BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE E CELLULARE Degree Programme Profile
Basic Information
Qualification awarded
Master Degree in BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE E CELLULARE
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 the Degree Programme Council with the 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 Cellular and Molecular Biology aims to prepare students with a deep knowledge of the life processes at the biochemical, genetic, cellular and molecular bases; of the molecules and macromolecular complexes that take part in the organization of cells and organisms, in their metabolism, their development and evolution; of the functioning of genes and the way they control development and cell differentiation; of stem cell biology; of the biochemical aspects of intracellular and intercellular signaling, of cell trafficking; of molecular genetics and microbiology. They will have a solid background in cell and molecular biology, with a deep knowledge in the methodologies involved in basic and applied research and in the techniques for collection, analysis and interpretation of the data.
Key Learning Outcomes
Graduates in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Degree Programme are expected to acquire:
- advanced knowledge in the central areas of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, as well as in other more specialized areas like bioinformatics, genomics, stem cell biology.
- applicative and methodological competences, and use of specific instruments and technologies at different levels (biochemical, biomolecular, genetic, biotechnological, biostatistical, bioinformatic)
- the ability to design original experiments or procedures to investigate life processes down to the molecular level, or to design new and deep methods of investigation and application
- the ability to elaborate and interpret experimental results and to disseminate the significance of their research, methods and applications
- the ability to consult databases and to adopt innovative technologies and advanced instruments in order to update their own profile
Occupational Profile/s of Graduates
Graduates in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Degree Programme will have high responsibility profiles in activities associated with the development and use of molecular procedures in all of the fields of the study of life, in diagnostics and biotechnology, performed within:
- national and private health service centres, hospitals and laboratories
- pharmaceutical, food, chemical and biotechnology companies
- communication and dissemination agencies
- scientific police departments
- managing and professional activities recognized by the National Biologist Order
- university and academic research centres following enrolment into a PhD programme in Molecular Biology or in other PhD programmes in Biology or other related scientific disciplines
Access to further study
The Master's degree in CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 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 48 ECTS credits are allocated, foresees the preparation and discussion of a written text and must show that the candidate has produced original research in Cellular and Molecular Biology in a universitary laboratory or in laboratories of partner institutions.