Deadlines and administrative fulfilments

For deadlines, administrative fulfilments and notices on graduation sessions, please refer to the Graduation Sessions - Science and Engineering service.

Final Examination and Graduation

Overview

To obtain the Master’s Degree in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, students must successfully pass the final examination, which consists of the presentation and discussion of a dissertation written in English. This final project allows students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired during the programme.

Dissertation Requirements

The dissertation must be an original experimental research project on a specific topic, carried out in university laboratories or in public/private institutions recognized in the biotechnology sector. It must be written under the supervision of a faculty member (Supervisor), with the possible support of one or more co-supervisors.

To be admitted to the final examination, students must have completed all the CFU (ECTS credits) required by their Study Plan, except those awarded for the dissertation itself.

Dissertation Committee

Each dissertation is evaluated by a Dissertation Committee, composed of:

• One Supervisor
• Optional co-supervisors (including external researchers)
• Two examiners (appointed at least 25 days before the final exam)

The committee evaluates the student's thesis and presentation, which must take place within 15 days prior to the graduation ceremony.

Evaluation Criteria

The dissertation presentation lasts approximately 30 minutes and is assessed based on the following criteria:

• Depth of analysis and relevance to current developments in the field
• Scientific and/or technological outcomes
• Critical thinking and experimental skills
• Independence in conducting research (assessed by the Supervisor)
• Methodological rigor
• Quality of writing and structure
• Communication and presentation skills

Graduation Mark

The final grade is expressed on a 110-point scale and is calculated as follows:

1. Weighted average of course grades (converted to a 110-point scale)
2. Dissertation and presentation evaluation:
   • Up to 8 points awarded by the Dissertation Committee
   • Up to 3 additional points based on the student’s academic record (e.g. cum laude grades, internships, elective courses, early graduation)
   • Up to 2 bonus points for students who:
     • Earned at least 12 CFU through international mobility programmes
     • Graduated within the standard duration of the programme

If the final score reaches or exceeds 110/110, the Committee may award cum laude honours, provided the student meets the following conditions:

• A minimum weighted average of 104/110, or
• A minimum average of 102/110 and at least three cum laude grades during the programme

Cum laude is awarded only by unanimous decision of the Graduation Committee.

External Dissertations

Dissertations may be conducted in collaboration with external institutions. In this case:

• The topic must be approved by a University Supervisor
• At least one co-supervisor from the external institution must be indicated
• All scientific results must be publicly accessible

The Supervisor and co-supervisors must be listed in the online graduation application.

Need to activate a thesis internship

For thesis-related internships, it is not always necessary to activate an internship through the Internship Office. For further information, please consult the dedicated document, which can be found in the 'Documents' section of the Internships and work orientation - Science e Engineering service.