Master's in Applied Biochemistry
General Objectives of the Course
The Master's Degree in Biochemistry at FCTUC has the following main objectives:- to promote advanced, scientific and technological training in areas of strong current development in Biochemistry;
- to train Masters with two main profiles: one aimed at scientific research and further training in a third cycle in the area of Biosciences and the other more geared towards integration into the job market in areas as diverse as Education, Health (Analytical/Laboratory) Forensic Sciences, Industry (Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology) and the Environment.
Admission Requirements
a) Holders of a degree or legal equivalent in: Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Agronomy and related degrees such as Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering and other areas of Engineering and Exact and Natural Sciences;
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 a State adhering to this Process, in the areas referred to in point a);
c) Holders of a higher academic degree obtained abroad that is recognized as satisfying the objectives of a bachelor's degree in one of the areas referred to in the previous paragraphs by the FCTUC Scientific Council;
d) In duly justified cases, holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum, which is recognized as attesting to the ability to carry out this cycle of studies by the Scientific Council of FCTUC.
Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.
Professional Goals
The master's degree in Biochemistry provides scientific, technical and laboratory training, enabling students to enter the job market in areas as diverse as Education, Health (Analytical/Laboratory), Forensic Sciences, Industry (Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology) and the Environment. It also allows them to pursue a career in scientific research through access to 3rd cycle studies.Mode of Study
Full time, face-to-faceTeaching / Evaluation language(s)
Portuguese and EnglishExamination 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 RAUCLearning Objectives and Intended Skills
Throughout the Master's course in Biochemistry at FCTUC, students will acquire skills that will enable them to:-Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the field of Biochemistry and apply it to solve specific problems, in new situations and in broad, multidisciplinary contexts.
-Integrate knowledge from the wider area of Biosciences and develop solutions by defining strategies, planning and carrying out experiments independently.
Communicate the results and substantiate the conclusions of their work to specialists and non-specialists, using appropriate scientific language, clearly and succinctly.
Demonstrate a spirit of initiative, decision-making ability, critical thinking and flexibility in professional performance in different areas related to Biochemistry.
-Demonstrate the ability to integrate multidisciplinary work teams by developing innovative scientific and technological projects.
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 CoimbraQualification Requirements and Regulations
The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wordingGraduation Requirements
To obtain the qualification for the Master's Degree in Applied Biochemistry at FCTUC, students must complete a total of 120 ECTS, of which 66 ECTS correspond to the Master's specialization course made up of 11 curricular units spread over the first three semesters (6 compulsory and 5 optional) and 54 ECTS corresponding to the completion of original research work leading to a dissertation and its public defense, or an internship in a business or service environment and the respective internship report and public defense.
Access to Further Studies
DoctorateStudy Programme
2026-2027
Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Continuity Master Programme
Qualification Awarded: Mestre
Duration: 4.0 Semester(s)
ECTS Credits: 120.0
Category: Continuity second cycle
Applications
Call for Applications
Accreditations
- Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior
- 2026-07-31 a 2032-07-30
- Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior
- 2026-07-24