Pharmaceutical biotechnologies

Characteristics and objectives
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 Laurea Magistrale (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.
Thanks to the past years experience and from encouraging responses from the studente, the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies will offer the whole course in English, as also advocated by the University of Padova's plan to implement the internationalization of its Degree programs. This choice, amply
discussed by teachers, students and ex-alumni, will possibly attract in Padova international students interested in modern pharmaceutical sciences.

Occupational opportunities
Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies will operate in various areas of academic and industrial research at national and international level. They will be able to tackle problems related to the study and development of drugs and diagnostics and will work in several fields associated with the production and quality control of the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, diagnostic and scientific instrumentation, as well as the cosmetic and nutraceutic industries and those interested in human and animal nutrition.