Master's degree in Biodiversity and Vegetal Biotechnology

General Objectives of the Course

The MSc in Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology aims to provide a consistent and multidisciplinary training in Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology. These areas are having a growing impact in our society, not only on a science-based perspective, but also from a socio-economic point of view. These areas are often taken into account in decision-making by governmental and international organizations. This MSc intends to prepare students with a solid techno-scientific training in these fields, which will allow them, as professionals, to answer the challenges of an increasing dynamic and informed society. The scientific and technical training acquired in this Master is crucial to understand the potential and the limitations of plant biotechnology, as well its implications in the environment.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Forestry or equivalent areas (minimum 180 ECTSs). Applicants with a good curriculum in biology or plant sciences or in higher professional education can also apply.

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

Professional Goals

Research: pursuing an investigation carrier through doctoral programmes (most common situation); career in private companies linked to biotechnology and environmental consulting; career in state institutions related to environmental agencies (including the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment).

Mode of Study

Full-time, face-to-face and daytime

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese and English (most of the courses in Portuguese)

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

The evaluation rules vary depending on the course. In some courses the evaluation is performed via a written assignment often complemented with an oral presentation. In other courses the evaluation is performed via the completion of an exam. In the case of seminars, evaluation is carried out by a minimum of two professors taking account students' performance. The ranking follows the Portuguese range 0-20.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

Students at the end of the MSc studies will have acquired specific competences in the fields of Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology, such as technical skills related to the methodologies used for plant breeding, micropropagation, cloning, selection of genotypes and genetic transformation, focusing on Portuguese agricultural and forest resources, and their bioactive secondary metabolites. Skills related to biodiversity and plant resources, from higher plants to algae, habitat management, with special focus on protected areas or in need of conservation or rehabilitation, pests and diseases, and the societal challenges arising from these issues, will also be acquired.
In addition, various skills and knowledge of instrumental nature (competences in analysis and synthesis, expertise in organizing and planning, competences in oral communication and scientific writing, competences in information management, and competences to solve problems), of personal nature (competences in working in group, in interdisciplinary teams, in an international context) and of systemic nature (competences in autonomous learning, creativity and leadership, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, competences to apply the theoretical knowledge, competences in self-criticism and self-evaluation, and competences in research both in laboratory environment or in the field) will be acquired.

Course Coordinator(s)

Leonel Carlos dos Reis Tomás Pereira
leonel@bot.uc.pt

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

António Xavier de Barros e Cunha Pereira Coutinho
cafe@bot.uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Is set in Law Decree nº 74/2006, of 24/3, in its current wording. The qualifications tend also to follow the procedures of the European Qualifications Framework in particular those laid down in level 7 described in the Ordinance nº 782/2009, from 23/7

Graduation Requirements

In order to receive the degree, the student must achieve the minimum number of 120 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

The MSc in Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology gives access to a PhD program in the same areas or in related areas.

Study Programme

Biodiversity and Vegetal Biotechnology

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Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: 6019

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 4 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Advanced specialization second cycle

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Applications

Call for Applications

• 2nd Cycle Course
• Readmission

• Application submission
• Web page with information for candidates

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Calendar

1st Semester

Start date: 09-09-2024
End date: 18-12-2024

2nd Semester

Start date: 03-02-2025
End date: 22-05-2025

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Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior

2020-07-31 a 2026-07-30

Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior

Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1552/2011/AL02

2023-04-21

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Documents