General Objectives of the Course

The degree in Biochemistry at FCTUC aims to promote basic scientific knowledge and training in an area of strong scientific and technical development, prepares for graduate studies in the area of Life
Sciences, including the master's degree in Biochemistry and others, or to enter a career in high-growth areas such as biotechnology and health care research.
A solid background, with emphasis on experimental research and in the ability to broadcast scientific information, intend to facilitate the acquisition of diversified skills to enable further graduation in an area where are visible rapid scientific and technological changes. The curriculum includes a core scientific training in Chemistry and Biochemistry, and an area of basic and transversal-training (Biology, Physics, Mathematics and Molecular Biology). The degree allows students to gain additional education in a complementary scientific area through the structure of Minors in many areas of knowledge. The course includes experimentally-based research, and gives to the students’ skills to make a formal proposal, design an experiment, report and presentations in addition to the efficient use of computational resources.

Admission Requirements

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

Two of the following subjects:
02 Biology and Geology
07 Physics and Chemistry
16 Mathematics

Application score: 100 points (0-200 scale)
Entry exams: 95 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.

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

Professional Goals

The graduated student can aim at follow a post-graduation course (Master or/and PhD) or teaching, professional carriers in Quality Control Laboratories, Clinical analysis and Diagnosis, Pharmaceutical Industry, Food Industry, Biotechnology, Toxicology, Environmental Control and Diagnostic Technology.

Mode of Study

Day time schedule

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' skills and training, 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 number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. 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 assessment includes more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The degree in Biochemistry FCTUC aims to promote basic scientific knowledge and training in an area of strong scientific and technical development, prepares for graduate studies in the area of Life Sciences, including the several master's degrees in DCV and others, or to enters a career in high-growth areas such as biotechnology and health care research.
Experimentally based research training is an essential part of the undergraduate experience in Biochemistry. This research experience is achieved through laboratory courses and through a period in a research laboratory.
The degree aims to develop skills and competencies in the students in order to, by the time they have finished their undergraduate program, be able to:
1. Understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and biology, and the fundamental principles of biochemistry and awareness of the main issues at the forefront of the discipline.
2 . Dissect a problem in its main features, designing experiments, understand the limitations of the experimental approach, and to interpret the experimental data
3 . Communicate the results to support the conclusions of their work to specialists and non-specialists, using appropriate scientific language, clearly and succinctly.
4 . Work with precision and reproducibility in laboratory, safely and effectively.
5. Demonstrate initiative, decision-making ability, critical thinking and flexibility in work performance in different areas related to Biochemistry.
6 . Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and integrate multidisciplinary work teams developing innovative projects of scientific and technological base.

Course Coordinator(s)

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

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 March 24, in the current wording

Graduation Requirements

The qualification is obtained after the acquisition of 180 ECTS, according to the curriculum of the 1st cycle. The plan includes performing, in working environment, of 12 ECTS in scientific or technical work in areas related to Biochemistry.

Access to Further Studies

Access to different Masters.