Courses / Department of Physics

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

General Objectives of the Course

The 1st cycle in Physics aims to develop: deep knowledge and understanding of Basic Physics; capacity for analysis and synthesis; ability to learn; creativity, practical application of knowledge; adaptability; critical and self-critical ability; contact with the profession; ability to investigate; interdisciplinarity; oral and written communication; ethical awareness; interpersonal skills; elementary computing, decision making; estimation capacity; mathematical ability; experimental competence; Problem solving; modeling competence; bibliographic research. It aims to provide a solid basic scientific training in Mathematics, Chemistry and in Classical and Modern Physics, according to the general principles referring to the cycle of studies conferring the Bachelor's degree.

Admission Requirements

National Call for Access and Entry to Higher Education (DGES):

Entry exams:
07 Physics and Chemistry
19 Mathematics A

Application score: 100 points (0-200 scale)
Entry exams: 100 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 Students.

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

The Physics Degree provides training for a set of professional opportunities that do not require a strong specialization in Physics, such as technicians in public or private institutions, animators and disseminators of science, and other activities in the area of information technologies, research activities in research laboratories. R&D, in the services sector and in the financial sector, in software development and testing companies, in instrumentation development and maintenance companies, in health units; teaching and science diffusion activities in the education system, in interactive science dissemination centers and in science museums.

Mode of Study

Full-Time, 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 registered for under the terms of Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra. 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 Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

At the end of the course students should: have a solid knowledge of the logical and mathematical structure, experimental support and physical phenomena covered by the most important physical theories; be familiar with the most important experimental methods; master and understand the use of mathematical and numerical methods; be able to carry out experiments independently, as well as describe, analyze, and critically evaluate experimental data; be able to use and develop computer systems for information processing, numerical calculation, simulation and modeling of physical processes and control of experiences; have understood how research in Physics is carried out and applied to other domains; be able to develop professional activity in the field of Applied Physics; plan and manage technologies related to Physics in sectors such as industry, environment, health, culture, public administration and banking; carry out the popularization of Physics themes.

Course Coordinator(s)

Fernando Manuel Silva Nogueira
fnog@uc.pt

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Rui Davide Martins Travasso
ruit@uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

The recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation 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 1st cycle (BSc) in Physics is taught along 6 semesters, spread over a period of 3 years. There are two alternative paths: BSc in Physics and BSc in Physics with a minor. Some of the curricular units in the 3rd year are not pre-determined, the students will choose from a list that will be reviewed and published yearly.

Access to Further Studies

The degree in physics allows the graduate to continue his studies in the 2nd cycle (Master's degree), at the University of Coimbra or another national or foreign university.

Study Programme

Common core: Bachelor's Degree in Physics
Areas of expertise: Physics; Physics with Minor

Academic year
2024-2025

Course Type
1st Cycle Studies

DGES Code: 9141

Qualification Awarded: Bachelor's Degree

Duration: 6 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 180.0

Applications

Call for Applications

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

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: 2022-07-31 a 2028-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1543/2011/AL01; 2021-03-29