Pharmaceutical biotechnologies
Class: LM-9 R -
Call for applications (NON-EU students) - A.Y. 2025/26:
- 7 January - 7 March 2025 APPLICATION PLATFORM
Please check the Call for admissions for non-EU students
- EU students: Please check the Call for Admission for EU and EU-equated students.
A course provided in English, meeting the needs of modern pharmaceutical research, preparing professionals with a solid knowledge in the pharmaceutical and technological fields typical of biopharmaceuticals, combined with an in-depth training in molecular biology, structural biochemistry, genetic engineering and protein engineering, as well as specific technical and regulatory expertise in problems related to research, development, control and advice about newly developed drugs. You can work in research laboratories or collaborate with public or private organisations in the biotechnological-pharmaceutical sector, dealing with research, design, production and formulation and analysis of innovative and biotechnological drugs, but also with quality control in the biomedical, diagnostic and nutritional fields.
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Characteristics and Objectives
The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies (two years, 120 CFU) aims to provide students with a strong scientific foundation in modern biotechnology applied to pharmaceutical research and health sciences.
In recent years, the structure and demands of pharmaceutical research have changed significantly, both in terms of discovering and developing new drugs and in the study and production of biopharmaceuticals, such as recombinant proteins, newly developed monoclonal antibodies and RNA based therapeutics.
Today, pharmaceutical research—whether in academia or industry—requires not only deep knowledge of pharmaceutical and technological aspects specific to biopharmaceuticals, but also a thorough grounding in molecular biology, structural biochemistry, genetic engineering, protein engineering, pharmacology, immunology, statistics, and computer science. In addition to mastering basic biotechnological principles, professionals in this field must also develop specialized technical and regulatory expertise related to the research, development, quality control, and consultancy of newly developed drugs.
To meet the evolving demands of modern pharmaceutical research, the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (DSF) offers a dedicated, entirely English-taught Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies (120 CFU).
Knowledge and Skills
Graduates of the Master's in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies will gain a solid background in the biochemical, biological, pharmacological, pharmaceutical, and bioinformatics disciplines essential for studying, designing, producing, and formulating biotechnological drugs. They will also develop skills in identifying new biomarkers and creating diagnostic and prognostic tools for disease management.
Graduates will acquire a strong foundation in chemistry, enabling them to apply analytical methods for the purification and chemical and physicochemical characterization of biological macromolecules.
They will be able to apply their scientific and methodological expertise in the production and quality control of biotechnological drugs and biosimilars in industrial settings, as well as in the development of innovative diagnostic strategies. Furthermore, they will acquire knowledge related to regulatory affairs in the field of biopharmaceuticals.
Because the program is taught entirely in English, graduates will develop strong oral and written communication skills in English, further enhancing their professional profile.
Program Structure
The program's curriculum is structured into three main areas: biological, biopharmaceutical, and technological-applicative. These areas encompass teachings from core biotechnological disciplines, basic sciences applied to biotechnology, and pharmaceutical and pharmacological sciences.
In addition to traditional lectures and laboratory work, the program includes elective courses, seminars, and short courses focused on specialized and cutting-edge topics in biotechnology.
Students will complete a significant research project for their final thesis, which can be conducted in University of Padua research laboratories or in external public or private laboratories, either in Italy or abroad, through international collaborations and agreements.
Moreover, students have the opportunity to pursue a double degree through a special curriculum offered in collaboration with the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) in Austria, as an alternative to the standard curriculum.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will possess a broad range of professional skills, including applied knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, independent judgment, and strong communication abilities in both Italian and English.
These competencies will prepare them for careers in research, design, development, formulation, and analysis of innovative drugs, biotechnologies, and diagnostic tools; in research and development within the fields of genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics; and in management and quality control roles within the biomedical, diagnostic, and nutrition sectors.
Graduates will also be qualified to work with public or private organizations involved in regulatory activities related to the biotechnological-pharmaceutical sector.
Finally, the program provides an excellent foundation for pursuing PhD studies or second-level master's programs in Italy or abroad.
Double degree opportunity
No. 3 students enrolled in this Master's Degree programme will be offered the opportunity to participate in a double degree programme in Health Biotechnologies with the Management Center Innsbruck (Austria) in order to obtain a double degree over two years: the Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies (UNIPD) and the Master's Degree in Biotechnology (MCI).
For more information on the programme and how to apply, please contact the Secretariat of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
