Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Pharmaceutical biotechnologies [LM-9 ] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Level of qualification

Second Cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Registration for the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (CdLM) degree is conditional upon earning the Bachelor’s degree, or on other qualifications obtained abroad and recognized as valid. Specific access policies detailing the requirements for curricular and personal preparation are defined in the Academic Regulations of the degree course, and pertain directly to CdLM applicants with a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical curriculum, or a first degree in Biotechnology obtained at the Università degli Studi di Perugia. In all other cases registration is necessary, in relation to curricular requirements, if the applicant has earned at least 80 credits in basic and specialized scientific fields for the three-year degree course in Biotechnology. A review of the curricular requirements will be undertaken by a special committee. In the event that the applicant is not in possession of the required 80 credits, he/she shall be interviewed in front of a special commission appointed by the President of the CIIB to determine his/her skill level and motivation. The commission will indicate ways in which the applicant can fulfill any lacking requirements. Applicants who, despite having earned all curricular requirements of a Bachelor’s degree, but with a grade of less than 100/110, will be interviewed before a special committee to check that the preparation and motivation of the candidate is adequate. The committee will indicate ways in which the applicant can fulfill any lacking requirements.

Profile of the programme

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (CdLM) degree is aimed specifically at preparing graduates to obtain the scientific skills to selectively choose industrial and biopharmaceutical products to promote, monitor, and maintain health. In particular, the degree provides advanced knowledge and skills in all areas of the multi-disciplinary process that, along with knowledge of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, leads to the production, testing, registration, control, and marketing of innovative drugs derived from non-native sources, namely genetically modified organisms.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (CdLM) degree has a duration of TWO YEARS, during which the student must acquire 120 CREDITS. Organized on a semester basis, the course includes lectures, tutorials, practicals, and seminars, as well as training at private and/or public laboratories, and a final exam. All aspects of the organization and management of CdLM-BF are described in the appropriate Academic Regulations available on the website of the department.

Key learning outcomes

Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology obtain knowledge and understanding (know-how) in the specific areas of Biotechnology, and become familiar with the scientific approach to solving problems typical of the profession. Through the medium of books, and/or consultation of scientific literature, including by electronic means, graduates will be equiped with advanced knowledge in their field of study to develop and implement ideas in the context of research and development, and in all aspects of the biotechnology industry.

Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology benefit from strong interdisciplinary training in chemistry, biochemistry, biological and pharmaceutical drugs, which allows him/her to apply the knowledge acquired to bioinformatic methodologies in organization, construction, and access to databases of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics - approaches that may contribute to the development of biotechnology in industry. These skills are acquired through participation in seminars and tutorials in the classroom and laboratories, and are verified by tests and/or specific written reports specified for each activity in the Academic Regulations of the degree course.

Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology acquire autonomy to judge the reliability of information necessary to the activities that characterize his/her work, to make decisions critically and synthetically to solve problems in biotechnology research both academic and industrial. This autonomy to judge is verified by the ability to acquire information, gather and interpret data considered useful to determine self-evaluations and results in suggestions and tips for the design and manufacture of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, and innovative medicines.

The teaching tools used for the verification of the expected results will be based on appropriate tests to assess the acquisition of a good grasp of the scientific method of investigation. Of particular importance will be the demonstrated ability of the student to be able to produce a final thesis.

Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology obtain the ability to communicate information and ideas, discuss problems, and arrive at solutions using the technical means typical of the drug expert to specialists and non-specialists. Such communication skills will be monitored in on-going tests for each course.

Tools and methods used to evaluate the achievement of expected results include oral and written reports on laboratory activities and research, with the aid of multimedia tools, and the training period.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

Exams consist of written tests and/or oral examinations (sometimes preceded by written tests that might be scheduled during the course, and which are meant to give access to the oral and/or laboratory tests) and are outlined in the descriptions of each course. The examination for each course is evaluated on a thirty-point grade basis with the possibilty of earning an honors level grade (cum laude). The final grade is based on the outcomes of individual courses and the preparation and discussion of a thesis on a biotechnological subject and its defense in a graduating session in front of a committee of at least eleven teachers and is expressed as a fraction of 110 points with the possibility of honors (cum laude). The thesis can be written in English and should be structured along the lines of a scientific publication.

Graduation requirements

The diploma is awarded after completion of 120 credits and the approval of a written paper.

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

Full-time study and attendente is strongly advised. Verification of attendente and its modality is determined by each instructor. Training activities require attendance to be certified by the tutor.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

Job opportunities exist in various areas of academic and industrial research devoted to planning and development of science and technology of production of biotechnology in the field of human health with particular emphasis on the development of biopharmaceuticals, taking into account the ethical, technical, legal, and environmental protection.

Access to further studies

The degree entitles you to admission to the PhD program and graduate school.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

Information currently not available (Regulations 2013)