University of Milan

Master's Degree Programme in Molecular Biology of the Cell - MBC

The main goal of the Molecular Biology of the Cell Master (MBC) degree is to train biologists in advanced biomolecular research, with a strong focus on the most advanced tools and methods for the analysis of biological systems.

In-depth and up-to-date knowledge will be provided for the following subjects: molecular analysis of the genome; regulation of gene expression; structure and function of biological macromolecules and their interactions; cellular communication, signal perception and transduction, metabolic regulation, biomolecular engineering and computing. Both theoretical and practical aspects of biomolecular research will be covered.

Graduate students will learn to apply novel and emerging research technologies, cutting-edge data acquisition systems, and will acquire hands-on experience with top-level nanotechnology.

MBC graduates will acquire in-depth knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, and consolidated competences in the application of state-of-the-art analytical methods and experimental techniques to address a variety of biological challenges. This highly specific, yet multidisciplinary, profile will offer MBC

Graduates professional employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Graduates will be fully qualified to apply for entry to national/international Ph.D. courses and other postgraduate specializations.

Furthermore, MBC graduates qualify to be legally admitted to the “A Section” of the National Biologists Register.

Master Degree Programme in Molecular Biology of the Cell - Video 1:
Master Degree Programme in Molecular Biology of the Cell - Video 2:


Admission requirements

The admission to the MBC course is subject to curricular requirements and a demonstrated background knowledge in suitable disciplines related to the course (DM 270/04). Admission is open to:

- Graduates in Biological Sciences (Class L-13) from any Italian University that follows CBUI rules, as adequately certified. In this case, credits (CFU or Ects) acquired by the candidate as an undergraduate will be fully recognized and will meet the curricular prerequisites.

The CBUI guidelines describe the compulsory SSD (scientific areas) and the related recommended number of CFUs (min-max): 66-96 CFUs in biological subjects (BIO/01,BIO/02,BIO/04, BIO/05,BIO/06,BIO/07, BIO/09,BIO/10,BIO/11, BIO/18, BIO/19); 12-15 CFUs in chemistry-based subjects (CHIM/01, CHIM/02, CHIM/03, CHIM/06); 15-18 CFUs in mathematics/physics and computer science subjects (MAT/01-09, FIS/01-08 e INF/01). - Biological Sciences (Class L-13) graduates from Universities that do not follow CBUI guidelines, Biological Sciences (Class L-12) ex DM509/99, or any other class that meet suitable curricular requirements, including graduates from foreign Universities that possess a title equivalent to the 1st level degree in Italian law.

Curricular requirements are the acquisition of a minimum of 93 CFUs distributed in equivalent scientific areas (SSD), as described above, for Biological Sciences (Class L-13) that are in line with the criteria set by CBUI.

The English language must be at least B1 level ("lower intermediate") according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages or equivalent certification.
The proficiency in scientific English will be verified by the committee during the interview


About The University of Milan

A leading institute in Italy and Europe, the University of Milan with a teaching staff of more than 2,164 tenured professors and 63,499 students is one of the most renowned Italian Academic institutions.

The University of Milan is the top Italian university in most international rankings and is the only Italian university among the 21 prestigious institutions that belong to the League of European Research Universities (LERU).

The University’s departments are housed in important historic edifices in the centre of Milan, one of the most dynamic and internationally oriented EU cities, and in modern buildings in the area known as Città Studi.

The Department of Biosciences at the University of Milan is the reference point and the main Institution responsible for the MBC Master Degree.

Recently awarded as Department of Excellence by Italian Ministry of Education, this department is a multidisciplinary environment where a wide range of advanced biological research activities are carried out from curiosity-driven “basic science” to investigations into the molecular basis of life and disease (eng.dbs.unimi.it/ecm/home/department).

Through its cutting-edge technical facilities and collaborations with the best scientific institutions in Italy and overseas, the Department of Biosciences follows a strict plan to promote high quality scientific research and degree programs.