Master in Biological Resources, Territorial Development and Sustainability
General Objectives of the Course
The effects of climate change affect territories and related economic activities, in particular agro-food production systems, including aquaculture and fisheries. The scenarios of climatic evolution for Portugal point to progressively more unfavourable conditions, evidencing the need to adapt the production systems to the new conditions.In this scenario, it is important to highlight the existence of an important national natural heritage that contains endogenous genetic resources with little potential for innovation, valorization, diversification and expansion in the agro-food sector (including aquaculture and fisheries) and forestry.
General objectives:
To know and value endogenous biological resources, in particular in the region, with the aim of contributing to the dynamization and sustainable development of the territory.
To maintain and value endogenous genetic resources, especially the central region of Portugal, promoting the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture and fisheries as well as agroforestry systems in the context of climate change.
Admission Requirements
Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in Biology, Biochemistry, Anthropology, Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Other Life Sciences, Economic and Social Sciences and Human Sciences.
Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.
Professional Goals
Technicians in Biological Resources, Territorial Development and Sustainability; National and international experts in the agroforestry sector; Environmental managers and environmental and social responsibility of private companies; Senior technicians in municipalities and state agencies (ICNF, APA, DGAV, NGOs); Senior technicians in agro-environmental companies, agricultural and animal production; Technicians responsible for supporting business innovation.Mode of Study
Daytime / Full-time / Face-to-faceTeaching / Evaluation language(s)
Portuguese and/or EnglishExamination 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 enrolled. 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.Learning Objectives and Intended Skills
This master has the goal to offer specialized training in distinct areas of sustainable management of Biological Resources and Territorial development. The acquired scientific and technical training in this matter is fundamental to understand the challenges associated to Human development and global changes linked to the sustainable management of biological Resources and to the problematic of territorial development. Students should acquire:1. Instrumental skills (competence in synthesis and analysis; organization and planning; oral and writing communication; capacity to express themselves in English; to use informatics; managing information and to make decisions).
2. Personal and Inter-personal competencies (in group work; in interdisciplinary teams; within an international context; critical reasoning; understanding specialists’ language).
3. Systemic competencies (in autonomous learning; capability to adjust to new situations; creativity; leadership; initiative and enterprising spirit; rigor and quality; applying the theoretical knowledge; planning and managing; in auto-criticism and auto-evaluation).
Course Coordinator(s)
João Carlos Mano Castro Loureiro
jloureiro@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
The legal framework for the qualification is established by the Decree-Law nr. 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording, Portaria nº 782/2009 de July 23rd and Decree-Law nr. 65/2018, 16th August, in its current wording.Graduation Requirements
According to the study plan, students must fulfil 120 ECTS in total: 1st year (two semesters) – 60 ECTS; 2nd year - 60 ECTS: 3 ECTS correspond to the curricular unit “Seminar II” (1st semester) and 57 ECTS to the curricular unit “Dissertation in Biological Resources, Territorial Development and Sustainability” (annual), which must be publicly defended before a jury or 57 ECTS in the curricular unit “Internship in Biological Resources, Territorial Development and Sustainability” (annual), which must be publicly defended before a jury.
Access to Further Studies
3rd cycle of studies.Study Programme
2026-2027
Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme
DGES Code: MB36
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: 07-09-2026
End date: 18-12-2026 - 2nd Semester
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Start date: 08-02-2027
End date: 20-05-2027
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 89/2020
- 2020-07-15