Courses / Institute for Interdisciplinary Research

International Doctoral Program in Integrative Neuroscience

General Objectives of the Course

The general objective of this PhD program is to form the next generation of neuroscientists to address emerging questions in the area. The program is structured in order to provide a general view of the state of the art of the field of neuroscience, from an integrative point of view. The objective is to provide transversal training that ranges from molecules, synapses, to neural circuits, behavior and computation, in animal models and real-life human experiments, in health and disease. The program counts with the input of basic researchers and clinicians, so as to provide a translational and integrative perspective, from bench to bedside . We will moreover provide training in different emerging technologies in order to empower students in their research projects. Emphasis will be put on experimental design and data analysis methods. Starting with one year of intensive courses, students will define their respective PhD thesis projects that will be performed in their chosen laboratories.

Admission Requirements

The following may apply for access to the study cycle leading to a doctorate degree
a) Holders of a master's degree or legal equivalent in the following areas: Neuroscience, Biology, Engineering, Psychology or related areas
b) Holders of a bachelor's degree, holders of a particularly relevant academic or scientific curriculum that is recognized as attesting the ability to carry out this cycle of studies by the Scientific Council of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
c) Holders of an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting the ability to carry out this cycle of studies by the Scientific Council of the Interdisciplinary Research institute
The recognition referred to in paragraphs b) and c) of paragraph 1 has the effect only of access to the study cycle leading to a doctorate degree and does not grant its holder the equivalence to a bachelor's or master's degree, or its recognition. Basic knowledge of English will required

Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.

Professional Goals

Career in academia through postdoctoral training in any field of Neuroscience. Careers in the industry sector, either in Neuroscience-related areas or in other areas that require advanced knowledge in Biology, technical skills and analysis tools. Careers in non-scientific fields that require competences in management and problem solving. Careers related to advanced data analysis, Neuroscience-related or others. Careers in science communication or medical writing

Mode of Study

Full- or part-time attendance, presence required in daytime schedule

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese and English

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 enrolled. 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 the grade comprises more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according a formula published in the course outline.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The objective is that the student reaches at the end of their PhD the following competences:
- Critical thinking in the subject of his/her thesis and in a wider context
- Design and perform experimental/computational approaches to advance neuroscience state of the art
- Critical analysis of results and discussion of them into the current body of knowledge
- Presentation, writing and publication of scientific results
- Identification of the scientific and translational impact of results
In conclusion, the objective is to form independent, critical and competent researchers in the field of Integrative Neuroscience.

Course Coordinator(s)

Ana Luísa Monteiro de Carvalho
alc@cnc.uc.pt

Cristina Márquez Vega
cmarquez@cnc.uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The qualification is framed in Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of March 24, in the current version; Ordinance no. 782/2009, of July 23.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a total of 240 ECTS, the 1st year corresponding to 60 ECTS with various curricular units, according to the study plan, mostly in order to define a project. In the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years, students must also complete 180 ECTS, corresponding to the work of their PhD Thesis which must be defended in public, face a jury constituted for this purpose

Access to Further Studies

Post-doctoral training

Study Programme

Integrative Neuroscience

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
3rd Cycle Studies

DGES Code: D037

Qualification Awarded: Doutor

Duration: 4 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 240.0

Annual Fee: 2750.0

Applications

Call for Applications

3rd Cycle Course

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: 2024-07-31 a 2030-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 113/2024; 2024-07-26