PhD in Biosciences

Department of Life Sciences

Academic year

2011-2012

DGES Code

5106

Course Type

3rd Cycle Studies - Doutoramento

Qualification Awarded

Doutor

Duration

6 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits

180.0

Organisational Unit/Department

Faculty of Sciences and Technology

Department of Life Sciences list courses open website

Course Coordinator(s)

João Ramalho de Sousa Santos (JRAMALHO@CI.UC.PT)

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

António Manuel Santos Carriço Portugal (APORTUGA@BOT.UC.PT)

Study Programme: Especialização em Ecologia; Especialização em Ecologia Marinha; Especialização em Ecologia de Bacias Hidrográficas; Especialização em Microbiologia; Especialização em Bioquímica; Especialização em Biologia Celular e Molecular; Especialização em Neurociências; Especialização em Toxicologia; Especialização em Biotecnologia; Especialização em Biofísica Celular; Especialização em Bioenergética; Especialização em Bioquímica Inorgânica; Especialização em Biofísica Molecular

Calendar: 1st Semester
Start date: 05-09-2011
Start date (first year): 26-09-2011
End date: 17-12-2011; 2nd Semester
Start date: 13-02-2012
End date: 09-06-2012

Objectives and Profile of the Programme

The training at postgraduate level is of paramount importance in the preparation of specialized researchers, teachers and other professionals in the field of Biosciences. The third cycle aims to provide advanced training and multidisciplinary areas of Ecology, Molecular Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioenergetics, Bioinorganic, and Cell Biophysics Molecular Microbiology, Neuroscience and Toxicology, using the scientific resources of the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra (DCV), and the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra (CNC- National Associated Laboratory), Institute of Marine Research-Coimbra (IMAR, and Center for Functional Ecology (CFE). A Doctoral Thesis is developed for a minimum period of 2 years (120 ECTS), following a first year of course work. Optional course work requirements are fulfilled by attending a variety of advanced courses. The grades obtaned in these courses are then transferred to fixed curricular units, thus ensuring a great deal of flexibility to the program. It is extremely important to note that the Mandatory units (Thesis Project and Seminars I and II of the different specializations) are carried out in a one-on-one relationship between a Student and a Supervisor, and not in classroom model, common to other study cycles (this the notations in section 2). Each Student is responsible for contacting/choosing a Supervisor who, in turn, will provide a Thesis Topic to be developed in the curricular year, as well as the methodology and activities to be scheduled. The Student must provide a Literature Review on the Topic proposed (Seminar I), possible avenues for future research (Seminar II) and a concrete plan of experimental approaches to be developed as a Thesis in the following years (Thesis Project). The Supervisor will grade these activities, but a Committee named by the PhD Coordinator must validate the Thesis Project, to ensure quality/feasibility. This course of study allows different specializations: Specialization in Ecology, Marine Ecology, Catchment Ecology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Toxicology, Biotechnology, Cellular Biophysics, Molecular Biophysics, Inorganic Biochemistry and in Bioenergetics.

Mode of Study

Full time and day-time learning, but with a very reasonable and flexible schedule that allows for other activities.

Access to Further Studies

Access to post-Doctoral Training

Admission Requirements

Masters Degree with research expertise or previous professional expertise in scientific research

Recognition of Prior Learning

When applicable credits are given for previous experience mentioned

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Originally published in Despacho n.º 11949 -BC/2007, in Diário da República n.º 114, 2.ª série, 1.º Suplement June 15. Modified by Despacho n.º 20220/2009 in Diário da República, 2.ª série — N.º 173 — September 7 2009

Professional Goals

Lecturers and researchers at a college level; Senior Researchers and Lab Tecnicians in Research Institututes, Clinical environments, companies, government agencies, natural parks, etc.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading