Degree course in Medical, veterinary and forensic biotechnological sciences [LM-9 ] D. M. 270/2004
General information
Qualification awarded
Master’s Degree in Medical, Veterinary and Forensic Biotechnology Sciences
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 Medical, Veterinary and Forensic Biotechnology Sciences must have a University degree or a three-year University Degree or Diploma or another recognizable qualification awarded abroad. In particular, in relation to art. 6, paragraph 2 of Decree 270/2004, students may be admitted to the Master’s Degree course in Medical, Veterinary and Forensic Biotechnology Sciences (SBMVF) with a university degree belonging to one of the following classes and from the University degli studi di Perugia: Former D.M. 270/04: L-2, L-13, L-SNT3, LM-41, LM/-42, L-38; or former D.M. 509/99: Class 1, Class 12, Class SNT3, Class 46/S, Class 47/S, Class 40. Candidates in possession of a qualification belonging to one of the classes mentioned above, awarded from another university, or, with a different degree, assessed and considered appropriate by a special board and appointed by the President of the CIIB, may also be admitted. Sound notions of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology and physio-pathology are prerequisites. Without the necessary academic requirements, students may enroll only upon condition that they make-up the required course/s by attending adequate, remedial and key courses. The enrollment of students admitted with a course debit will be confirmed only after meeting all course requirements.
Profile of the programme
The Master’s Degree in SBMVF aims to provide high levels of expertise in planning and scientific and technical development and production of biotechnologies in the fields of human healthcare, veterinary and forensic medicine. Graduates will be specialists with high levels of expertise in biomedical technologies applied to the medical, forensic and veterinarian fields.
Qualification requirements and regulations
The Master’s Degree course in SBMVF belongs to class LM-9 and has a duration of 2 years, during which the student must acquire 120 ECTS credits. Whilst providing for the participation in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Law, the degree course takes place within the Faculty of Medicine and is structured in a common study plan for all students (1st year) and one which is articulated in three curricula (Medical, Veterinary and Forensic) in the 2nd year. Second-year students must apply for admission to their chosen curriculum. All aspects concerning organization and management of the Degree course are described in the Academic Regulations, available on the Faculty website.
Key learning outcomes
The articulation of the course aims at achieving the following objectives:
- Provide the scientific and cultural bases of morphology of the human body, especially at the cellular level, of organs and tissues;
- Provide basic knowledge of fundamental pathological processes of human interest, with particular reference to their molecular and cellular pathogenic mechanisms;
- Ensure knowledge and use of the main methods that characterize molecular and cellular biotechnologies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases in both the experimental and clinical fields;
- Structure the ability to design and implement, in accordance with the medicine graduate, preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic, biotechnology-based strategies in human disease;
- Provide the basis for the design and analysis of innovative bio-drugs, diagnostic instruments and vaccines;
- Provide the basis to recognize (even through specific diagnostic tests) interactions between foreign microorganisms and the human organism;
- Provide in-depth knowledge of molecular mechanisms of disease and of advanced molecular diagnostics systems.
- Raise awareness on the legislation and ethical problems associated with the use of biotechnologies;
- Prepare graduates with expertise in the fields of biotechnology applied to veterinary medicine, particularly in the areas of production and reproduction of animals and food safety, animal disease, diagnostics, veterinary microbiology and immunology, infectious and parasitic diseases, zoonoses, genetic improvement and biodiversity conservation, development and use of animal models for biomedical studies, and regulatory issues related to the veterinary biotechnologies area.
- Prepare graduates with medical and legal knowledge, enabling them to combine, in addition to their technological expertise, forensic and investigation skills, in order to interact with lawyers and judges in both the investigation and preliminary hearing stages.
- Be fluent in both written and oral forms, in at least one European language other than Italian, with particular attention to the specialized terminology in this field.
Examination regulations, assessment and grading
Learning assessment is through oral exams carried out before a board of at least two professors. Other assessment methods (e.g. written exams, final and/or ongoing , seminar presentations) may be found in individual course descriptions. Exams are assessed on a scale of 30, and where appropriate, with honours. The Degree course is completed with activities related to participation in a stage and, for the final examination, the dissertation of a thesis. These aforementioned activities may be conducted in national or foreign specialized structures, both in the public or private sectors. The final mark is based on the outcome of each singular course and the final examination.
Graduation requirements
The final qualification is obtained after completion of 120 ECTS credits and upon approval of the thesis.
Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)
Full time study and attendance is recommended, however, part-time study is also possible; attendance is not compulsory and students can sit exams according to their rhythm and needs.
Occupational profiles of graduates with examples
Universities and public and private research bodies (scientific research and technological development aimed at pre-clinical activities in medical and veterinary sectors); structures in national and private health service; biotechnology industries and services; drug industry and supervision; scientific research, in technological development and laboratory control, in food and food processing; technical-scientific information; management activities in quality control; environmental protection bodies; legal-medical and forensic structures (consultancies); diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries; serve notice and certification bodies; national and international regulatory agencies, clinical trials monitoring; patent offices; genomic biotech companies.