Courses / Department of Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering

General Objectives of the Course

The curriculum of the Bachelor's Degree in Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering (LEQB) is based on principles associated with the “New Frontiers in Chemical Engineering Education” and the recommendations of the EFCE (European Federation of Chemical Engineers), and aims to provide and consolidate:Theoretical training in basic sciences—mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and data science—that enables the understanding of phenomena involved in chemical and biological processes;Knowledge of the fundamental principles explianing mass and heat transfer, as well as the mechanisms of chemical and biological reactions;Theoretical and practical training on the main equipment used in the Chemical and Biotechnological Industry, including their design and operation.Graduates in LEQB should be competent in applying tools to analyze the functioning of chemical and biological processes, as well as in identifying and solving problems by integrating theoretical and practical knowledge.

Admission Requirements

National Call for Access and Entry to Higher Education (DGES):
Entry exams - one of the following sets:
07 Physics and Chemistry
19 Mathematics A
or
02 Biology and Geology
07 Physics and Chemistry
19 Mathematics A
or
07 Physics and Chemistry
19 Mathematics A
18 Portuguese
or
07 Physics and Chemistry
19 Mathematics A
13 English
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 Student

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

Chemical and Biotechnological Engineers will be able to work in a variety of industries, performing tasks related to process analysis and problem-solving, environmental issues, quality control, as well as commercial and marketing activities.

The following list provides examples of the most important employment sectors:

Bulk and fine chemicals
Oil refining and biorefining
Pulp and paper
Polymers
Paints and coatings
Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries
Biotechnology
Agri-food industry
Ceramics, glass, and cement
Textile industry
Water, wastewater, and waste treatment.

Mode of Study

Face-to-Face

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 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

By the end of the LEQB program, taking advantage of the basic training in the four core pillars—mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology—and on the fundamentals of reaction and transport processes, graduates will be able to develop mathematical models for systems of medium complexity and to understand and analyze the operation of various industrial equipment.
Graduates are also expected to acquire and consolidate knowledge in key technical areas of current relevance: wastewater and environmental management, instrumentation and analytical techniques, process control, management and entrepreneurship, and digital industry.
In an industrial context, graduates will understand how a process operates across its different stages: raw material preparation, chemical and/or physical and/or biological transformation, and product separation processes. Skills in organizational management, written and oral communication, teamwork, and ethics will be developed throughout the LEQB program.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The recognition of prior learning is carried out according according to the Credits for Previous Learning and Work Experience Policy of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording

Graduation Requirements

The degree is awarded to those who, being regularly enrolled in the first cycle in Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering, obtained, by approval in course units, 180 ECTS accordingly to the curriculum structure.

Access to Further Studies

Bachelors in Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering can continue their study with a 2nd cycle.

Study Programme

Chemical and Biotechnological Engineering

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
1st Cycle Studies

DGES Code: L440

Qualification Awarded: Bachelor's Degree

Duration: 3 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 180.0

Applications

Call for Applications

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: ACEF/2526/1901143; 2026-07-31 a 2032-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 12/2021/AL01; 2026-05-28