Msc in Molecular and Translational Neuroscience

General Objectives of the Course

The aim of the Master degree in Molecular and Translational Neuroscience is to offer advanced training in the field of Neurosciences in the area of fundamental or basic (molecular and cellular) neurosciences, addressing the different aspects of neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuropsychology, and to promote a strong interaction with clinical neurosciences through the integration of the study of the nervous system in pathological conditions, deepening the translational analysis of the different diseases of the nervous system and the application of novel methodologies and therapies.
Specific objectives:
1. To deepen the fundamental aspects of the study in the area of Neurosciences;
2. To integrate the clinical and translational aspects associated with different pathologies of the nervous system;
3. To evaluate the methods and techniques used for the study of the nervous system and the effectiveness of the application of pharmacological, cellular and molecular/genetic therapies; and
4. To consolidate the knowledge in Neurosciences through the development of an original research project leading to the Master's thesis.

Admission Requirements

Can apply for access to the cycle of studies leading to the master's degree in Molecular and Translational Neurosciences:
a) Holders of the undergraduate degree or legal equivalent in Medicine, Medical Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Biochemistry, Biology, Genetics, Nursing, Clinical Analyzes and related areas, with minimum score of 14 (out of 20) or lower rating who demonstrate additional technical or research experience, or holders of master degree with lower grading after curricular evaluation by the Scientific Committee.
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 undergraduate degree in one of the areas mentioned in the previous paragraphs by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra (FMUC); and d) In duly justified cases, the holders of a school, scientific or professional curriculum, which is recognized as attesting to the capacity to carry out this cycle of studies by the Scientific Council of
FMUC.

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

Professional Goals

This course does not specifically qualify for professional practice. However, it provides the scientific and technical knowledge and skills necessary to work in basic and applied research in the areas of life and health sciences, including in translational research (e.g. Molecular and Experimental Neuroscience, Translational Neuroscience, or Clinical Neuroscience), in academic institutions, hospitals and industry, where in-depth knowledge life sciences, including Neurosciences, is an asset. Students may proceed to PhD studies, or specialize as research technicians, project managers or organizers of scientific events.

Mode of Study

Daytime / Full-time / Face-to-face

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

English

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Student’s assessment is a pedagogical activity that is inseparable from teaching, aiming at assessing competencies and knowledge acquired by students, their critical thinking, their ability to recognize and solve 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 (UC) Pedagogical Policy. Students admitted to their respective curricular units in the academic year to which the tests relate and at the same time are enrolled in those tests, when such enrollment is required, according to article 4, paragraph 6, of the Pedagogical Regulations of the University of Coimbra (RPUC).Assessment methods include the following: written or oral exams, summative partial tests, written or practical assignments, as well as projects, individual or in group, which may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the
above mentioned items. The evaluation of each course unit may include one or more of the assessment elements listed above. The presentation and defense of the work plan for the master's project (at the end of the 2nd semester) will be done to an internal jury. Grading, for each curricular unit, is based on a scale of 0 to 20 values 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 to a published formula in the course outline under the terms of nº2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

At the end of the Master degree in Molecular and Translational Neurosciences, the new master should acquire general competences in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes, which are prerequisites for applying for more advanced training programs within the framework of the 3rd cycle, which includes the PhD program in Health Sciences, coordinated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, or PhD programs in Neuroscience. In particular, this master degree will provide research-related competences on the understanding of scientific methodologies and results, and communication of interdisciplinary themes in Neurosciences. The master student will be able to consolidate the basis of molecular and cellular neuroscience with the pathophysiological and symptomatic analysis of different diseases of the nervous system. It is also intended that the student demonstrates knowledge regarding the influence of selective compounds as therapeutic measures
of disorders of the nervous system and the development and potential use of novel (e.g. cellular and molecular/genetic) therapies. At the level of skills, the new master should be able to communicate oral and written (scientific language) in English, accurately interpret the information obtained from medical and/or laboratory data in order to determine the neuropathological basis of diseases of the nervous system, demonstrate an open and critical view, know how to select the information contained in original scientific journals, based on the topic of interest, know how to present and interpret the results of research and/or obtained in clinical trials on new drugs and other quantitative or qualitative studies
described in the biomedical and scientific literature related to Neuroscience, be able to formulate simple questions related to research in Biomedicine and Neurosciences, and to design studies or experiments that allow answering these questions. This characteristic, together with the knowledge obtained in the theoretical and practical training of the 1st year, will allow having a greater autonomy in the development of the project leading to the Master degree. In terms of attitudes, the new master should have personal values related to integrity, honesty, responsibility, punctuality, use of the most effective technical and scientific means of experimental evaluation that allow the development of the project leading to the Master degree, take initiative to continuous training, knowing how to identify strategies for achieving lifelong learning goals, how to
work together and cooperate with colleagues, accept and respect criticism, understand strengths and weaknesses, demonstrate self-reflection, and in cases where translational or clinical work is developed apply the principles of informed consent and take into account the aspects related to the application of ethics to (bio)medical research.

Course Coordinator(s)

Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego
arego@fmed.uc.pt

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Ricardo José David Costa Vieira
ricardo.vieira@portugalmail.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 Decree-Law nº 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording.

Graduation Requirements

For successful accomplishment of master’s degree, students will have to obtain positive grades (>10 values, in 20) in a set of curricular units that make up a total of 120 ECTS and thatinclude the accomplishment, discussion and public defense of the master thesis.

Access to Further Studies

Obtaining a Master degree in ‘Molecular and Translational Neurosciences’ allows to apply for and access to more advanced training programs within the scope of the 3rd cycle, which includes several doctoral programs such as the Doctoral Program in Health Sciences, coordinated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra.

Study Programme

Molecular an d Translational Neuroscience

Academic year
2024-2025

Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: MA96

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 4 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Advanced specialization second cycle

Applications

Call for Applications

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: 2019-07-31 a 2025-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 72/2019; 2019-10-25