MSc Program in Immunobiology

The Department of Biology of the University of Crete offers an MSc programme with title “Immunobiology” with the participation of tutors from other departments of the University of Crete (Medical School, Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering), the Foundation for Research and Technology and external collaborators from other Greek Universities.

The aim of this MSc program is to provide graduates with an advanced understanding of the immune system and its functions. This field of study delves into the biological and biochemical mechanisms that the immune system uses to protect the body from pathogens, its role in diseases, disorders, and therapeutic or defensive interventions, expanding from mammals to plants.

The key objectives of the MSc programme are:

• Foundational Knowledge: To deepen understanding of the fundamental principles of immunology, including the cellular and molecular processes that underpin innate and adaptive immunity.
• Research Skills: To develop practical and analytical skills necessary for conducting scientific research. This includes learning techniques for studying immune responses, handling biological data, and using advanced laboratory equipment.
• Critical Thinking: To enhance abilities to critically evaluate current research and literature in immunobiology, facilitating an understanding of the cutting-edge issues and technological advancements in the field.
• Disease Understanding: To study the immune system’s roles in health and disease, understanding how various immune responses can contribute to the pathogenesis of different diseases, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer.
• Therapeutic Applications: To explore the development of immunological approaches to disease prevention and treatment, such as vaccines and immunotherapies.
• Professional Skills: To prepare students for professional roles in academic research, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, clinical contexts, and beyond, including positions that require expertise in immunobiology.
• Ethical and Social Implications: To discuss the ethical, legal, and social implications of research in immunobiology, particularly in relation to new and emerging technologies such as genetic engineering and personalized medicine.

Overall, graduates of the MSc programme in Immunobiology are expected to emerge as highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals ready to contribute significantly to the field of immunology and related areas.
The graduates can be hired in posts relevant to their expertise, either in the public (hospitals, secondary education, municipalities, etc.) or the private (diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, etc.) sector, or can continue to pursue an academic-research career in Universities or Research Organizations.

Εθνική Αρχή Ανώτατης Εκπαίδευσης 
Hellenic Authority for Higher Education