The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology stems from the need to create experts in one of the fields that has seen the most rapid and extensive development since the 1970s. The understanding of the molecular aspects that control biological systems, in particular the structure and function of the DNA molecule and the mechanisms that regulate the expression of the messages it encodes, has in fact opened up previously unimaginable possibilities. This course provides the key to accessing this world whose expansion shows no sign of slowing down and which will form the basis of most of the high-tech industrial processes of the medium and long term future. What you will study The course approaches biotechnology with a general and multidisciplinary orientation. Physical, chemical, molecular-biological and cellular knowledge is provided throughout the course of study. During the first year you delve into the basic scientific subjects, enabling you to acquire the necessary knowledge to take gradually more and more specific courses in biotechnology. Having established a basis of knowledge in mathematical and physical language, you start with the study of general chemistry to move on to organic chemistry and then to biochemistry in order to learn about the reactions that take place within cells and regulate their metabolism and survival. The study of general biology evolves into the study of the cells and tissues of an organism, the molecules of life such as DNA and proteins and the mechanisms that allow cells to regulate them. The Biotechnology graduate Who is he? . He is a professional with well-established application knowledge in the life and health sciences. He/she is responsible for the application of established protocols in service or production activities. He/she deals with the application, in service or production activities, of predetermined protocols with particular reference to therapeutic, diagnostic, cosmetic-pharmaceutical, food, horticultural and environmental technology sectors. What does it do? pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food industry technician biomedical laboratory technician technician in toxicological and environmental study and detection centres scientific informant technician in universities and other public and private institutes and organisations for biomedical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological research consultant to bodies in charge of drawing up health and patent regulations concerning the exploitation of biotechnological products consultant for small and medium-sized companies, in the field of environmental quality and hygiene in the workplace Where does he work? Public and private research centres, pharmaceutical industries, territorial control bodies. With reference to Liguria, some of the most important public research centres involved in biotechnology research are the Italian Institute of Technology -IIT-, the Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS Hospital and the Giannina Gaslini Institute. Altogether, hundreds of researchers work in these institutions.
