Degree course in Biology

Course Name

BIOLOGY

Course Code

LM60

Class (Ministerial code)

LM-6

Website

http://www.chm.unipg.it/en/master-degree-in-biology

Field(s) of study

ISCED Area 05 – Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics

Qualification award

Master Degree

Level of qualification according to the NQF and the EQF

EHEA Second cycle; EQF Level 7 (per le lauree magistrali)

Length of programme / number of credits

2 years / 120 ECTS

Language of Teaching

Italian

Mode of study

In-class

Didactic centre

Polo Didattico - Via del Giochetto (PG)

Programme director

Prof. Roberto Venanzoni

Access to the course

Open access with assessment of personal competencies

Specific admission requirements

Certificate of completion of Italian upper secondary school or equivalent foreign qualification.

Evaluation of specific subject knowledge on entry

In relation to art. 6, paragraph 2 Decreto Ministeriale 270/04, the curricular requirements are satisfied for those in possession of a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences (or other denomination), obtained in class L-13 (DM 270/04) or in the class 12 (Decreto Ministeriale 509/99) provided that they graduated with an evaluation not lower than 100/110. Those who, despite having the curricular requirements, have obtained a three-year degree with an evaluation lower than 100/110, will have to take an interview to check the adequacy of personal preparation. The previous training must demonstrate basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and biology indispensable for a comprehension of the teaching activities of the master's degree. At least 60 ECTS are required in the basic and characterizing scientific-disciplinary (SSD) fields required by class L-13, with a minimum of CFU divided in the disciplinary fields as follows: Mathematical, physical, IT and statistical disciplines: minimum 10 credits (SSD MAT / 01 MAT / 02 MAT / 03 MAT / 05 MAT / 06 MAT / 07 -MAT / 09 - FIS / 01 FIS / 03 FIS / 07 - FIS / 08 - INF / 01); Chemical disciplines: minimum 10 credits (SSD CHIM / 02 - CHIM / 03 - CHIM / 06); Biological disciplines: minimum 40 CFU (SSD BIO / 01 BIO / 2 BIO / 03 - BIO / 04 BIO / 05 - BIO / 06 BIO / 07 - BIO / 09 - BIO / 10 - BIO / 11 - BIO / 12 - BIO / 14 BIO / 16- BIO / 18 BIO / 19). SSDs other than those listed, but with similar scientific and educational content, may be considered. Adequate knowledge of the English language is also required. In the event that the applicant does not have the required 60 ECTS, he will have to take an interview for the purpose of check the skills. Based on the outcome of the interview, the Commission, (specifically set up) will assign any debts training, specifying the methods for their acquisition. Any educational debts must be recovered before enrolling in the Master's degree through attending single courses for the acquisition of training credits in the scientific disciplinary fields identified by the Commission.

Profile of the programme

The course of study includes 4 curricula: Biosanitary: biomolecular techniques in the field of histology, clinical biochemistry, immunology and virology, analytical tools and data acquisition and analysis techniques applicable to biomedical research and the diagnostic field. Biomolecular: molecular mechanisms underlying biological phenomena in normal and pathological conditions, regulation of gene expression. Bionutrition: nutrition and food sciences, nutrition physiology, health and functional aspects and hygiene and food preservation. Biodiversity and management of natural resources: analysis of biodiversity, skills in biomonitoring, in ecosystem analysis and in the management and conservation of natural resources.

Programme learning outcomes

The skills that the Biologist has acquired in the learning process consist of: - i solid cultural background in the field of theoretical and experimental biology, - high scientific autonomy, - knowledge of the instrumental methodology and ability to process data and critically analyze the results. - ability to communicate effectively and to work independently or in research groups - ability to interact with other professional figures also playing a coordinating role - strong competence in the analysis of the biological components of ecosystems.

Qualification requirements and regulations

Admission to the final test for the achievement of the qualification will require that the student has acquired all the credits foreseen in the study plan for training activities other than the final test. The final test for the achievement of the qualification is public and consists of the presentation of a thesis work to a special commission. The thesis is experimental. The Degree Course favors the conduct of experimental theses at public bodies through the stipulation of suitable ones conventions, also in order to facilitate the entry of graduates into the world of work. The thesis can also be in English.

Examination regulations and grading scale

Assessment is normally an oral or written exam; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other evaluation elements (seminars, reports, etc.) can be foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles. The grades for subject exams are measured in thirtieths (0-30 scale), the minimum grade is 18/30 and the maximum grade is 30/30. The maximum grade can be enhanced with “cum laude” (30 cum laude), in case of excellence. Grades are given by an exam commission of at least two teachers, whose President is the chair of the subject. The main exam sessions are held in January/February, March/April, June/July, September/October. Students may retake exams, if not passed. The University provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme. The final degree evaluation is expressed in one hundred and tenths (0-110 scale), the minimum grade is 66/110 and the maximum grade is 110/110. The calculation of the final grade of each candidate takes into account the average of the grades obtained in the subject exams, as well as the quality of the work performed in research or in the final thesis which is discussed in public before an exam commission. “Cum laude” (110 cum laude) may be added to the maximum grade if the exam commission decides unanimously.

Obligatory or optional mobility windows

International collaborations of the teachers of the degree course in Biological Sciences with different European universities can help to develop Framework agreements to help students in planning mobility experiences. The study experience abroad can be done starting in the second year of the course (considering that the application must be submitted during the first year of the course) for taking exams o thesis and internship activities. The internship abroad can also be carried out after the degree.

Work-based learning

The internship activities can be carried out in internal laboratories at the university of Perugia or in external companies (for example, publisc or private laboratories and research centers in hospitals affiliated with UniPg) and also abroad in the context of international mobility agreements. On the website of the Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology http://www.dcbb.unipg.it/ a list of all the agreements already stipulated is published. The didactic secretariat of the Department will support students in the choice of the affiliated structures

Occupational profiles of graduates

The functions of the biologist in the working context include skills in the fields of biology according to law 396/67. The Biologist designs and manages basic and applied research activities, designs theoretical and application studies, performs analyzes in the field and in the laboratory, participates in management and coordination of services and production activities, collaborates with medical teams in the biomedical field, organizes management, scientific dissemination and risk assessment activities, designs and executes biomonitoring and natural resource management plans. The exercise of the profession is subject to registration in the Register of the National Order of Biologists after passing the state exam.

Free-choice training activities