University of Turin

What you'll study

The Natural Sciences degree offers an integrated curriculum combining core topics in life, physical and earth sciences. Early years focus on fundamentals — general biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, mathematics and introductory earth sciences — delivered through lectures, laboratory classes and problem-based tutorials. In later years you choose more specialist modules such as ecology and conservation, molecular and cell biology, environmental chemistry, geosciences, biodiversity, biostatistics and computational methods.

Practical training is central: students undertake regular laboratory sessions, field trips in alpine and lowland environments, and project work that develops experimental design and data analysis skills. The programme typically includes a supervised research project or bachelor thesis, seminars with researchers, and opportunities for internships with university laboratories, museums, environmental agencies or industry partners.

• Core subjects: general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, calculus and statistics.
• Specialist options: ecology, genetics, microbiology, environmental monitoring, geoscience, palaeontology, biochemistry, scientific programming.
• Practical components: lab rotations, fieldwork, data analysis workshops and a final research project.

Entry requirements

Admission generally requires a recognised secondary school diploma with strong achievement in science and mathematics subjects. Applicants should demonstrate a solid grounding in biology, chemistry and mathematics; background in physics is also advantageous. Domestic applicants will follow the university's standard enrolment procedures for first-cycle degrees.

International applicants must hold an equivalent secondary qualification and satisfy language requirements. Many courses in the Natural Sciences programme are taught in Italian, so proficiency in Italian at the level required by the University of Turin is usually necessary; some modules and research activities may be available in English, for which proof of English ability may be requested. Check the university admissions pages for details on qualification recognition and any preparatory language or assessment requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Natural Sciences have a versatile scientific profile suited to a range of roles. Typical destinations include laboratory technician positions in public and private research laboratories, environmental monitoring and conservation roles with government agencies and NGOs, quality control and R&D support in pharmaceutical and chemical industries, and technical positions in museums and natural history collections.

Many graduates continue to specialised master’s programmes (for example in biology, environmental science, geosciences, biotechnology or science communication) or pursue research careers leading to doctoral study. Other common pathways include science education (with the appropriate teaching qualification), scientific consultancy, and positions in public policy or environmental management where multidisciplinary scientific literacy is required.

Why study at University of Turin

The University of Turin is one of Italy’s long-established universities with active research groups across the natural sciences. Students benefit from well-equipped laboratories, access to regional field sites in the Alps and the Po plain, and links with local research institutes, museums and industry. The university places emphasis on combining theoretical teaching with hands-on experience and offers mobility options such as Erasmus and international research collaborations to broaden students’ exposure.

Small-group practicals, opportunities for undergraduate research, and a network of academic staff working in ecology, molecular biology, geosciences and environmental chemistry provide a supportive environment for developing both practical skills and interdisciplinary awareness that employers and postgraduate programmes value.