General objectives: The PhD in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences program covers all aspects related to research, knowledge development and the formulation of new products and materials. The program focuses on fostering the PhD student's ability to propose and lead experimental research activities, encouraging autonomy and initiative. The research projects include aspects of basic research as well as collaboration with companies. Doctoral training includes not only the ability to publish results in peer-reviewed scientific publications, but also the ability to evaluate productive, socio-economic and environmental sustainability aspects related to activities from a business perspective, including technology transfer. Topics include traditional areas of chemistry such as inorganic, organic, analytical, chemical physics, pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, as well as interdisciplinary areas such as computational chemistry, photochemistry, environmental chemistry, green chemistry, chemistry for sustainable energy, agro-food and cosmetic chemistry, biotechnology and nanotechnology applied to industrial production in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Soft skills" are also promoted as part of the interdisciplinary training program of the at the University of Siena.
Cultural and professional profiles: Graduates will become professionals capable of planning, leading and completing research activities, including roles as analytical chemists, physical chemists, inorganic and bioinorganic chemists, organic chemists, pharmacists and food chemists, pharmaceutical technologists, experts in nanotechnologies and materials chemistry, with a particular focus on chemistry for energy and green chemistry, and applications of advanced information technologies, including artificial intelligence and the use of Big Data in the above scientific areas.
Types of Proposed Collective and Individual Training Activities:
Thematic seminars led by high-calibre scientists and experts from Italy and abroad, including academics, research institutions, regulatory authorities, healthcare and industry.
- Participation in national training schools organized by the Italian Chemical Society and international schools organized by European divisions related to the federation of European chemical societies.
- Participation in national and international scientific conferences and workshops.
- Tutoring undergraduate and postgraduate students on topics related to the subject areas of the PhD program by participating in departmental and university tutorials.
- Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students on topics related to the subject areas of the PhD program through participation in departmental and university tutorials.
Collective Activities:
- At the end of each year, a review of activities takes place, which includes the presentation of an oral report or a poster during the annual "PhD Day in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences". This is organised as a conference in which all PhD students must participate as speakers and participants in order to promote direct exchange between candidates working on different scientific projects.
- Participation with presentations and posters at the annual day of scientific activities of the BCF department.
Quantification of the PhD candidate's commitment: The PhD candidate's commitment is quantified by the ECTS credits required to complete the year of study and research and for admission to the thesis defence. The research activity is validated by annual and final scientific reports signed by the PhD candidate and the supervisor/tutor and approved by the PhD Committee.
Evaluation methods for activities for admission to subsequent years and the final examination: The evaluation of activities for admission to subsequent years is carried out by the PhD Committee following the annual and final reports on the overall activities submitted by the PhD candidate and the evaluation of the presentations/posters during the annual PhD Day.