Background information

Molecular biology represents an interdisciplinary field that integrates information acquired at various levels of organizing living matter, emphasizing both the dynamism and the performance of contemporary biology development. Training experts in the area of Molecular biology is prompted by the requirements of modern day life, increased by the technical and scientific progress of contemporary society.
The syllabus for the master’s program in research is designed to extend the theoretical knowledge in the area of Molecular Biology. The basic knowledge has been acquired during the first cycle, which was mainly focused on the detailed study of vital processes at a molecular level via state of the art techniques of analysis. The curriculum for master’s program covers core subjects like: Proteomics, Molecular genetics, Technological research and development, Metabolic biochemistry, and specialty subjects: Bio-informatics, Molecular Phylogeny, Animal genetics, Genetics of reproduction, Enzymology, Proteomics, Signal transduction and optional subjects: Transgenesis in plants and animals, Apoptosis, Advanced techniques in molecular biology, Simbiogenetics, Molecular basics of diseases and gene expression, that determine the teaching of skills for research and professional skills of the graduate.

Upon graduating, the graduate will acquire the following:

General skills:

• identify the main areas of evaluation and development of Molecular Biology as a science;
• justify the use of a certain methodology in the study of Molecular Biology;
• design / implement scientific research projects, by showing a high degree of independence;
• research, design and implement projects related to Molecular Biology, that would lead to social solutions;
• establish the priorities of interdisciplinary study in scientific research;
• identify methods to meet the research objectives;
• adapt the scientific achievements from other areas of study to the investigations related to Molecular Biology;
• apply into practice the innovations in the area of Molecular;
• to interpret the biological concepts with a view to implementing their own works;
• use up-to-date technologies for professional cooperation.

Specific skills:

• identify main areas of evaluation and development in Molecular Biology as a science;
• justify the use of certain methodologies in the study of Molecular Biology;
• design / implement projects for scientific research, showing a high degree of independence;
• research, design and implement projects of Molecular Biology that would have social impact;
• establish priorities of interdisciplinary studies in scientific research;
• identify methods to meet the research objectives;
• adapt scientific research in other areas to the investigations related to Molecular Biology;
• apply into practice innovations in the area of Molecular Biology;
• interpret biological concepts with a view to conducting their own papers;
• use up-to-date technologies in professional cooperation.

Institutes involved in program implementation

The Institute for Genetics and Physiology of Plants of ASM (Accreditation certificate: Series 1 No. 011, Decree No. 29/AC, dated 5.12.2006);
Institute for Microbiology and Biotechnology of ASM (Accreditation certificate: Series I No.008, Decree No. 23/AC dated 14.09.2006);
Institute for Zoology of ASM (Accreditation Certificate: Series I No. 003 Decree No. 8/AC dated 19.01.2006);
Botanical Garden (Institute) of ASM (Accreditation Certificate series I, No. 006, Decree No. 16/AC dated 16.02.2006);
Institute for Physiology and Sanocreatology of ASM (Accreditation Certificate: Series I No. 001, Decree No. 4/AC dated 12.01.2006); 
National Center for Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics (Accreditation certificate No. 50/AC, dated October 30, 2008).

Core scientific areas and applied scientific areas

Developing new principles, ameliorative technologies and bio-technologies, developing varieties and cross-breeds with high yield, quality and environmental endurance for various farming systems. Developing physiological procedures for optimizing intensive farming, organic farming. Methodological substantiation of animal breeding monitoring and of the concept of strengthening of value of animal world in the area of bio-geographical interference. Developing the scientific basics of introducing and strengthening the value of genetic fund of valuable plants for the national economy. Developing the scientific basics for urban and rural planning and creation of lawns. Developing methods and procedures of sanocreatology. Farming biotechnologies, soil fertility and food security.

Employment prospects

The graduates can be employed as researchers within academic centers, pharmaceutical centers, environmental centers, clinical labs and labs for diagnosis, laboratories in the public health care sector etc., or they could follow-up on investigations as PhD students at UnASM, within research institutions of Academy of Sciences of Moldova and various organizations that deal with this specialty.

Academic integrity

Professional development is focused on active learning (through analysis, synthesis and investigations), the student being focused at the center of teaching activity, motivating the interest and curiosity towards the phenomena that occur in the environment. Concurrently, it is essential to have respect for the knowledge produced by others, by making a reference to the quotation source. It is forbidden to cheat during exams, while writing papers, tests, during individual work and report development and essays. It is important to have adequate interrelation between the students and academic staff. Observation of rules of civic and academic conduct will ensure a high quality training process.