The programme

Overview

The Doctoral Course in Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences is based on the Department of Medicine. The Course aims to provide the PhD candidate with the theoretical foundations and appropriate methodological knowledge to conduct research activities in various fields of biomedical sciences and to prepare them for a career as a university lecturer and/or researcher at public or private scientific institutions.

The proposed training path for PhD candidates reflects the multidisciplinarity of the Sections that constitute the Course itself. The PhD Course brings together researchers from both related fields (Dermatology, Hematology, Endocrinology, Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, Infectious Diseases, Medicine, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Rheumatology) and seemingly different ones (Maxillofacial Surgery, Pharmacology, Sports Sciences), but who find an integration in research, as well as the sharing of equipment and personnel. The scientific output of the various Sections is of excellent quality both quantitatively and, above all, qualitatively. Among the possible fields of development and research currently active and therefore proposed to PhD candidates are:

  • Characterization of resident and circulating immune cells during the progression of MASLD, the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of MASLD and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).
  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (in relation to physical activity, cardiovascular risk with related risk markers, clinical and psychological aspects, onset characteristics, and the use of immunomodulators), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; genetic aspects and evolution of micro and macrovascular complications; Diabetes related to Cystic Fibrosis; Post-pancreatectomy Diabetes: autologous beta cell transplantation, use of automated insulin infusion systems.
  • Pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacovigilance: Analysis of real-world data and big data for clinical and economic evaluations of drugs and vaccines with particular expertise in biotechnological therapies in autoimmune diseases, therapies for chronic degenerative diseases, and rare diseases; Polytherapy management; Clinical and translational research for the development of integrated therapeutic and preventive interventions for behavioral, cognitive disorders, and lifestyle.
  • Clinical-biological factors related to obstructive respiratory diseases in stability and exacerbation phases, Acute and chronic respiratory failure and related treatments (respiratory support); Rare respiratory diseases (α1AT deficiency, ASMD); Long-COVID; Secondary interstitial lung diseases, Sleep-related respiratory disorders and related ventilator treatments.
  • Liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) and extra-hepatic complications.
  • Chronic kidney diseases, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and traditional and peritoneal dialysis treatments.
  • NAFLD and its association with cardiovascular risk, risk of chronic kidney disease, and risk of other chronic degenerative diseases.
  • Obesity and its pharmacological as well as bariatric surgical treatment with related complications.
  • Osteoimmunology: relationship between the immune system and bone cells in the determinism of inflammatory, degenerative, and autoimmune osteoarticular pathologies, study of this relationship in relation to new diagnostic techniques and the most innovative therapeutic approaches.
  • Inflammatory, autoimmune, and tumor pancreatic diseases.
  • Relationship between air pollution and rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Role of stromal support in the development of malignant hematological diseases, adoptive cellular immunotherapy using CAR-T cells.
  • Role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of various diseases and the effect of plant compounds in combating oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
  • Study of the mechanisms linking inflammation to various chronic rheumatological, gastroenterological, dermatological, cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory diseases.
  • Study of the role of subclinical inflammation in aging mechanisms and in the determinism and progression of major tumors; Study of cardiovascular risk factors and aging and in particular arterial compliance.
  • Study of adapted physical activities in pathological conditions and aging.
  • Study of stem cells in regenerative medicine and in immuno-regulatory and anti-tumor cellular therapy as well as in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Assessment of nutritional status and its implications for health status in the elderly; Aging and body composition; Study of Sarcopenia and interactions with Obesity and Aging Anorexia, Identification and experimentation of new molecules capable of counteracting the mechanisms underlying aging processes.

The various Sections directly own and manage well-equipped laboratories and cutting-edge instrumentation including: 
- Laboratory of cell biology, tissue culture, molecular biology, cellular immunology, flow cytometry, cell separation, live cell microscopy, immunological assays, bone marker assays, immunofluorescence of cellular and tissue samples, Real-Time PCR... 
- Fibroscan with CAP, impedance meter, DXA densitometer, HRpQCT, Radiofrequency Ecographic Multi Spectrometry...
A significant portion of laboratory equipment is operational within the LURM: University Laboratory of Medical Research, a structure that promotes exchange and integration among researchers in a collaborative atmosphere, representing an additional advantage for the training of PhD candidates.
 



