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Course objectives

The primary aim of the Course is to train highly qualified researchers who have acquired the cultural and technical tools appropriate for the interdisciplinary study of the structure and functions of biological systems and biotechnologies. The training program aims to develop advanced specialist and transversal skills, in line with the current and future needs of scientific research and the national and international job market.

Educational activities

The programme of the course is completed by courses on general and specific topics as well as numerous seminars and joint activities among students (for example Ph.D. day, seminars). Our Ph.D. Students can capitalize on their high-level formation in order to find a position in the academy as well as industry in different fields. The research activity of the Ph.D. students is promoted by excellent infrastructure at the Department of Biology (Department of Excellence in Italy) and in general at the Vallisneri building (for example a state-of-the art imaging, sequencing facilities) as well as at the Hydrobiology station in Chioggia and at the Botanical Garden of Padova.

Research areas

The Doctoral Program in Biosciences offers a three-year program structured into four curricula that encompass the main research areas in the life sciences: Biochemistry and Biotechnology; Cell Biology and Physiology; Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation; and Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics.

The scientific goals of the Ph.D. school in Biosciences consist in providing the students the opportunity to work on highly innovative research lines addressing questions of both basic and applied research. The board members of the school work on topics at all levels of the biological organization, ranging from molecules to organisms and ecosystems. Studies at the molecular level are associated with attention towards the environment and ecology, through an integration of diverse scientific competences in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, botanic, plant physiology, zoology, anatomy, physiology, antropology, eco-toxicology, ecology and evolution biology and philosophy of science. Such a rich palette of topics strongly promotes also applicative projects, with important social and economical aspects in the local territory as well as an interdisciplinary attitude. The diversification of the scientific objectives characterizes our PhD programme in Biosciences and this has a high positive impact on the research training of the doctoral students.

Professional profile

As with any doctoral program, the natural career path is research. This includes national and international academia, private research institutions, and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biochemical industries. Other career paths for PhD students in the Biosciences Doctoral Program include: analysis laboratories; healthcare systems; organizational work within biological and biotechnology companies; advanced tertiary sectors (agri-food, conservation and management of protected areas, fish production facilities); and teaching. Several faculty members of the Program have collaborative relationships with companies operating in the biochemical, pharmacological, biotechnology, and agri-food fields, as well as with public bodies responsible for the management and conservation of natural resources.

  Curriculum

• Biochemistry and Biotechnology
• Cell Biology and Physiology
• Evolution Ecology Conservation
• Genetics Genomics Bioinformatics

  Other information

• Calls and Admissions
• Administrative information
• The International PhD guide