Courses / Department of Life Sciences

Master in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

General Objectives of the Course

This proposal aims to respond to the specific academic training needs required by students who wish to enter the field of Bioinformatics as qualified professionals.
This second cycle study program aims to provide students with a comprehensive and integrated view of the scientific, technological, technical and ethical topics associated with Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
Upon completion of the degree, the student must (i) demonstrate a good knowledge of fundamental biology, (ii) be familiar with the main sources of biological and biomolecular data, (iii) master the main programming languages and analysis tools used in Bioinformatics, and (iv) demonstrate solid skills for modeling systems and analyzing biological and biomolecular data, both in a context of fundamental research and biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Admission Requirements

a) Holders of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Biol, Bioch, BCM, Chem, Chem, Maths, Applied Math, Physics, Eng Physics, Techn Physics, Applied Physics, Biomech Eng, Pharm Sciences, Comp Science, Infor Eng, Electrical and Computer Eng or related fields, provided that only candidates with a completed 1st cycle degree whose PE includes 12 ECTS in the scientific area of ??math or 6 ECTS in statistics or biostatistics will be admitted;
b) Holders of a foreign higher academic degree awarded following a 1st cycle of studies organized in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process by an adhering State;
c) Holders of a higher academic degree obtained abroad, in the areas referred to in point a), which is recognized as satisfying the objectives of a bachelor's degree in one of the areas referred to by the CC to FCTUC;
d) In duly justified cases, holders of a school, scientific or professional curriculum relevant to attending this CE must be recognized by the CC of FCTUC.

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

Professional Goals

Graduates will find professional opportunities in research and services in business or academic environments, particularly in biotechnology, biomedicine, and digital healthcare. The Coimbra-Cantanhede axis hosts a dynamic ecosystem where computational biology is central, including companies such as PURR.AI, Ophiomics, SilicoLife, and Genoinseq. Computational biology is increasingly important in personalised medicine, clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, and healthcare innovation, leading to a growing demand for qualified professionals. Research centres such as the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), CEF (Center for Functional Ecology (CEF), iBET, and IMM have also integrated computational approaches. The current shortage of experts in computational biology is a recognised constraint on the growth of technology-based companies, biomedical research units, and healthcare institutions, representing a strong employability opportunity for graduates.

Mode of Study

Full-time, face-to-face

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 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 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 under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The training objectives of this Master include the acquisition of a robust scientific and technical knowledge associated to the application of the methods and techniques of Bioinformatics to areas of biological research and biotechnology. In particular, the student will be able to use and develop computational tools in the study of large samples of biological data (e.g. genomic or proteomic data), to use computational tools for modelling structural biology systems capable to support new drug development and the research of biomolecule dynamics, to develop new computational and mathematical models capable of simulating biological systems and the development of pathologies both at intracelular and tissue levels, and to know the current state-of-the-art of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. These skills will allow the student to support the scientific and technological development in the context of biology and/or biotechnology both in academic and business environments.

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 qualification is governed by Decree-Law No. 74/2006 of 24 March, as currently amended.

Graduation Requirements

Successfully complete 120 ECTS associated with one of the 3 branches of the master's degree.

Access to Further Studies

Provides access to PhD programs in the areas of Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience or Ecosystem Biology.

Study Programme

Paths: Bioinformatics and Systems Biology; Computational Neurosciences; Ecosystems Modelling

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: 6888

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 4.0 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Advanced specialization second cycle

Applications

Call for Applications

Calendar

1st Semester: Start date: 07-09-2026
End date: 18-12-2026
2nd Semester: Start date: 10-02-2027
End date: 20-05-2027

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: ACEF/2526/1900190; 2026-07-31 a 2032-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 48/2020/AL01; 2026-07-06