Courses / Department of Chemistry

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry

General Objectives of the Course

The degree in chemistry is a broadband formation of that offers a solid education in various areas of chemistry, in addition to thorough knowledge of physics and mathematics . The degree is aimed at training professionals in
scientific research and development in all areas of chemistry, providing skills ranging from water and air classification, knowledge of plastics and new materials , clean fuels and petrochemicals. Pest control, food security, the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, hygiene products and the production of polymers and new materials, are examples of the functions of someone with a degree in Chemistry . Thanks to its rigorous basic scientific training, the licensee has a durable and adaptable background in chemistry, easily integrates
multidisciplinary teams and is able to innovate . A degree in chemistry also prepares students seeking a career in teaching, for the Masters in Teaching of Chemistry and Physics.

Admission Requirements

National Call for Access and Entry to Higher Education (DGES):

Entry exams:
07 Physics and Chemistry
19 Mathematics A

Application score: 100 points (0-200 scale)
Entry exams: 95 points (0-200 scale)

Calculation Formula:
Secondary school average: 50%
Entry exams: 50%

Other forms of access (UC-applicants):
- Change of Institution / Course Pair Schemes;
- Special Access Call for over 23-years-olds;
- Special Access Call for Holders of Other Higher Education Courses;
- Special Call for International Students.

This information does not exempt the consultation of the webpage of the Directorate General of Higher Education (DGES) and/or of the Applicants website. Please, visit the DGES and the Applicants websites

Professional Goals

Chemistry provides the materials and methodologies used in other sciences, which promotes its employability. Laboratories: I&D, Chemical Control of Quality, Chemical Analysis , Legal Medicine, Scientific Police, and more: Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Petrochemical and Food Industries; Audit and Consulting; Teachers (basic, secondary and higher education); Procedures and laboratories management.

Mode of Study

The course is delivered in the daytime schedule.

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

As assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. The following are examples of assessment items: Oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever assessment includes more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The degree in Chemistry gives students a solid background in various areas of chemistry. In addition, the student acquires in-depth knowledge of Physics and Mathematics. The degree is geared to prepare competent professionals in all aspects of chemistry. The student should be able to use a critical spirit, be able to articulate and solve problems and must have a mastery of written and oral exposure. With a degree in chemistry the student has strong, solid and adaptable basic scientific training . These characteristics allow him to integrate easily into multidisciplinary teams and be able to innovate .
whether the student has attained the required learning objectives is determined by assessment tests in each curricular unit. The criteria are in accordance with the existing pedagogical regulations (Regulamento n.º Diário da
República, 2.ª série — N.º 162 — 23 de agosto de 2013 321/2013). The assessment tests include continuous assessment and / or conducting final exams and may include other elements such as tests, written or practical work, individual or group projects, among other elements. The specific learning objectives as well as specific assessment criteria for each curricular unit are defined in the respective Data Course File (FUC).

Course Coordinator(s)

Maria Elisa da Silva Serra
melisa@ci.uc.pt

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Mário Túlio dos Santos Rosado
mtulio@qui.uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Decree-Law no. 74/2006, 24th of March, amended and republished by the decree: DL no. 107/2008, 25th of June; Ordinance no. 782/2009, 23rd of July. The course plan was published in the Dispatch no. 1824/2009.

Graduation Requirements

Number of credits required to receive the degree or diploma, according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System: 180 ECTS.
For the branch without Minor, the scientific areas and credits required to receive the degree or diploma are: Chemistry, 129 ECTS; Mathematics 12 ECTS; Physics, 18 ECTS; Biochemistry, 6 ECTS; Informatics Engineering, 6 ECTS. The optional scientific areas and credits required to receive the degree or diploma are: Chemistry, 0-12 ECTS; Chemical Engineering, 0-12 ECTS).
For the branch with Minor, the scientific areas and credits required to receive the degree or diploma are: Chemistry, 123 ECTS; Mathematics 12 ECTS; Physics, 18 ECTS; Biochemistry, 6 ECTS; Informatics Engineering, 6 ECTS. The optional scientific areas and credits required to receive the degree or diploma are: Chemistry, 0-6 ECTS; Physics, 0-6 ECTS; Biochemistry, 6 ECTS; Scientific Area of the Minor, 30 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

Bachelors in Chemistry have direct access to the Master in Chemistry course (2nd cicle) and can access to other Master's courses, in particular to Master's in Forensic Chemistry. The graduation in Chemisty with Minor in Physics provides the legal conditions to access the Master's degree in Teaching Chemistry and Physics.

Study Programme

Common core: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry
Areas of expertise: Chemistry; Chemistry with Minor

Academic year
2025-2026

Course Type
1st Cycle Studies

DGES Code: 9223

Qualification Awarded: Bachelor's Degree

Duration: 6 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 180.0

Applications

Call for Applications

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: 2020-07-31 a 2026-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1546/2011/AL01; 2023-04-29