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This program focuses on how human health is shaped by biological and environmental systems, combining life sciences with environmental studies to understand real-world health challenges. It is designed for students who are interested in biology applied to health, sustainability, and environmental impact rather than pure chemistry or medicine.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong scientific foundation through subjects such as Cell Biology, General Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The focus is on understanding basic biological processes and developing essential laboratory and analytical skills needed for advanced study.
Year 2
The second year develops deeper knowledge in Human Physiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Genetics. Students begin to understand how the human body functions at a molecular and systemic level while also linking these concepts to environmental and health-related contexts.
Year 3
In the final year, students focus on applied and interdisciplinary topics such as Climate Change and Human Health, Environmental Physiology, Ecosystem Health, Plant–Human–Environment Interactions, and Environmental Hygiene. This year also includes an internship and a final thesis, giving students practical and research experience.
Focus Areas
Human biology, environmental health, ecology, microbiology, climate change impacts on health, molecular biology, ecosystem sustainability, environmental physiology, and applied life sciences.
Learning Outcomes
Students learn to analyze biological and environmental systems, understand the relationship between environment and disease, apply laboratory and research methods, and assess environmental risks to human health. They also develop interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills useful in health, research, and sustainability fields.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Graduates can pursue careers in environmental protection agencies, public health organizations, biotechnology and research laboratories, and scientific institutions, or continue with master’s-level studies in biology, environmental science, or health-related fields.
Reputation (Employability / Rankings)
The University of Bologna is one of the oldest and most respected universities in Europe and is consistently ranked in major global rankings such as QS World University Rankings. Its life sciences and biology-related programs are well recognized for strong academic quality and good employability prospects in research and environmental health sectors.
Students in this programme gain strong practical experience through laboratory training, field-based learning, and real research activities integrated throughout the degree. The course is designed so that students continuously apply theoretical knowledge in biology and environmental health to real scientific and public health problems. Training takes place across both laboratory environments and external research settings, helping students develop professional scientific skills from the beginning of the programme.
Experiential learning is supported through laboratories, internships, and applied project work that gradually build professional scientific skills:
Students complete a compulsory third-year internship, working in university laboratories, research centres, or external institutions in areas related to biology and environmental health
Laboratory activities are included in core subjects such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Environmental Physiology, where students learn experimental techniques used in modern life sciences
Applied courses such as Climate Change Microbiology in Human Health and Ecosystem Health include data analysis, case studies, and real-world environmental health applications
Students work in biology and environmental science laboratories equipped for molecular, cellular, and ecological research
Group projects are part of several modules, helping students develop teamwork skills and scientific problem-solving abilities
Field-based activities allow students to study ecosystems and environmental systems directly, linking classroom learning with real-world observation
Students have access to university libraries, scientific databases, and research support tools used in academic and laboratory work
In the final year, students complete an independent research thesis under academic supervision, focusing on a topic in biology or environmental health
This structure ensures that students graduate with both strong academic knowledge and practical experience in laboratory work, research methods, and environmental health applications.
Graduates of this programme are prepared for careers in biology, environmental health, and life sciences where understanding the relationship between humans and the environment is important. Many students move into laboratory-based roles, research positions, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, environmental protection agencies, and public health organisations. Others choose to continue their studies in more specialised scientific fields.
Typical job roles include laboratory technician or research assistant in biological or environmental laboratories, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry associate, environmental health consultant, and roles in public institutions dealing with health and environmental monitoring.
This progression is supported by university services and academic structure:
The university career services support students with career guidance, CV preparation, internship matching, and connections to research centres and companies
Internships are part of the programme and can be completed in universities, research institutes, or private organisations in Italy or abroad
University employment data generally shows strong graduate outcomes compared to national averages, particularly for students who complete internships and continue to master’s level
The degree provides access to second-cycle master’s programmes in biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, and related disciplines
The programme is jointly delivered with another major Italian university, giving students exposure to different academic and research environments
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into master’s programmes in molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, environmental science, ecology, bioinformatics, or related life science fields. This allows graduates to specialise further and move into advanced research, healthcare, or industry roles.
The programme is delivered jointly by the University of Padua and the University of Bologna, with the first two years taking place in Padua and the third year depending on the chosen track, either in Padua or in Bologna; when based in Bologna, teaching is held in the city of Bologna at Via Selmi 3 in the city centre.IB Diploma: Full IB Diploma required; estimated competitive score 30–36 points (highly competitive 36–42 with strong HL sciences)UK: GCE A-levels required; estimated competitive grades BBB–AAB (highly competitive AAA, preferably Biology/Chemistry)English language requirement (all applicants): The programme requires at least B2 level English (CEFR), accepted through certificates such as IELTS 5.5–7.0, TOEFL iBT 72+, Cambridge FCE/CAE, or equivalent recognized tests.Tuition fee: Fees for both domestic and international students are calculated based on financial documentation (ISEE or equivalent foreign income assessment) and academic conditions; eligible students may receive reductions or exemptions, with the first instalment for 2026/27 set at €157.04.India: Class 12 (10+2) required; estimated competitive score 75–90% (highly competitive 85%+ in science subjects)China: Senior High School qualification + Gaokao required; estimated competitive Gaokao score 550–650/750 (highly competitive 650+)USA: High School Diploma required; estimated competitive GPA 3.3–3.7 (highly competitive 3.7–4.0, SAT ~1150–1400 if considered)This information is an estimate and not exact. It is provided for reference purposes only and is not taken from official sources.Research Analyst JuniorAssociate Scientific Project ManagerLife Science Research ProfessionalScientific Equipment SpecialistRESEARCH SPECIALIST
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University of Bologna
