The PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology (DBMC) covers four thematic areas: 

1. Molecular and biophysical analysis of molecules and biological structures;

2. The control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes;

3. Functional genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology;

4. Molecular mechanisms controlling cell division and degeneration, differentiation and development 

 

Educational objectives

The major goals of DBMC are:

- Preparing top-quality scientists with strong expertise in the field of biomolecular sciences and biotechnology.

- Stimulate the use of molecular approaches to study complex biological questions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic model systems, including animals and plants.

- Promote the collaboration with research institutes, advanced teaching institutes and industry in the field of biomolecular sciences and biotechnology.

- Promote internationalization through numerous international scientific collaborations, interactions with foreign professors, recruitment of non-Italian PhD fellows, PhD research projects in collaboration with foreign groups and training periods abroad.  

Educational activities are characterised by:

- Multi-disciplinary research approaches;

- Interactivity;

- Interaction with industry;

- Internationalization. 

A fundamental aspect that forms a central role in the training of the PhD fellows is their integration in experimental research activities. They will develop a full-time research project and will be trained to critically evaluate their results, which will stimulate their scientific autonomy and their skills to manage their research project. 

 

Organization of Educational Activities

The DBMC organises specific teaching activities that include: 

a) Courses focused on scientific subjects of particular importance;

b) Theoretical-practical courses focusing on innovative technologies and methodologies;

c) Specific seminars organised by DBMC in the frame of the educational and scientific program;

d) Journal Clubs focusing on articles of particular interest to the thematic areas of DBMC;

e) Progress Reports demonstrating the research activities of the Research Units (including those of the PhD fellow), that belong to the Departments that participate in DBMC;

f) English language course for the first year PhD fellows;

g). A “How to write a scientific paper” course to improve the scientific writing skills of the fellows.  

 

Employment and Professional Opportunities

The activities undertaken by the PhD fellows during their 3 years training period provides them with a broad view on the topics that are central to the scientific community, allowing them to critically analyse scientific questions and apply the appropriate and latest technologies to answer them. 

After obtaining their PhD degree the fellows often (but not only) continue their career in:

• scientific research at national and international Universities or research institutes;

• research activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.