context. This internship may be carried out at the laboratories of Universities or of public or private firms and/or bodies, either in Italy or abroad.
The preparatory activity for the final exam allows students to put into context, in an operational environment, the knowledge, methods and abilities acquired in the classroom and during practical work. The dissertation topics will be the original results of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology researches in which students will have acquired full working and planning autonomy that will allow them to work for companies and/or public and private institutions that operate in areas such as gene expression and manipulation, genetic/molecular control techniques, development and production of biosensors and nanosensors, quality management and control of biotechnology systems. The wide range of subjects covered allows graduates to interact with commercial organisations and documentation centres specifically involved in biotechnology production. Graduates can continue studying and complete their education by enrolling in a PhD programme degree or 2nd Level Master programme and specialization schools.
