Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnologies [LM-7 ] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master’s Degree in Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnologies

Level of qualification

Second Cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Students who intend to enrol on the Master’s Degree Course in AEB must have a three-year University Degree or Diploma with didactic regulations referring to class L-02 or L-25 in the SAA Biotechnological curriculum. Students with other qualifications awarded in Italy or abroad and recognized as valid may enroll after examination of curricular requirements and personal preparation (see Academic Regulations on the Faculty website).

Profile of the programme

The Master’s Degree Course in AEB aims at forming graduates with a solid scientific multidisciplinary preparation and with adequate professional skills necessary to carry out activities, both in biotechnological interventions, even through genetic engineering, in order to optimize production and productivity efficiency in agricultural organisms and in monitoring agro-ecosystems through approaches of advanced biotechnologies.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Master’s Degree Course in AEB lasts 2 years, during which the student must obtain 120 ECTS credits. Formative activities, based on semester-long periods are carried out through face to face classes, exercises, practical work, seminars and a final examination. All aspects concerning the organization and management of the Master Degree Course in AEB are described in the specific Didactic Regulation, available in the Faculty website.

Key learning outcomes

The Master’s Degree Course focuses on the formation of graduates able to: work with a high degree of autonomy to programme, devise, manage and evaluate techno-scientific projects correlated to biotechnological disciplines in the agricultural sector; monitor the effects of pesticides on agro-ecosystems and to monitor the presence of residues in different matrices; formulate, process and develop methods of analysis for the characterization of agricultural organisms; select plants, animals and microorganisms in order to improve both the quality and / or the quantity of agricultural products, for the production of useful products in other sectors (pharmaceutical, industrial, environmental, medical and veterinary); produce plants and microorganisms of agricultural and agro-industrial interest, operate the genetic transformation of plants and microorganisms in the environment and identify GMOs both in the environment and in food products; characterize and monitor food using molecular techniques; control the characteristics of varieties of crops, study biodiversity by using molecular techniques, with particular attention to agricultural genetic resources.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

The individual examinations take place orally before a board of at least two professors. Other possible methods of assessment (e.g. final written exams or ongoing exams, seminar presentations) are specified in the descriptions of the individual courses. Exams relative to individual courses are assessed on a scale of 30 and, where appropriate, with honours. The final grade is based on the results of the individual courses and on the final examination, which involves the presentation of a written research thesis to be discussed before a board of at least 7 professors. The latter is assessed on a scale of 110, and where appropriate, with honours.

Graduation requirements

 The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of 120 credits and upon the presentation and discussion of a written thesis.

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

 Full time study and attendance is recommended. However, part-time study is possible: attendance is not compulsory and students can sit exams according to their rhythm and needs.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

Professional opportunities for the graduate in Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnologies are foreseen in the field of agricultural and environmental activities, where services may be provided to enterprises; freelance work in public administration and research institutes. The skills acquired by the graduate during the AEB degree course are standard to exercise the profession of Agronomist and Biologist.

Access to further studies

The qualification entitles the student to admission to doctoral research in biotechnologies.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnologies (Regulations 2011)