Courses / Department of Life Sciences

Master in Bioanthropology and Health: Tracing Past Population Dynamics

General Objectives of the Course

Based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, in the context of the United Nations, this cycle of
studies is intended to promote training in Biological Anthropology, in a wide range of structuring scientific areas linked to
Bioanthropology and Health (Osteology and Human Osteometry, Biological Profile Estimation, Paleopathology, Dental Anthropology,
Funerary Anthropology, Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Paleodiets, Virtual Anthropology, etc.). The objectives of this study cycle are
also to provide a solid scientific, theoretical and laboratory training, which allows the student to begin a professional activity in areas
as diverse as Research, Excavation and Analysis of Human Osteological Remains and the Dissemination of Scientific Information,
whether national or international. Also, it is aimed to promote training in Biological Anthropology that allows the student to continue to
advanced specialization training within the European Education space.

Admission Requirements

Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Biology and Geology, Archeology, Psychology can apply; holders of a foreign higher academic degree that is recognized as satisfying the objectives of the bachelor's degree in one of the areas mentioned above by the Scientific Committee of the Department of Life Sciences; and even the cases,
duly justified, from holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum, which is recognized as attesting capacity to carry out this cycle of studies by the Scientific Committee from the Department of Life Sciences.

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

Professional Goals

Municipal Councils, Archeology Companies, Teaching in Higher Education, Research, Laboratories, Consultancy, Museums.

Mode of Study

Face-to-Face / Daytime

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese and/or 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

In compliance with the Dublin descriptors, it is intended that students acquire various specific skills related to the area of
Bioanthropology and Health, namely the ability to integrate knowledge from different areas, independently solve research problems,
critically analyze, evaluate and synthesize new and complex ideas, develop new knowledge and procedures, show scientific and/or
professional integrity, as well as a set of transversal skills (instrumental, personal and interpersonal and systemic).

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Gonçalo João Duro dos Santos
gsantos@uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is done in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the University of Coimbra, RAUC, Regulation no. 805-A/2020, DR, 2nd series, of September 24th (http://www.uc.pt/ academics/regulations/regulations), under the terms set out in Decree-Law nº 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Legal framework for higher education degrees and diplomas defined by Decree-Law No. 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording

Graduation Requirements

The Master's Degree in Bioanthropology and Health: Past Population Dynamics lasts four semesters corresponding to a total of 120 ECTS, of which 114 ECTS are mandatory and 6 ECTS are optional. The 6 optional ECTS can be completed through approval in one of the optional curricular units made available by the course (scientific area Biological Anthropology) or in any 2nd cycle units taught by the UC (Interdisciplinary scientific area), through the open list rule. Enrollment in optional curricular units is subject to approval by the study cycle coordination, the availability of training offers in each year and the compatibility of timetables with mandatory curricular units. In the second year, the student will be able to choose between carrying out a “Dissertation in Bioanthropology and Health” or an “Internship in Bioanthropology and Health”, both of 57 ECTS, within the UC facilities, in Research Centers or in other accredited institutions, such as Universities, companies or organizations related to the Master's area. Both the “Dissertation in Bioanthropology and Health” and the “Internship in Bioanthropology and Health” must be defended, in public tests, before a panel set up for this purpose.

Access to Further Studies

Access to third cycle of studies.

Study Programme

Bioanthropology and Health: Tracing Past Population Dynamics

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: MH13

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 2 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Advanced specialization second cycle