Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Milan, Italy
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English, Italian
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
It aims to prepare graduates who have advanced skills in the development and application of new scientific methodologies and technical-productive aspects of biotechnology applied to human health, and who are able to actively participate in national and international study and research projects. The master's is structured into four curricula, one of which taught in English. This curriculum provides preparation for future challenges in the field of the most innovative biotechnology drugs.
The master's degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to prepare graduates who have advanced skills in the development and application of new scientific methodologies, who are able to actively participate in national and international study and research projects, and who possess in-depth skills in the scientific and technical-productive aspects of biotechnology applied to human health with particular reference to the design and engineering of innovative biotechnological drugs. The master's degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is structured into four curricula (three in italian and one in English).
- The first curriculum (in italian) is aimed at providing in-depth skills in the scientific aspects of biotechnological drug design and design, characterization of their molecular and cellular mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
- A second curriculum (in italian) provides in-depth knowledge of biotechnology drug development and production and provides notions for the organization and management of biotechnology enterprises.
- A third curriculum (in italian) develops aspects related to the use of biotechnology drugs in precision therapy, starting from the physio-pathological context, strategy and design to manufacturing and formulation.
- A fourth curriculum is delivered in English and provides preparation for future challenges in the field of the most innovative biotechnology drugs. The curriculum includes teachings in common biotechnology and pharmaceutical disciplines, which are necessary to expand the basic skills acquired during the undergraduate degree, and specialized teachings that include omics approaches, nanotechnology, and cell therapies. For all curricula, the second semester of the second year is devoted to conducting the internship at facilities of the University or other public or private institutions or companies.
You can choose among 4 curricula:
- Development and production of biotechnological drugs (in Italian)
- Pharmacogenomics and precision therapeutics (in English)
- Research and development of biotechnological drugs (in Italian)
- Biotechnological drugs in precision therapy (in Italian)
Curriculum: Development and Production of Biotechnological Drugs
Year: 1
First semester
Compulsory
- Biology of Development and Differentiation
- Integrated Systems Physiology
- Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry
- Molecular Virology
- Organ Pathophysiology
Second semester
Compulsory
- Biotechnological Drugs in Therapy
- Clinical Pharmacology and Applied Biochemistry
- Preparation and Development of Drugs with Biotechnological Methods
- Purification and Formulation of Biotechnological Drug Products
Year 2
First semester
Compulsory
- Production, Legislation and Marketing of Biotechnological Medicines
- Quality Control and Analysis for Biopharmaceuticals
- Open sessions
Optional
- Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology
Compulsory
- Lab Training
- Final Exam
Curriculum: Pharmacogenomics and Precision Therapeutics
Year 1
First semester
Compulsory
- Integrated Systems Physiology
- Molecular Biochemistry and Functional Biology
- Protein Engineering, Drug Delivery and Regulatory Aspects
Second semester
Compulsory
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling
- Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
- Omics: from Bench to Bedside
- Pharmacogenomics, Clinical Pharmacology, and Orphan Drugs
Year 2
First semester
Compulsory
- Biomarkers: from Identification to Exploitation
- Cell Therapy and Gene Silencing
- Nanotechnology-Based Medicinal Products
- Open sessions
Optional
- Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology
Compulsory
- Lab Training
- Final Exam
Curriculum: Research and Development of Biotechnological Drugs
Year 1
First semester
Compulsory
- Biology of Development and Differentiation
- Integrated Systems Physiology
- Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry
- Molecular Virology
- Organ Pathophysiology
Second semester
Compulsory
- Biotechnology in Pharmacology
- Design, Development, and Therapeutic Application of Biotechnological Drugs
- Omics Approaches: from Research to Therapy
- Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling
Year 2
First semester
Compulsory
- Analytical and Formulation Strategies in Biotechnological Drug Discovery
- Pharmacogenomics and Biomarkers
Optional
- Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology
Compulsory
- Lab Training
- Final Exam
Curriculum: Biotechnological Drugs in Precision Therapy
Year 1
First semester
Compulsory
- Biology of Development and Differentiation
- Integrated Systems Physiology
- Metabolic and Functional Biochemistry
- Molecular Virology
- Organ Pathophysiology
Second semester
Compulsory
- Biochemical, Biomolecular, and Chemical Approaches for Manipulating Biological Systems
- Design and Optimization of Monoclonal Antibodies
- Nanoparticles and Viral Vectors
- Precision Pharmacology and Gender Therapy
Year 2
First semester
Compulsory
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
- Formulation and Legislation of Monoclonal Antibodies, Nanovectors, and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
