Educational goals

The aim of the Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology is to train graduates to enable them to understand and analyse biological phenomena with an interdisciplinary vision with a view to the creation of new products, an integrated management of production processes and technology transfer, while complying with the ethical, bioethical and intellectual property regulations and issues related to these activities. The training comprises four learning areas: Basic Science Area (mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology) - It provides basic skills in the specified areas and includes courses subjects related to mathematical, physical and statistical sciences, general, inorganic and organic chemistry, animal and plant cell biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology. The basic training will be supplemented with rudiments of bioinformatics, biotechnology law and the consolidation of the English language in science. Biomolecular Area - It includes course subjects on developmental and stem cell biology, the use of biotechnological microorganisms, plant cell molecular biology and enzymology. Chemical-Pharmaceutical Area - It includes course subjects on cellular and molecular pharmacology, molecular recognition chemistry, physical chemistry and nanomaterials. Medical Area - It includes course subjects on physiology, medical genetics, medical immunology and microbiology, and clinical biochemistry. The three specific learning areas also include a number of optional course subjects that can be included in the study plan to explore topics of interest to the student. All areas of study include a theoretical component that serves as a foundation for further master's-level study, as well as direct practical experience that provides graduates with a solid methodological and practical basis for continuing their studies. This experience also allows students to acquire a high professional profile should they wish to enter the labour market directly, as they will be equipped with skills that can be applied in high-tech environments. The first year of the degree programme has a strong focus on basic science subjects, which evolve into more specific biology and chemistry disciplines in the second year. Courses involving the acquisition of specific skills in biotechnology (in the biomolecular, chemical-pharmaceutical and medical areas) that require significant preparatory knowledge and skills are concentrated in the third year. The course subjects are organised with classroom-based lectures, workshops, integrated multidisciplinary activities, tutorials. Furthermore, in all areas of learning — most notably in the three areas developed during the third year, which allow students to gain further insights into specific subjects and define their educational path — some courses include sustainability-related topics concerning the methods and profession of biotechnologists. Underlying the degree programme is an approach increasingly focused on “innovative teaching”, which over time has made it possible to implement active learning initiatives within individual courses through practical exercises, group discussions, simulations and other activities (e.g. case studies and problem solving) with a view to enhancing soft skills. The final exam will assess the students' ability to synthesise basic and methodological knowledge, as well as their degree of independence in studying the theoretical foundations on which the applied methodologies they have learned are based.

Career opportunities

Biotechnologist. Thanks to the high concentration of academic and non-academic research facilities and laboratories across the region, significant employment opportunities are available. The expansion of research and analysis activities carried out by SMEs operating in the chemical, chemical-pharmaceutical, agri-food and high-tech biological sectors for bioremediation, the disposal of polluting waste and the use of biomass has also contributed to this.

Admission requirements

In order to be admitted to the course programme, students must hold the secondary school diploma required by current legislation, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad and recognised by the relevant university offices. Admission requires an adequate secondary school level background, demonstrating in particular the students’ basic knowledge in mathematics and science. The procedures for assessing the student's background and for filling any gaps and educational deficits (which must in any case be made up within the first year of study) are governed by the Teaching Regulations of the course programme.