Academic year 2020/2021

BIOLOGIA APPLICATA ALLA BIOMEDICINA Degree Programme Profile

Basic Information

Qualification awarded

Master Degree in BIOLOGIA APPLICATA ALLA BIOMEDICINA

Qualification Type/Level

EHEA Second cycle, EQF level 7

Number of Years/credits

2 years; 120 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-Time/Part-Time*

*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own pace. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.

Name of the Course Director and other contact information

President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof. FEDERICA GEMIGNANI
Email federica.gemignani@unipi.it

Department of DIPARTIMENTO DI BIOLOGIA

Internationalization Coordinator (CAI):
Prof. Massimo Dal monte
Email massimo.dalmonte@unipi.it

Language of Teaching

Italian

Admission Requirements

Formal Requirements

Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or an equivalent foreign qualification in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if the required competences are lacking.

Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences

Assessment of competences acquired in First Cycle studies in related or un-related subject areas to determine admission by Degree Programme Council with possible assignment of extra work to be completed before admission.

Required knowledge and competences support programmes

Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.

General Information

Programme Profile

The Degree Programme in Biology Applied to Biomedical Sciences completes the education of the biological sciences acquired in the first cycle study in Biological Sciences. It aims to prepare students with advanced and overall expertise in basic biology and in biology applied to biomedical sciences including knowledge on physiopathological mechanisms. Graduation opens further possibilities for professional training, such as PhD courses and specialization schools.

Key Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Programme will be able to demonstrate:
- An essential knowledge on basic biological sciences in perspective of their future professional application.
- A deep knowledge of physiopathology, biochemistry, microbiology, epidemiology, neurobiology.
- Ability to apply the knowledge and understanding of biochemical, biomolecular, immunological, microbiological, physiological and neurophysiological methods, instruments relevant for human health.
- Advanced knowledge in data management with statistical methods.
- Ability to operate modern laboratory instrumentation, with some knowledge of the most important acquisition techniques, including data handling.
- Ability to work autonomously, assuming also manager roles involving wide responsibility of projects, structures and personal.
- Ability to organize scientific research and innovation technology.

Occupational Profile/s of Graduates

Graduates in the Biology Applied to Biomedical Sciences Degree Programme will have high responsibility in activities related:
- With the development of methods for diagnostic and monitoring of physiopathological processes including nutritional aspects and therapeutic interventions in man. They may be employed in laboratories of the National Health Service, private and partner laboratories, pharmaceutical and food industries, communication studies, scientific divulgation agencies, scientific police, professional and managerial professions recognized by the current national regulations (Biophysio Pathologist).
- With the development and application of methods for the research of the functions of the nervous system and for the diagnosis and monitoring of neuropathologies. They may be employed in laboratories of the National Health Service and partners, private laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, communication studies, scientific divulgation agencies, professional and managerial activities professions recognized by the current regulations (Neurobiologist).
- To basic and applied research in Physiopathology or Neurobiology fields following PhD studies in research institutes and education (Universities, National Research Council, National Institute of Health), pharmaceutical companies and other international organizations (Researcher).
- To professional and managerial activities recognized by the National Biologist Order in all biological fields in public institutions, industry and private companies.

Access to further study

The Master’s degree in BIOLOGY APPLIED TO BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCES allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.

Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading

Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**. Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on the occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated based on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).

**The exam sessions are organised into sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The students choose which of the appelli they wish to respond to. In most cases, it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.

Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification

The final exam, to which 41 ECTS credits are allocated, foresees the preparation and discussion of a written text and must show that the candidate has produced original research in a university laboratory or in laboratories of partner institutions.

Course structure diagram

Available courses, 2020/2021