Presentation

Course Characteristics:
Bioinformatics is now a well-established discipline with skills that are universally recognized and in demand in both the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally. Historically developed from the sequencing of model organism genomes and, most importantly, the human genome in the 1990s, Bioinformatics is now structurally integrated into basic research in genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, as well as more applied research in the biomedical field. This integration requires close peer-to-peer collaboration between the biologist/physician and the data analysis expert (bioinformatician).
It deals primarily with:

  • Providing mathematical-statistical models useful for the analysis and interpretation of biomolecular experimental data. The most relevant aspect is the need to integrate very large amounts of data (big data) from extremely heterogeneous sources ("omics" technologies) to identify the "key" elements underlying a specific biological process of interest to the physician/biologist.
  • Developing computational models and methods for the analysis of biological sequences and gene expression data (genome, transcriptome, proteome, epigenetic profiles, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications, genomic localization of proteins, genetic polymorphisms, RNA/DNA editing, etc.) in order to identify phylogenetic specificities/analogies and relevant mutations, for example, for personalized medical diagnosis and therapy (cancers, vaccines, genetic diseases).
  • Organizing integrated archives equipped with analysis platforms for better use and presentation of biomolecular data.
  • Analyzing and predicting the structural and functional aspects of macromolecules and their interactions with ligands and drugs, also using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques.

In this context, a "new alliance" between computational bioengineering (bioinformatics), biology, chemistry, and medicine appears to be of great strategic relevance to meet the challenges presented by the overwhelming development of biomolecular technologies.
● Educational objectives in reference to the professional profiles that will be trained:
The objective of the course is the initial training of Bioinformaticians who, upon earning their degree, are able to operate professionally in various applied fields. They will also be equipped with a solid background to access Master's degree programs and Master's programs oriented towards more specialized fields of bioinformatics, biomedical statistics, and computer science, or towards biomedical degrees where they can learn to leverage their expertise in specific research sectors.
● Admission process:
Locally programmed number of places (numero programmato locale) via a selective test (English TOLC-F).
● Educational activities:
The course is structured over three years. The first year includes basic teachings for 60 ECTS credits (mathematics, physics, chemistry, cell biology, statistics, and computer science); the second year includes courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and bioinformatics for 60 ECTS credits; the third year includes bioethics, bioinformatics, genomics, and a series of specialized optional exams for 42 ECTS credits, plus 18 ECTS credits dedicated to a professional internship connected to the final thesis, language skills, and other knowledge preparatory to the world of work.
● Indication of opportunities for international experiences:
Regarding international experiences, the course has Erasmus agreements with: Universidad San Jorge de Zaragoza, the University of Santiago de Compostela, the University of Leuven, and the Catholic University of Lille, which offer BSc courses with a particular focus on Bioinformatics. Several students have participated in the Erasmus program over the last three years. We also plan to organize a joint Bioinformatics summer school with the Department of Biochemical Sciences of Sapienza and the University of Dallas (USA), implemented in June 2023 and planned for June 2024.
● Subsequent opportunities, employment and professional outlets, and - depending on the type of degree program - access to Master's Degrees, Specialization Schools, Research Doctorates (PhDs), Master's programs:
There is already an active demand for our graduates as bioinformatics technicians from research institutions, hospitals, and universities. Nevertheless, the vast majority of them continue their training in Master's degree programs or Bioinformatics Master's programs (e.g., Master in Computational Biology, University of Trento; Master's in Bioinformatics, Roma Tor Vergata; Master in Biomedical Omics, University of Milan) or in Biology or Biotechnology programs (e.g., Master's in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Sapienza; Master's in Biochemistry, Sapienza).