MSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology

The Master's Degree Course in Cellular and Molecular Biology is aimed at completing the basic knowledge acquired with any bachelor’s degree in Biology, with the aim of providing advanced preparation in areas related to biological, biochemical, and biomolecular disciplines, with a focus on the comprehension of cellular and biomolecular phenomena, and to biological, biochemical and biomolecular applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnological, bioinformatics and tertiary sectors.

The 2-years master’s degree course in Cellular and Molecular Biology is divided into two curricula: Molecular Cytology (in Italian) and Advanced Cellular Studies (ACS, n English). To achieve the degree in the Advanced Cellular Studies curriculum, the student must acquire a total of 120 ECTS of which 67 ECTS are gained after passing 9 compulsory exams, 15 ECTS are gained as educational activities chosen by the student according to the internal regulation, 3 ECTS are gained for English language skills (level C1), 23 ECTS are dedicated to the preparation of the thesis and 12 ECTS are gained after the Master thesis defense.

The Course offers the opportunity to carry out 575 + 300 hours of internship in research laboratories belonging to either the University of Cagliari or in public or private organizations, companies, external laboratories, provided they are highly qualified and have established an agreement with the Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy.

The Master's Degree Course in Cellular and Molecular Biology represents an ideal continuation for those students willing to undertake scientific research. At the same time, the ACS course prepares students to undertake third-level training courses at either national or international level (Ph.D., second-level masters, and other post-graduate specialization and specialization courses), or to move towards professionalizing and project activities in the industry and public administration.

Graduates in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Curriculum in Advanced Cellular Studies will be able to cover positions in:

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries
• Private and public laboratories providing biological and microbiological analyses, and molecular diagnostics
• Service companies for cosmetology, forensic biology, in vitro fertilization, foods, and nutrition, environmental protection
• Scientific dissemination in the widest fields of biomedicine.

The graduate in ACS will also be able to cover positions within the public administration or carry out consultancy or teaching activities in the school. Italian students, after passing the state exam, will be allowed to enroll in the Italian Biologists Register (section A).

Entry Requirements

In addition to knowledge of the English language (at least B2), it is also necessary to have the following minimum curricular requirements:

• Have acquired at least 12 ECTS in courses in the scientific sectors of Mathematics, Physics, Informatics, Informatic Engineering;
• Have acquired at least 12 ECTS in courses of Chemistry;
• Have acquired at least 48 ECTS in courses in the area of Biology.