Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry
General Objectives of the Course
Medicinal Chemistry is at the carrefour of classical scientific areas such as Chemistry, Life Sciences (namely, Biochemistry) and Health Sciences (specifically Pharmacy and Medicine). This carrefour values interdisciplinary as well as an integrated view of the knowledge acquired in the different fields.Objectives:
– To stimulate individual creativity and work in multidisciplinary teams
– Competences in the modelling of molecular and supra-molecular properties
– Functional knowledge (know-how-to-do) in the synthesis and characterization of molecules with pharmaceutical interest
– Understanding of the emerging problems in the development on innovative medicines
– Appropriation and manipulation of fundamental concepts of Life and Health Sciences relevant to the discovery and development of medicines.
– Recognition of potential therapeutic targets
– Ability to plan, carry on, interpret and communicate lab experiments.
The study programme has a duration of four semesters comprising 12 courses in the first year, and a science project (MSc Thesis) in the second year. The modules are distributed evenly for all semesters. This plan is organized according to the European system of credit units. It features 3 to 6 ECTS per course in the first year, with the exception of the discipline of Introduction to Scientific Research. This course is one of the focal points of the course, as well as the discipline of Scientific Project. The course is not organized in areas of specialization, focusing on a vision of innovative and integrated cross scientific fields.
Admission Requirements
a) Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Sciences, or Medical Sciences; b) Holders of a foreign higher academic degree conferred 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 a); c) Holders of a higher academic degree obtained abroad that is recognized as satisfying the objectives of the degree of licenciado by the Scientific Council of the Organic Unit responsible for the cycle of studies; d) In duly justified cases, holders of a scientific and professional curriculum relevant to the frequency of this cycle of studies and that, as such, be recognized by the Scientific Council of the responsible Organic Unit.
Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.
Professional Goals
The MSc in Medicinal Chemistry is trained to be a pivotal element in the laboratories of medical research and drug development centres. He/She should be able to start a career in the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organizations, academic and hospital laboratories, etc.Mode of Study
Full-time/Face-to-faceTeaching / Evaluation language(s)
Portuguese/EnglishExamination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
The evaluation in each discipline is the responsibility of the academic staff in charge of the discipline. Grades are given individually to each student in the 0-20 points scale. Approval in each discipline requires a minimum of 10 points. Completion of the MSc requires the approval of all curricular units.Learning Objectives and Intended Skills
Critical competences:– Interdisciplinary training given by specialists in Chemistry, Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Medicine, that joined together in this unique proposal in Portugal
– Initiative and entrepreneurship, stimulated by a curriculum where the student is encouraged to formulate and develop his/her own ideas, confront them with his/her pairs and referees, make proof-of-concept and quantify milestones and financial needs
Specific competences:
– Functional knowledge in the synthesis and characterization of molecules with pharmaceutical relevance
– Understanding of the emerging problems in the development on innovative medicines
– Appropriation and manipulation of fundamental concepts of Life and Health Sciences relevant to the discovery and development of medicines.
– Recognition of potential therapeutic targets
– Ability to plan, carry on, interpret and communicate lab experiments
– Competences in the critical reading of scientific literature and in the patents of the pharmaceutical industry
- Knowledge of the requirements of non-clinical studies.
Course Coordinator(s)
Teresa Margarida Vasconcelos Dias de Pinho e Melo
tmelo@ci.uc.pt
ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)
Mário Túlio dos Santos Rosado
mtulio@qui.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
Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of 24th of March, as amended by Decree-Law no. 107/2008 of 25th of June, and by Decree-Law no. 230/2009, of 14th September.Graduation Requirements
Completion of the MSc requires the approval of all curricular units.
Access to Further Studies
The MSc in Medicinal Chemistry will give access to the PhD programmes in Chemistry – speciality in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences – speciality in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biosciences, amongst others.Study Programme
2024-2025
Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme
DGES Code: 6329
Qualification Awarded: Mestre
Duration: 2 Year(s)
ECTS Credits: 120.0
Category: Advanced specialization second cycle
Applications
Call for Applications
Calendar
- 1st Semester
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Start date: 09-09-2024
End date: 18-12-2024 - 2nd Semester
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Start date: 03-02-2025
End date: 22-05-2025
Accreditations
- Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior
- 2020-07-31 a 2026-07-30
- Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior
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Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 126/2012
- 2012-07-25