Biological Sciences

Grounded on strong secondary school foundations, Biological Sciences graduates will have knowledge and comprehension skills in the field of biological studies at a level that is characterized by the use of advanced textbooks and that also includes knowledge of some cutting-edge topics in the hierarchical organization of living things, from cells to organisms. The teaching tools used for the development of such knowledge are:

• face-to-face lectures;
• laboratory activities by the professors, assisted by staff with technical functions;
• tutoring supports provided by the departmental system;
• e-learning software available on the University website.

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Graduates in Biological Sciences will be able to apply their knowledge to different biological matrices, understanding and solving problems even in broader interdisciplinary contexts. In particular, they will be able to:

• apply computer and statistical methods for the processing and analysis of experimental data relating to biological systems and phenomena;
• apply basic analytical methodologies specific to the chemical sciences;
• apply basic biochemical and biomolecular analysis methodologies;
• apply basic microbiological investigation techniques;
• recognise the main animal and plant tissues;
• recognise the most common animal and plant forms. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate a professional approach to their work, possess adequate skills both to develop and support arguments on life sciences and to solve problems in their field of study.

The teaching tools used to achieve these objectives include both classroom lectures and laboratory activities under the guidance of the teacher. The assessment of the knowledge acquired, application and understanding will be carried out through mid-term tests, also using e-learning platforms, the preparation and discussion of reports on experiments carried out and final assessments with oral interviews and/or written tests.

Further information

All information on the course, from admission to the final exam, for all students interested in enrolling in the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Biological Sciences.

Admission requirements

Enrolment in the Degree Course in Biological Sciences is open to all those in possession of a secondary school diploma, until 180 places are filled. Enrolment is finalised following completion of the online pre-enrolment form. However, it is necessary to take the compulsory assessment test, which will take place at the Centro Direzionale, Isola C4, during the first semester. The call for applications, which specifies the admission procedures in detail, is published on the University website and on the CdS website.

The purpose of the test is to assess the student’s initial preparation and aptitude. The test consists of 15 multiple-choice questions on scientific, biological and basic topics. The test is purely for assessment and is NOT selective.

Internships and placement

Internships and work placements at external organisations are compulsory for students enrolled on the course. For this activity, students are assigned an internal tutor, who is responsible for the internship together with a tutor assigned by the host organisation. In this way, from the very beginning of the activity, students are supported by two tutors, one internal and one external to the university. The activity is recorded by the student in a special “Internship Logbook”, signed by the two tutors. In addition to the “Booklet”, at the end of the activity, the student must submit a report on the activities carried out, countersigned by the responsible teacher, while the tutor from the host organisation certifies attendance and gives a qualitative assessment (sufficient, fair, good, excellent) of the student’s activity.

Final exam

The Final Examination consists of writing a short paper (no more than 40 pages in total) in both paper and electronic format and giving an oral presentation with discussion in front of the Degree Committee. After acquiring at least 150 credits, the student agrees on a topic with a lecturer from the degree programme (Supervisor) who oversees the writing of the paper. A second external Supervisor is also required. The topic of the paper must relate to one of the subjects covered by the student’s study plan, even if the relevant exam has not yet been passed. However, this exam must be passed before the final exam can be discussed. The student submits a completed application form, countersigned by the supervisor, to the President of the degree programme, attaching the study plan with an indication of the exams taken and those to be taken. Once signed by the President of the degree programme, the original application form must be submitted to the Academic Secretariat. The student will receive two copies, one to be delivered to the supervisor and one for their personal records. Reservations for the graduation session are made at the Student Secretariat according to the times and procedures established by the latter. At the time of booking, the student must submit the required documentation.

The final exam consists of writing a paper and giving an oral presentation, with the aid of IT tools, followed by a discussion of the paper by the candidate before a committee of teachers in a public session. The topic of the paper concerns one or more subjects related to the course of study and may be bibliographic or experimental in nature. The paper and its presentation and public discussion serve to highlight the candidate’s cultural maturity and ability to argue a point. The quality of the paper and the candidate’s ability to present and argue a point will be the elements of assessment for the degree committee, which will meet to determine the degree mark and then, in a public session, announce the result.