Second Level degree in Applied and Molecular Biology

Second Level degree in Applied and Molecular Biology

(curricula Biological Technologies, Computational Biology)

President Prof.ssa Oliana Carnevali- tel. 071 2204990 - email: o.carnevali@univpm.it
Quality Manager Prof. Luca Maragliano - tel. 071 2204992 - email: l.maragliano@univpm.it

This course has a duration of two years.

A three year Degree, or an equivalent academic qualification from a foreign university is required for enrolment on the Second Level degree in Applied and Molecular Biology.

Presentation

The Master's Degree in Molecular and Applied Biology is structured into 2 distinct curricula and encompasses four key thematic areas: a core cellular and molecular area (common to both specializations) and two specialized fields—Biological Technologies and Computational Biology.
This program prepares highly qualified experts in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, cellular and reproductive biology, as well as microbial and plant biotechnology. Additionally, it trains specialists in computational biology, focusing on transcriptomics analysis, biomolecular and structural simulations, bioactive molecule modeling and design, and proficiency in bioinformatic programming languages. More broadly, the course equips students with cutting-edge technologies applicable to health and quality of life.
Students will develop a strong and integrated foundation in advanced biological analysis methods, bioinformatics, and their applications across industrial, healthcare, and biotechnological sectors.

To achieve these competencies, the program includes

-Advanced and Applied Biological Training: In-depth study of molecular, biotechnological, and biochemical aspects of biological phenomena, including interactions between molecules, biomolecules, and cells in both normal and altered conditions.
-Experimental Techniques and Methodologies: Hands-on training in experimental methods for understanding biological systems at the molecular and cellular level, analyzing large datasets ("big data"), modeling complex biological systems, and developing specialized skills in applied biology. This includes research, development, production, and managerial aspects.
-Structured Learning Activities: A minimum of 30 credits dedicated to lectures, laboratory work, and specialized seminars focusing on biological, biomolecular, biophysical, biochemical, and biotechnological methodologies, along with data analysis techniques.
-Practical and International Experience: Opportunities for external training, including internships at companies, research placements, and study visits at Italian and international universities as part of collaborative agreements.
-English Language Proficiency: Training activities designed to ensure fluency in both written and spoken English, with an emphasis on scientific terminology, aiming for proficiency at or above the B2 level.
Research Thesis: An original research project based on experimental data collected by the student under the guidance of a supervisor. This research must be conducted in a laboratory at the Università Politecnica delle Marche for at least one year, or, subject to prior agreement, in a laboratory at another Italian or international university, research institution, or industry.

This comprehensive program equips graduates with the expertise and practical experience necessary for careers in academic research, biotechnology, healthcare, and related industries.

Career opportunities

Graduates will have access to research facilities at universities and public institutions, including the National Research Council, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Zooprophylaxis Institutes, hospitals, and national and regional environmental protection agencies.
Career opportunities include roles as:
-Managers and Operational Coordinators in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public or private healthcare companies.
-Specialists in Biological System Modeling in both public and private sectors.
-Experts in Biological Computation for research and development in various industries.
-Educators in biological sciences at public and private institutions.

Bio-technological Specialist

Computational Biology Specialist

Role in the Workplace: Graduates in Molecular and Applied Biology with a specialization in biological technologies are classified as professional biologists with expertise in:
-Coordinating basic research activities.
-Applying biotechnological methods in genetics, molecular biology, cellular biology, plant sciences, food sciences, pharmaceuticals, and microbiology.
-Ensuring quality control and diagnostics in both analytical and industrial settings.
-Conducting laboratory research using advanced, innovative, and experimental biological and molecular analysis techniques, including bioinformatics tools and biological molecule databases.
-Developing, controlling, and managing biotechnological and biochemical products in healthcare, food, environmental, and industrial fields.
Associated Competencies: Graduates in Molecular and Applied Biology (Technologies sciences Specialization) acquire specialized skills in:
Genetics, cellular, and molecular biology
Biochemistry, microbiology, and bioinformatics
Biotechnologies applied to cellular, plant, food, reproductive, and microbial sciences
Biological and biomolecular methodologies for research, development, and production
Data analysis and applied biology in various sectors
Additionally, graduates develop:
-The ability to collect and interpret scientific data to make informed, independent judgments on specific issues, including social, scientific, and ethical considerations.
-Strong communication skills to convey research findings, propose new ideas, and address problems—both to experts in molecular and applied sciences and to non-specialist audiences.
Career Opportunities: Graduates will have the necessary professional knowledge to enter the workforce in areas related to biological sciences. They may pursue:
-Independent professional practice upon registration with the National Biologists' Register.
-Employment in research institutions at universities, public agencies (National Research Council, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Zooprophylaxis Institutes, hospitals, environmental protection agencies, etc.), and industry associations.
-Roles in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, particularly those involving biotechnology.
-Positions in chemical-clinical and microbiological laboratories, both public and private.
-Careers in medically assisted reproduction clinics.
-Teaching opportunities in secondary education, provided they meet the required academic credits and pass the necessary entrance examinations.

Role in the Workplace: Graduates in Molecular and Applied Biology with a specialization in computational biology are professional biologists specializing in experimental research coordination in biomedical and biotechnological fields. They collaborate with other biologists, physicists, chemists, clinicians, pharmacologists, and epidemiologists to analyze biological system complexity.
Their expertise includes:
-Analyzing and interpreting "big data" generated through next-generation omics technologies.
-Modeling complex systems in interdisciplinary fields spanning biology, physics, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine.
-Structural biology for the design and development of pharmacologically active molecules.
-Bioinformatics applications in biotechnology and biomedicine, covering theoretical, methodological, experimental, and applied aspects.
-Designing and developing computational systems for biotechnological and biomedical applications.
Associated Competencies: Graduates in Molecular and Applied Biology (Computational Specialization) develop expertise in:
-Omics sciences and the analysis of biological data using bioinformatics tools and high-throughput experimental platforms.
-Biochemical and biophysical processes governing cellular functions and molecular interactions.
-Structural biology techniques and analytical protocols used in molecular and cellular biophysics research.
-Systems biology modeling for studying complex biological interactions.
- Proficiency in computer languages and their applications in bioinformatics.
These skills provide the theoretical and practical foundation necessary for careers in biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and clinical research.
Graduates will also be able to:
-Collect and interpret scientific data relevant to their field to make independent, evidence-based decisions.
-Communicate findings, ideas, and problem-solving strategies effectively to both experts in molecular and applied sciences and non-specialist audiences.
Career Opportunities: Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in biological sciences and computational biology. They may pursue:
Independent professional practice upon registration with the National Biologists' Register.
Roles as researchers in universities, public and private institutions.
Positions as managers and operational coordinators in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public or private healthcare companies.
Specialist in biological systems modeling in public and private sectors.
Specialist in biological computation for research.
Graduates who have sufficient credits in appropriate groups of scientific disciplinary sectors will be able, as required by current legislation, to participate in the admission tests for training courses for secondary education.