Optional
- Experimental Laboratory of Biotechnology
Compulsory
- Lab Training
- Final Exam
Master degree graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology must:
- know in-depth biochemistry and genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and cell culture techniques
- Master knowledge of the structure, functions and analysis of biological macromolecules, as well as structure-activity relationships, in order to understand the mechanisms of cellular processes in which they are involved
- Possess sound knowledge of the morphology and functions of human organisms
- Know the basics of disease processes of relevance to humans, with particular emphasis on cellular and molecular pathogenic mechanisms
- Know congenital or acquired pathological situations for which to design biotechnological therapeutic approaches
- Know the fundamentals and principles for the use of the main methodologies of molecular and cellular biotechnology, with special reference to biotechnological drug design and production
- Know and be able to use techniques and technologies of molecular modelling, and design innovative drugs
- Master bio-informatics methodologies to organize, build and access genomics, proteomics and metabolomics databases, and to acquire and distribute related scientific and technological information
- Possess skills for the analysis and quality control of biotechnological drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines
- Know the basic aspects of the operational processes that follow the industrial design of biotechnological products (including gene therapy and cell therapy), and biotechnological drug formulation
- Possess basic knowledge related to the establishment, organization and management of enterprises, management of innovation projects (including patenting new biotechnological products), and marketing activities of biotechnological pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
Researchers in Public and Private Universities and Research Centers
Function in a Work Setting: Design and execution of scientific experiments, analysis and processing of data, preparation of scientific reports, and presentation of results in national and international arenas.
Skills Associated with the Function: Inventive ability, autonomy in experiment execution, critical sense in data evaluation, ability to work in a team, ability to write research projects, ability in scientific communication in Italian and English.
Career Opportunities: Subject to passing the relevant competitive examinations, professional opportunities are possible at public and private universities, CNR, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, IRCCS and by passing appropriate selections in universities and international research institutions.
Researcher in Industry (Research and Development Sector)
Function in a Work Setting: Identification of new targets, design of model compounds and optimization, development of appropriate models for in vitro and in vivo compound evaluation, data analysis and processing, and preparation of scientific reports.
Skills Associated with the Function: Inventive ability, planning skills, autonomy, critical sense in data evaluation, ability to work in a team and interface with other professionals.
Career Opportunities: Subject to passing appropriate selections, professional opportunities are possible in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food and cosmetics industries.
Operator in Industry (Production Sector)
Function in a Work Setting: Management activities in production, management activities in quality control, and management activities in formulation.
Skills Associated with the Function: Management skills, planning skills, and ability to interface with other professionals.
Career Opportunities: Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food and cosmetics industries.
Worker in Industry (Marketing Sector)
Function in a Work Setting: Dissemination of scientific study results to health or business professionals, marketing activities, and technical consulting.
Skills Associated with the Function: Interpersonal skills, scientific communication skills.
Career Opportunities: Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food, and cosmetics industries.
Clinical Monitor and Activities in the Area of Pharmacovigilance
Function in a Work Setting: Supervision and monitoring of clinical protocols, supervision and management of drug safety reports.
Skills Associated with the Function: Ability to interface with other professionals in industry and hospital settings.
Career Opportunities: Pharmaceutical industry and Clinical Research Organizations (CROs).
Operator in Industry and National and International Ministerial/Governmental Agencies (Sector Regulatory)
Function in a Work Setting: Drafting and evaluation of manufacturing and marketing authorization documentation and post-authorization amendments.
Skills Associated with the Function: Knowledge of national legislation and international regulations related to biotechnology drugs; ability to analyze and prepare documentation for manufacturing and marketing authorization and post-authorization changes.
Career Opportunities: Pharmaceutical industry, national and international regulatory agencies, regulatory bodies.
Operator in Science Dissemination through Conventional and New Media
Function in a Work Context: Preparation of dissemination material of a technical-scientific nature on issues related to biotechnology and its use for the protection of human health.
Skills Associated with the Function: Communication and dissemination skills towards a generalist audience; knowledge of conventional and new media.
Career Opportunities: News agencies, newspaper editorial offices, freelancer.
The course allows obtaining the qualification for the profession of biologist.