About the programme

Over the last decade, significant methodological and conceptual advances in the life sciences area have enabled the development of the so-called “new biology.”

This new biology is mainly based on the ability to study cells at a molecular level thanks to the increasing availability of genomic sequences of many species and the possibility to determine, in a comprehensive way, gene expression profiles as well as the interactions between biological macromolecules. In addition, technological advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have led to an increased capacity for designing and building new biological systems with applications in biomedicine.

Finally, the strong development of bioinformatics and computational biology is providing new tools for the management, interpretation and modeling of a constantly increasing amount of biological data.

The Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) is therefore aimed at the training of experts in cellular and molecular biotechnology with an in-depth focus on genomic approaches in the fields of cancer biology and neurobiology including experimental, technological and computational aspects.

The Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) is a two-year full-time program taught in English which aims to train modern biotechnologists.

The courses in the CMB program are structured to focus on the latest advances in genomics and genetic engineering in the biomedicine field with specific reference to technological aspects, including advanced imaging, next-generation sequencing, high-throughput screening and gene and cell therapy.

Along with high quality and dynamic teaching, the CMB Master’s degree provides practical experience in state-of-the-art biotech laboratories. During the last semester, practical training is followed by a research project to be carried out within research groups at CIBIO (Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento), or in one of the collaborating laboratories in other European universities, or in companies operating in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector. The CMB program takes advantage of the long-term international relationships which globally connect the University of Trento, fostering a stimulating learning process.

Curriculum

Teaching activities include lectures, laboratory activities and seminars. The program includes common core courses to be attended during the first year and three specialization tracks in cancer biology, neurobiology and microbes & infection during the first half of the second year.

Credits required to complete the MCMB program: 120 ECTS

Notes: according to the Sorbonne (1988) and Bologna (1999) declarations university-level study programs in the European Higher Education Area are structured in university credits (ECTS). One university credit corresponds to 25 hours of student workload, time for personal preparation included. The annual average workload for a full-time student is conventionally fixed at 60 credits.

Program Outcome

The Master’s degree program in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) is designed to offer learning opportunities that enhance the skills and the competencies of professional biotechnologists, including:

• Detailed knowledge of the functioning and regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;
• Methods for the structural and functional characterization of biological macromolecules and the cellular processes in which they are involved;
• Detailed understanding of the pathological processes at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels;
• Technological skills for the design and manufacturing of biotechnology products and processes, such as biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and vaccines.

Career Opportunities

The Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) aims at shaping competitive biotechnologists, which are increasingly demanded in the medical, environmental and industrial sectors. More specifically, career opportunities for students who graduated with a Master in CMB are to be found in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Research and development in the biotechnology industry;
• Technical-scientific information and communication;
• Management of public and private institutions in biomedicine, diagnostics, cosmetics.

Alternatively, the Master in CMB allows students to apply for international PhD programs in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, which is typically the choice for those thinking of pursuing an academic or research career.

Admission

Application deadlines
(check online for updates)

• 6th March 2025 for non-EU citizens living outside Italy
• From 14th April 2025 to 16th June 2025 for EU citizens and non-EU citizens regularly living in Italy

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Biotechnology or in any Biotechnology-related field
• English at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

How to apply

• Access the online application form
• Upload the required documents
• Submit your online application by the deadline

Selection Criteria

• Assessment of previous studies and their coherence with the MSc
• Academic curriculum
• Statement of purpose
• Video presentation