Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
Course Overview
The master of science in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry aims at a broad and flexible training centered on organic chemistry, which looks closely at Life Sciences. The central discipline is seen as an interface with several other disciplines and the master graduate will have aptitude for problem solving, extensive practical laboratory experience, knowledge of advanced analytical methods such as MS or NMR spectrometry; the graduate should also be able to design and carry out the synthesis of molecules with predefined properties. The basis for this training capability lies in the intense and varied research activity that is carried out by the board members the course, often in collaboration with national and foreign research institutes or local industries and companies.
The master lasts two years. In addition to 11 basic courses (72 CFU), 2 CFUs are dedicated to other training activities useful for the Chemist's profession. Students can also "personalize" their training path by using 12 CFUs for optional courses (chosen by the student) and especially 34 CFUs for conducting the master's experimental thesis, which is one of the strengths of the master in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry: at the end of their studies students face a training course of several months in which they conduct experimental activity with the constant guidance of a tutor. Questionnaires compiled by students and "Almalaurea" data show for this master very high percentage (92-100%) of positive feedback on overall satisfaction.
Educational Goals
In addition to the general objectives of the master's degrees in the LM-54 class, the master of science in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry intends to specifically prepare professionals able to work in laboratories, facilities, public and private companies, even at management level, in a variety of sectors, with emphasis on the following:
- innovation in the synthesis of old and new products, meeting the criteria of efficiency and environmental sustainability imposed by social sensitivity and European regulations;
- use of the most modern technologies for the structural characterization of organic molecules;
- familiarity with the use of computational modeling techniques.
On the one hand, these professionals will be aimed at solving structural and mechanistic problems, with the possibility of anticipating physical and chemical properties of new products of the most varied merchandise sectors, correlating the molecular microscopic properties with the macroscopic properties of the substances to be produced; on the other hand they will be directed to the statistical approach to data processing and process optimization.
The master of science in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry is characterized by a training course that allows to acquire particular specializations in the following areas:
- Organic Synthesis: the ability to design and execute efficient and sustainable syntheses of organic and organometallic molecules for the most varied types of applications, including the molecules with the highest added value characteristics of the pharmaceutical industry and generally linked to life sciences. Particular emphasis will be given in the synthetic field to asymmetric catalysis, organocatalysis, enzymatic catalysis and sustainable technologies.
- Bioorganic Chemistry: the theoretical / mechanistic basis offered to students will allow them to understand the mechanisms of action of biologically active molecules, including natural products, , drugs and all substances of possible application in the agrochemical, food and health fields. The Master will offer some methodological tools for the study of the interactions of small organic molecules with biological targets, as the basis of toxicology and pharmacology.
- Structural Characterization: the ability to evaluate the most suitable technique for solving a practical problem deriving from industrial and applied research, and tertiary activities related to agro-food and forensic fields. The specialist will therefore be required to have competences related to the most modern instrumental techniques for the structural investigation of small organic molecules and biomolecules. The course will train in critical evaluation of the key parameters, according to the nature of the problem, with particular attention to the aspects relevant for the treatment of complex matrices.
Job Opportunities
The master of science in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry will provide job opportunities in chemical and pharmacological industries, in analysis laboratories, as well as in research and development departments both in private companies and public bodies (chemical, agri-food, health, energy, cultural heritage conservation, control and environmental protection sectors). The graduate, after passing the qualifying examination to practice the profession, can play the professional role of Chemist with the skills required by law.
Professional outlets
- Chemists and similar professions
- Chemists for informers and disseminators
- Researchers and technicians graduated in chemical and pharmaceutical sciences
