Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies

The purpose of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies (two years, 120 CFU) is to endow students with a sound scientific knowledge for modern pharmaceutical research and health biotechnologies.

The organization and the needs of the research in the pharmaceutical field have changed dramatically in recent years. Modern research in both academic and industrial setting is intensely devoted to the study and development of biopharmaceuticals, including the development of biologics and monoclonal antibodies of new conception. Currently, the pharmaceutical scientist requires a thorough education and expertise in molecular biology, genetics, recombinant DNA techniques and bioinformatics, with a solid background in chemistry, pharmacology and advanced pharmaceutical technology. The professionals working in pharmaceutical R&D and production must possess a sound interdisciplinary knowledge, including the specific technical and regulatory issues dedicated to the research, development and monitoring of innovative drugs and biosimilars.

The Master of Science focuses on transferring knowledge, endowing students with strong technical skills (hard skills) and interpersonal skills (soft skills), building at the same time those competencies needed to face the changing pharmaceutical marketplace. Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies will acquire a solid knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology and protein engineering, immunology, pharmacology and pharmaceutical technology, and in those disciplines required to design, analyze and formulate innovative drugs such as biologics and drugs employed in targeted therapies. The knowledge of the physico-chemical properties of molecules and macromolecules enable students to apply the analytical methods required for the identification, purification and characterization of biopharmaceuticals during production and quality control.