Master's degree in Ecology

General Objectives of the Course

The MSc in Ecology aims to provide inter- and multidisciplinary specialized training at an advanced level in different areas of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. The scientific and technical training acquired in this Master is crucial to (a) understand the functioning of ecosystems, (b) evaluate the effects of the main types of environmental pressures on biological systems, (c) promote an accurate conservation, recuperation and sustainable management of the ecosystems and services that they provide. It is intended to prepare highly qualified professionals with a profile designed for the job market in the area of Environment – e.g. environmental biomonitoring (public and private areas), conservation of species and protected areas, recovery of degraded habitats - or a profile devoted to Fundamental and Applied Research in terrestrial, freshwater or marine environments.

Admission Requirements

a) Holders of the Bachelor degree or legal equivalent;
b) Holders of a foreign academic degree achieved by following a 1st cycle of studies organized according to the principles of the Bologna Process by a State that has adhered to this Process;
c) Holders of a foreign higher education academic degree that is recognized to meet the objectives of the Bachelor degree by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology;
d) Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum vitae that is recognized by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology to attest the capacity to attend this cycle of studies.

Note: Most of the curricular units from the MSc in Ecology are completely or partially taught in English and/or are based on technical literature written in English. Therefore, besides Portuguese, students are expected to be able to understand and express themselves in English both orally and in writing.

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 entering into doctoral programs (most common situation); Employees of private companies linked to environmental consulting; Employees of state institutions related, or not, to environmental agencies (e.g. Ministério da Agricultura, Florestas e Desenvolvimento Rural, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Town halls, Natural Parks and Reserves); Staff of non-governamental organizations.

Mode of Study

Full-time, daytime attendance

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese and English

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 or via oral presentations. In other courses the evaluation is performed via the completion of an exam. The ranking follows the Portuguese range 0-20; in the case of the IMAE students the classification is transformed into the European ECTS system.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The Master in Ecology (a) understands the structure and functioning of the ecosystems; (b) has the capacity to analyze the effects of the stress agents at different levels of biological organization using traditional and cutting-edge techniques; (c) has theoretical and practical skills to intervene in the biomonitoring, conservation and recovery of the biological systems. The Master in Ecology has the proficiency to contribute, in an active way, to the sustainable management of the ecosystems (terrestrial, freshwater and marine).

Course Coordinator(s)

Ruben Huttel Heleno
rheleno@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

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law no 74/2006, de 24 th March, amended and republished by the decree: DL no 107/2008, 25th June; ordinance no 782/2009, 23th July.

Graduation Requirements

Public defense of a dissertation

Access to Further Studies

The MSc in Ecology gives access to a PhD program in Ecology and/or Environmental Sciences or related areas.

Study Programme

Ecology

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Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: 9408

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 1561/2011/AL02

2023-04-29

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Documents