Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology

Overview

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

The 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 to 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.

The courses in the Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology program from University of Trento 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. 

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.

Program Overview

The Master’s degree program in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology (MCMB) is a two-year full-time program taught in English, which aims at training modern bio-technologists.

The courses in the MCMB 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 Master’s degree program in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology 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 MCMB 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.

Program Outcome

• 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

• Research and development in the biotechnology industry;
• Technical-scientific information and communication;
• Management of public and private institutions in biomedicine, diagnostics, cosmetics.
• The MCMB allows students to embark upon international Ph.D. programs in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, for those thinking of pursuing an academic or research career.