Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Duration
3 years
Credits
180 CFU
Degree class
Language
Italiano
How to Enroll
See details
Admission type
Test di ingresso TOLC-S/B
Study Plan
Course information and Study plans
Regulations
View Regulations
Course Director
Francesco Napolitano

About the course

The Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology provides students with a solid foundation in biological systems, studied and understood at both molecular and cellular levels. The programme equips students with the skills to analyse, modify and utilise cells and cellular components for the production of goods and services. Biological knowledge is complemented by an understanding of European and international regulations in bio-law and intellectual property protection.

The degree programme is organised into two pathways. The Cellular and Molecular pathway focuses on genetic engineering, recombinant molecular techniques, cell physiology, and the study of animal models. The Chemical and Pharmaceutical pathway covers industrial biotechnologies (plants and processes), the structural characterisation of organic compounds, pharmacology and toxicology, as well as phytochemistry and its biotechnological applications. A suitable number of elective credits further completes the theoretical training. Integrated laboratory activities, together with compulsory internships, provide extensive practical training for entry into the job market.

The first two years, common to both pathways, are dedicated to acquiring:

  • a solid grounding in the fundamental aspects of the biological sciences
  • appropriate knowledge of mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry and computer science
  • a good understanding of national and EU regulations on bio-law and intellectual property in the biotechnology sector
  • a good command of the English language

Although the programme is primarily designed to enable progression to a Master’s degree, it also provides the core skills required for direct entry into the labour market.

The development of a responsible and autonomous approach to academic progression is supported through tutoring, guidance and academic support provided by teaching staff. This includes assistance with study plans, the selection of elective courses, the recovery of any academic gaps, and the organisation of internships.

Support services are also available remotely, ensuring full accessibility for working students, international students and those living away from campus.

The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Biotechnology is designed to help you enter the job market or pursue further studies. The programme aims to educate graduates who can understand and analyse biological phenomena from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on technology transfer, product development, and the integrated management of production processes, in compliance with regulations and with due consideration of the related bioethical and intellectual property issues.

Students will therefore have the opportunity to acquire foundational knowledge in mathematics, chemistry and physics, as well as specialised skills in biotechnology fields that are typically multidisciplinary, ranging from cellular and molecular biology to bioinformatics, pharmaceutical chemistry, and medical and health sciences.

 

How I will learn

The Bachelor’s Degree Programme includes educational activities in the areas of cellular and molecular biotechnology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and medicine.

Teaching activities include lectures, practical classroom and laboratory sessions, seminars, independent and supervised study, and the use of English texts to foster the acquisition of scientific terminology. Numerous practical sessions, in the classroom and in the laboratory, as well as compulsory hands-on activities in the form of Integrated Programme Laboratories, will enable you to develop technical and practical skills. You will be required to undertake external activities, such as training internships at public and private bodies, as well as companies operating in the biotechnology sector or closely related fields. Study periods at other universities, both in Europe and outside, are also possible. You will complete the programme by writing a final degree report (thesis).

What I will know

Upon graduation you will have acquired:

  • knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, closely related to biotechnology;
  • knowledge of cellular and molecular biology which, starting from basic notions, develops into biomedical biotechnologies;
  • more specifically chemical and pharmaceutical knowledge, including the basic notions of industrial biotechnology;
  • bioinformatics and statistical knowledge;
  • multidisciplinary methodological and technological knowledge for biotechnology.

Admission requirements

The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Biotechnology has open admission (no capped enrolment).

To find out, in detail, the admission requirements, please consult the relevant section.

What I can do after graduation

With a degree in Biotechnology, if you do not intend to continue your studies, you may enter the job market as a biotechnologist. By passing the State Examination you may enrol in the Order of Biologists, Section B (junior biologist; Art. 41 of Presidential Decree DPR 328/01 of 5/06/2001), and work in the following areas:

  • biomedical, biopharmaceutical, bioengineering, and biocomputational sectors;
  • chemical, diagnostic, and environmental sectors that use biological systems or their components, including genetically modified ones, as part of the production chain of goods and services.

The programme provides access to Master’s degree programmes in the classes LM-6, LM-60 and LM-9, which in Benevento are offered through the Master’s Degree Programmes in Biology, Natural Sciences, and Genetic and Molecular Biotechnologies.

Which organisations I could work in:

  • Healthcare facilities, Hospital Trusts, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes
  • Biotechnology, pharmaceutical-chemical, agri-food, and agrochemical industries
  • Public and private analysis and quality control laboratories
  • Research centres and companies involved in the development of biotechnological products and services

The qualification enables you to apply for public competitive examinations where a first-cycle degree in Biotechnology is required and to progress to higher levels of university education (Master’s programmes, Master’s degrees).

For specific information about the study programme, you can contact the Programme Director, Prof. Francesco Napolitano.