Description of the School

The School of Specialisation in Microbiology and Virology of the University of Sassari (UNISS) is an advanced training programme for specialists in the field of diagnostic and laboratory medicine.

The School provides trainees with comprehensive preparation in microbiology, ranging from theoretical foundations to practical applications. The programme is designed to train specialists in laboratory management and infection surveillance in both clinical and environmental settings.

The specialist in Microbiology and Virology must acquire theoretical, scientific and professional knowledge in bacteriology, virology, mycology and medical parasitology; develop specific expertise in the morphology, physiology, taxonomy and genetics of microorganisms, as well as in the cellular and molecular bases of microbial pathogenicity, host–microorganism interactions, mechanisms of action of the main classes of antimicrobial drugs, and biotechnological applications of microorganisms. They must also achieve the professional ability to evaluate diagnostic and clinical aspects of bacteriological, virological, mycological and parasitological analyses applied to human pathology.

• Basic learning objectives: acquisition of advanced knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of microbial functions, as well as of the tools for their evaluation.
   
• Specific learning objectives: acquisition of in-depth knowledge of microbial morphology, physiology, taxonomy and genetics; of the cellular and molecular bases of microbial interactions with one another or with host cells, providing simple models for the study of fundamental biological processes; understanding of the mechanisms underlying the use of microorganisms as biotechnological tools; knowledge of microbial pathogenicity, host responses, antimicrobial drug resistance, diagnostic methodologies (cultural, molecular, instrumental, automated), and diagnostic procedures in environmental and food microbiology, as well as in infections caused by genetically modified organisms or agents of biological warfare.
   
• Related or integrative learning objectives: development of expertise in the use and implementation of laboratory instrumentation, validation of new diagnostic tests, synthesis of diagnostic molecules, environmental microbiological monitoring (e.g. operating theatres, intensive care units, wards for immunocompromised patients), and laboratory-based differential diagnosis of infectious diseases.
   
• Professional Training Activities
  Compulsory professionalising activities mainly include participation in laboratory practice, as outlined in the programme curriculum and regulations. Further activities include continuing education courses, seminars, demonstrations, conferences and congresses, accredited by the Ministry of Health for Continuing Medical Education (CME).

To obtain the qualification of Specialist in Microbiology and Virology, students must achieve a total of 240 ECTS.

The curriculum is structured as follows:

• 5 ECTS in basic activities
• 210 ECTS in core activities
• 5 ECTS in related, integrative and interdisciplinary activities
• 15 ECTS for the final examination
• 5 ECTS for other activities

Of the core activities, 30 ECTS are devoted to a “common core” of professionalising activities (practical training and internships), while the remaining 180 ECTS focus on the specific disciplines of Microbiology and Virology (MED/07 and BIO/19).

Professional training accounts for 70% of the entire programme (168 ECTS). The final examination (15 ECTS) is dedicated to thesis preparation and scientific training. “Other activities” include the development of linguistic, digital and relational skills, with a particular emphasis on English, considered essential for professional development.

The School trains healthcare professionals specialised in Microbiology and Virology. The profession of Clinical Microbiologist may be carried out in microbiology and virology laboratories (and related sectors) of hospitals and university hospitals, as Researcher/Technologist in IRCCS institutes and in public health research bodies, including Experimental Zooprophylactic Institutes (IZS), the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), and Regional Health Agencies.

Participation in continuing education courses, seminars and conferences accredited by the Ministry of Health promotes independent professional updating and critical thinking. The School also encourages participation in meetings, scientific publications and training periods abroad.

Admission is through competitive examination based on academic qualifications and written/oral tests.

• For medical graduates: admission requires passing a national competitive examination organised by the Ministry.
• For graduates with a Master’s Degree in Biology or Biotechnology: admission requires a competitive examination consisting of qualifications assessment and oral interview.

The School admits up to five trainees in the non-medical healthcare area: four standard positions and one reserved for staff from affiliated public institutions.

Applications are submitted online via the UNISS Self Studenti portal. Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in Biology (LM-6), Agricultural Biotechnology (LM-7), Industrial Biotechnology (LM-8) or Medical Biotechnology (LM-9). Professional licensure is mandatory. The application procedure requires submission of both compulsory and optional documents, including the Master’s thesis and scientific publications, which are evaluated as part of the curriculum.