Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Biological sciences [L-13] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences.

Level of qualification

First cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Students who wish to enrol on the Degree Programme must have a Diploma from a Secondary School or other equivalent qualification awarded abroad and recognized suitable. To enrol on the Degree Programme, students are also required to have an adequate preparation in basic subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.

Profile of the programme

The degree course aims to form graduates, who have a sound basic knowledge of the various sectors of biological disciplines, and familiarity with the scientific methods of analysis. Students should have sufficient knowledge in the various cultural sectors of biological sciences (biology of microorganisms, plant and animal organisms, humans included, on a morphological, functional, cellular, molecular, evolutionistic and ecological level), obtaining a theoretical and experimental formation, providing a both organic and integrated vision of organisms, including the mechanisms of heriditariness and interactions between organisms and the environment. The educational programme offers operative, technical and applicative skills in the biological sphere, with a view to providing support in productive and technological sectors, labs and services, with particular reference to analyses (biological and instrumental) for research, control and monitoring of processes.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Degree Programme in Biological Sciences has a duration of three years, during which the student must acquire 180 credits. Formative activities, based on semester-long periods are carried out through face-to-face classes, practical work in class and/or lab, seminar presentations, training and a final examination. There are 22 exams of which 3 reserved for optional activities, and a total of 20 credits of laboratory work in the main study-unit areas. All aspects concerning the organization and management of the Degree Course are described in the specific Didactic Regulation, available in the Faculty website.

Key learning outcomes

The undergraduate in Biological Sciences, upon conclusion of his degree, will have achieved the following skills:

-          Acquisition and use of specific skills of know-how in the various cultural sectors of biological sciences (biology of microorganisms, plant and animal organisms, man included, on a morphological, functional, cellular, molecular, evolutionistic and ecological level), with a theoretical and experimental formation, offering an organic and integrated out look of organisms, including the mechanisms of heriditariness and interactions between organisms and environment. The knowledge acquired also through lab activity, will be assessed through written and/or oral tests, aimed at assessing the students’ aptitude for comprehension also.

-          Ability to perform operative and technical-applicative activities in the biological field in order to focus on providing support within both productive and technological sectors, laboratories and the service sector, with particular reference to analysis (biological and instrumental), for research, control and monitoring of processes. The Undergraduate will be able to apply his acquired knowledge, also thanks to basic computer skills and command of the English language (A2 level).

-          These skills are acquired through the participation in seminars, practical work both in class and laboratory, and practical training, and are assessed through tests and / or specific written reports as specified for each task in the academic regulations of the degree programme.

-          Ability to evaluate the computational and experimental methodologies that enable the effective resolution of a biological problem. Specific objectives are: to work in the laboratory, observe the safety regulations, and accurately interpret the experimental data. The level of autonomy acquired will be evaluated primarily during the internship for the development of the degree thesis.

-          Ability to be able to adequately communicate information and discuss ideas and issues in the field of biology. These skills are acquired through the preparation, presentation and discussion of papers on laboratory experiences, especially during internships / work experience and final thesis. Students are also required to know how to understand and communicate, in both written and spoken English, topics related to life sciences. Finally, it is necessary to know how to use computer media for the organization, management and communication of scientific and technical information.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

The individual examinations are held orally before a board of at least 2 professors. Other possible methods of assessment (eg written, final examinations, ongoing assessment, seminar presentations) will appear in the descriptions of each study unit. The methods for assessing the results and the acquisition of credits include: examination with grade on a scale of 30, an aptitude assessment, or certificate of attendance only. The final mark is based on the result of each study unit and the final test involving the presentation in writing of a research work and discussion of it in a graduation session before a board of at least 7 professors and is expressed on a scale of 110, and where appropriate, with honours.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of 180 credits and approval of a written paper.

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 take exams according to their own rhythm and needs.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

The skills acquired in the undergraduate programme configure options for technical and operative tasks and professional activities of support in the following main applicative areas: environmental, bio-medical, food, industrial, pharmaceutical, scientific information, etc., as well as in basic and applied research at public and private institutions. Professional activity is possible upon registration with the National Body of Biologists (Junior Biologist - Section B), obtained after passing the state-sponsored qualification examination, in accordance with DPR 328/2001 and subsequent amendments.

Access to further studies

The degree in Biological Sciences Class L-13 provides access to 1st-level Vocational Masters courses, aimed at enhancing specific professional angles. The Bachelor's degree from the Università degli Studi di Perugia, has the quality certification issued jointly by the Italian University College of Biologists (CBUI) and by the National Body of Biologists (ONB) and allows entry to Master’s Degree courses, class LM-6 without formative debits.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

General (Regulations 2013)