Study location	Italy, Siena, strada delle Scotte, 4 (Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte) - sanitarie.biomediche@unisi.it
Academic field	Applied molecular biology, biophysics & biochemistry (JACS C710)
Type	Master's Degree, full-time
Nominal duration	2 years (120 ECTS)
Study language	English
Awards	M (LM-9 Second cycle degree in Pharmaceutical, Veterinary and Medical biotechnologies)

Application fee	€49.90 per program

Entry qualification

Bachelor/Undergraduate diploma (or higher) After You Apply An Enrolment Committee will evaluate your competencies and skills to determine if they meet the program requirements. Admission Criteria The required competencies for admission include: A background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology equivalent to that obtained in a first-level (Bachelor’s) degree in biology. Fundamental principles of cytology, hystology, biochemistry, molecular biology, medical sciences, genetics, immunology, human pathology. After the Evaluation You will be notified of the outcome approximately one month after the application deadline, or earlier. At the discretion of the Enrolment Committee, students who pass the initial selection based on the submitted documents may be invited to take a remote online test and/or attend an interview. The dates for any additional selection tests will be communicated via email. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Italian. Schools and universities usually provide documentation translated into English. If this is not available, an official translation will be required, along with certification of the authenticity of the original documents. Review the documents required for the admission application at this link: admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Review the documents required for enrollment (upon admission) at the link admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Upload copies on the application

Territory requirements	Applications are accepted from the following territories (based on citizenship): World.

Language requirements	English English fluency is required, with a minimum proficiency level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For further information, check the following link admission.unisi.it/?p=1944

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) should be provided.

More information	medical-biotechnologies.unisi.it/en

Overview

Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Medical Biotechnologies gain in-depth knowledge of human morphology and physiology, a foundational understanding of clinical aspects of major human diseases, and insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pathological processes. They acquire expertise in molecular and cellular biotechnology methodologies, applying these tools in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.

Graduates also develop competencies in identifying congenital and acquired pathological conditions that can be addressed with biotechnological approaches. They learn to analyze interactions between foreign microorganisms and the human body, including through diagnostic investigations, and to apply biotechnological knowledge in diagnosing and treating oncological diseases. Additionally, students become proficient in employing advanced methodologies for the study and development of therapeutic drugs, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and vaccines. They are trained to design and implement biotechnology-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies while mastering data analysis techniques specific to the field.

Program Structure and Focus Areas
The curriculum is structured around two major areas of biomedical interest: infectious diseases and oncological and metabolic diseases. Reflecting these focuses, the program offers two distinct tracks: a Microbiological Track and an Oncological-Metabolic Track, organized as follows.

The first year of the program provides a shared foundational curriculum designed to build essential knowledge and skills in key areas. Students engage in courses covering bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, modern molecular and cellular biology technologies, biotechnologies for drug identification and production, and human genetics. This common base ensures that all students are equipped with the interdisciplinary tools needed for advanced specialization.

From the first year onward, students begin their specialized tracks, choosing between the Microbiological Track and the Oncological-Metabolic Track. The Microbiological Track focuses on genome editing, anti-infective drugs and resistance mechanisms, the epidemiology of emerging pathogens, vaccine immunology, and the use of animal models in studying infections. In contrast, the Oncological-Metabolic Track emphasizes RNA biology for developing next-generation therapeutics, cancer genetics and epigenetics, biotechnologies applied to endocrine and metabolic diseases, and animal models for cancer and metabolic disorders.

The second year delves deeper into specialization. Students in the Microbiological Track explore ‘omics’ technologies and big data applications in microbiology, strategies for pandemic prediction and management, and the preclinical and clinical development of vaccines. Meanwhile, those in the Oncological-Metabolic Track focus on cancer immunotherapy, hematological diseases, clinical and experimental oncology, and precision medicine tailored to oncology and endocrinology.

In addition to track-specific coursework, the second year incorporates shared learning opportunities that promote interdisciplinary engagement. Students attend seminars on topics relevant to both tracks and participate in internships with public or private institutions. These practical experiences provide valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts and enhance professional preparation.

Experimental Thesis and Practical Training
A strong emphasis is placed on the preparation of an experimental thesis. This component allows students to consolidate their knowledge and develop research skills through in-depth exploration of a specific topic.

Program structure

MUR degree class: LM-9 Pharmaceutical, Veterinary and Medical Biotechnologies
Duration in years: 2
Credits: 120
Language: English

Career opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue roles in:

• pharmaceutical, diagnostic, cosmetic and biomaterial companies;
• chemical-biotechnological and biological-molecular analysis laboratories;
• clinical analysis laboratories, hygiene and prophylaxis);
• research institutes and public or private, national and international companies in the biotechnology sector applied to the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, vaccines and biomaterials fields.