Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Biotechnologies [L-2] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Undegraduate in Biotechnologies

Level of qualification

First cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Enrollment on the Degree Course is regulated in accordance with access rules to higher education (DM 270/04, article 6, paragraph 1). Students are required to have a diploma from a Secondary School or another equivalent qualification, obtained abroad and recognized suitable.

Profile of the programme

The Degree Course aims at providing undergraduates with a methodological preparation, based on quality cultural contents, which also takes into consideration the different occupational fields of Biotechnologist and the requirements of the labour markets in terms of education in the sector of Biotechnologies. Courses are organized with the contribution of five Faculties: Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, in view of a basic multidisciplinary education which allows the furthering of studies towards the different biotechnological Master’s Degrees, without neglecting the assignment of a professional role to the Bachelor’s Degree. This end will be achieved through the development of face to face courses, lab and other formative activities aimed at the acquisition of basic and applied skills of Biotechnologies.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Degree Course in Biotechnologies has a duration of 3 years, during which the student must obtain 180 credits. On the basis of the number of enrolled students, the Course and the relevant didactic activities shall be organized in two parallel curricula. Although the Degree Course provides for the participation of other Faculties, it is carried out within the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences and it is organized in a common curriculum for all enrolled students. For each year of study, formative activities are organized in two semesters and developed through face to face classes, exercises, practical and seminar activities, training and final examination.

First year students are advised to take a preliminary preparation test, which is also a self – assessment test relevant to the subjects of Mathematics, Mathematical Logic and Chemistry, whose outcome is not binding for enrollment. For students who do not pass the aforesaid test, the Degree Course organizes, at the beginning of the first year, a reasonable number of additional classes of "Mathematics for Applications" and "General and Inorganic Chemistry with elements of stoichiometry", aimed at consolidating the basic preparation in the aforesaid disciplines. Detailed information about the organization of the Degree Course are specified in the relevant Didactic Regulation available at http://www.unipg.it/facsmfn/ccl/biotec/biotecnologie.

Key learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding Graduates in Biotechnologies have a basic knowledge and scientific and professional skills in different areas related to Biotechnologies, through a multidisciplinary scientific education obtained by a planned combination of theoretical knowledge and operational capabilities, also relevant to leading issues characterizing biotechnology. For this purpose, students receive a solid preparation in basic subjects such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, general Biology, and a deep knowledge of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Chemistry, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Graduates in Biotechnologies also have an adequate knowledge of rules and ethical issues related to Biotechnologies. This knowledge is acquired by attending courses and by the use of advanced texts, audiovisual and hypertextual.

Applying knowledge and understanding. Graduates in Biotechnologies have application capabilities and multidisciplinary methodological, technological and instrumental expertise in the various fields of Biotechnologies applications, such as, for example, industry, environment, pharmacology, healthcare, as well as scientific communication. These capabilities are achieved through the attendance of courses, laboratory exercises and specific training activities able to provide the student with operational abilities in experimental planning, in the development of procedures and of laboratory techniques and biotechnology processes, with particular reference to technologies related to genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Graduates in Biotechnology are also able to use computers and statistical tools, with particular reference to the field of bioinformatics for the analysis of biosequences, development and use of biological databases, basic pharmacological skills.

Making judgments. Graduates in Biotechnologies have application capabilities and skills in the manipulation of information and the necessary autonomy to identify reliable sources; the ability to analyze the material available and synthesize the related concepts, the ability to adapt to new situations and to make decisions independently. Judgement is encouraged and achieved during the didactic - educational process, both through examinations provided for within each course, and by drawing up intermediate papers preliminary to the thesis and to verification of communication skills.

Communication skills Graduates in Biotechnologies are able to use Information Technology tools; to acquire interpersonal skills for teamwork; to properly communicate, both in written and oral forms, in Italian and English, the results of their work. Such skills are stimulated and verified through oral and written reports and participation in workshops, under the supervision of tutors, in progress and during the discussion of the thesis.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

The modes of verification of attendance in each didactic activity are set forth by the relevant Professor in charge. The methods for assessing results and acquisition of credits include: examination on a scale of 30, assessment of suitability or certificate of attendance. The final examination to obtain the degree in Biotechnology is public and involves the drawing up of a written paper, in Italian or English, and an oral presentation before a board of 11 Professors. The final evaluation is assessed on a scale of 110 and includes a global assessment of the curriculum of the student. If the final grade achieved by the student is higher than 110, the Board can, unanimously, confer honours.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of all credits in the formation activities provided for in the curriculum. and upon the approval of a written paper.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Students are required to attend both lecture and laboratory courses. The verification of attendance and its modes will be set forth by the Professor of the course. For training activities, attendance is compulsory, and it will be verified by the Tutor.. For other activities, the CIIB can set forth eventual obligations of attendance, which will be reported in the degree program, together with the methods of assessment.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

The main professional opportunities of the Degree are expected within the field of research, biotech industries, companies/public bodies and private institutions operating in agricultural, pharmaceutical, molecular, medical, veterinary sectors. Basic knowledge and practices acquired in molecular and technical fields will make graduates capable, in the areas of his/her competence and in collaboration with professionals of the biotechnology sector, to participate in planning and implementation of biotechnological applications.

Access to further studies

Access to master’s degree courses or first level vocational master

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

General (Regulations 2013)