Faculty Board of PhD in Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences

Coordinator
Gatti Davide
Type of body
PhD committee
Department
Medicina
Records and documents present in the year:

March 23, 2023

February 16, 2023

QA Board of PhD in Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences

Coordinator
Viapiana Ombretta
Type of body
Quality Assurance Board
Department
Medicina
Tasks

Further information on MYUNIVR

Ombretta Viapiana
QA Manager
Davide Gatti
member
Denise Rotta
PhD student representative
Records and documents present in the year:

The Italian University system

schema_qualita

First-cycle degrees: Bachelor’s degree programme

First-cycle degrees are aimed at enabling students to achieve a command of general scientific methods and content, and to acquire specific professional knowledge.
Admission requirements: secondary school diploma after completing 13 years of study in total and passing the relevant State examination, or equivalent foreign qualification; admission may be subject to further assessment.
Duration: three years.
Graduation: in order to obtain the degree, it is necessary to gain at least 180 CFU; doing an internship and preparing a dissertation/thesis may also be required. Upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree, graduates may continue their studies by enrolling in a Master’s degree or other second-cycle degree programmes and courses.
Academic title: upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree (Laurea), graduates are awarded the title of “Dottore”.

Second-cycle degrees: Master’s degree

Second-cycle degrees aim to provide students with an advanced training and knowledge to take on highly-skilled roles.
Admission requirements: applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree, or a foreign equivalent qualification; curricular admission requirements for each course may vary depending on each University.
Duration: two years.
Graduation: in order to obtain the degree, it is necessary to gain at least 120 CFU, as well as preparing and presenting a dissertation/thesis.
Academic title: upon completion of a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale), graduates are awarded the title of “Dottore magistrale”. Single cycle/Combined Bachelor+Master’s degrees
Some courses (Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics, Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy, Architecture and Building Engineering-Architecture, Law, Primary Education) are offered as Single cycle/Combined Bachelor+Master’s degrees (Corsi di Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico).
Admission requirements: applicants must hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent foreign qualification; admission is subject to passing an admission test.
Duration: five years (six years and 360 CFU for Medicine and Surgery, and Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics).
Graduation: in order to obtain the degree, it is necessary to gain at least 300 CFU, as well as preparing and presenting a dissertation/thesis. Upon completion of a Single-cycle degree, graduates may continue their studies by applying for a PhD programme (Dottorato di Ricerca) or other third-cycle courses.
Academic title: upon completion of a Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale), graduates are awarded the title of “Dottore magistrale”.

Third-cycle degrees

PhD programmes: these courses enable students to gain reliable methodologies for advanced scientific research through innovative methodologies and new technologies, and generally include internships abroad and lab activities at research laboratories. Graduates wishing to apply for a PhD programme must have a Master’s degree (or a foreign equivalent qualification) and pass an open competition; PhD programmes have a minimum duration of three years. In order to complete the programme, students must produce a research thesis/dissertation and present it at a final examination.
Academic title: upon completion of a PhD programme, students are awarded the title of “Dottore di ricerca”, or “PhD”.
Postgraduate specialisation courses: these are third-cycle courses aimed at enabling students to develop advanced knowledge and highly-specialised skills, such as in the medical, clinical and surgical fields. To be admitted to these courses, applicants must have a Master’s degree (or a foreign equivalent qualification) and pass an open competition. Postgraduate specialisation courses may last from two (120 CFU) to 6 years (360 CFU) depending on the type. Academic title: upon completion of this programme, graduates are awarded a “Diploma di Specializzazione”.

Professional Master’s programme

1st-level Professional Master’s programmes: these courses enable students to further enhance their scientific knowledge and professional skills. In order to apply, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent qualification. The minimum duration is one year (60 CFU). Please note that completing this course will not provide you with direct access to a PhD programme (Dottorato di Ricerca), or other third-cycle courses, as these courses are run and managed by each University at the local level. Upon completion of this programme, students are awarded a “Master universitario di primo livello”.
2nd-level Professional Master’s programmes: these courses enable students to further enhance their scientific knowledge and professional skills. In order to apply, applicants must have a Master’s degree, or foreign equivalent qualification. The minimum duration is one year (60 CFU). Please note that completing this course will not provide you with direct access to a PhD programme (Dottorato di Ricerca), or other third-cycle courses, as these courses are run and managed by each University at the local level. Upon completion of this programme, students are awarded a “Master universitario di secondo livello”.

Other useful things

Crediti Formativi Universitari (CFU/ECTS credits): Italian university courses are based on the CFU system. 1 CFU is equal to 25 hours of study. The average annual academic workload for a full-time student is generally assumed to be 60 CFU. CFU and ECTS credits serve the same purpose and generally have the same value.
Degree class: Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes that have the same learning objectives and activities are grouped into “degree classes". The educational content of each programme is set autonomously by each university; however, universities are required to include certain educational activities (and the corresponding number of CFU credits) set at the national level. These requirements are established in relation to each degree class. Degrees in the same class have the same legal value.
Double/Joint degrees: the Italian universities may establish degree programmes in partnership with other Italian or foreign universities. Upon completion of these courses, graduates are awarded a joint or double/multiple degree, one from each Partner University.

Partnerships

Academic and scientific partnerships are currently running with Italian and international universities/research institutions in order to enrich the education path of Ph.D. students.

Documents

Title Info File
File pdf UniVr - Icahn School of Medicine pdf, it, 2755 KB, 10/04/24