Bachelor in Engineering and Data Science

To achieve its objectives, in addition to solid knowledge and fundamental theoretical bases, the LECD's strategy will offer real-world contexts that allow students to come into contact with the typical constraints of real-world contexts from an early stage, both in terms of scale and complexity. In this way, students will be prepared to pursue advanced studies and practice their profession, allowing them to intervene in the analysis and design of medium-complexity solutions based on Data Science and Engineering, both in terms of infrastructure and analysis methodologies.

To this end, the recommendations gathered from future employers (Altice Labs, Bosch Car Multimedia, Celbi and EDP) were taken into account, as well as the syllabus of similar courses in the international arena, particularly in Europe and North America. On the other hand, in terms of techniques and methodologies, the student will be familiarised with the fundamental and most recent data analysis techniques.

Following this strategy, LECD will ensure that its graduates acquire knowledge and understanding of the concepts, basic principles, theories, methods and practices of Data Engineering and Data Science and can express them through an integrated set of instrumental, systemic and interpersonal skills. To meet the diversity of scientific areas involved, the LECD has the collaboration of various departments at the University of Coimbra: Computer Engineering; Mathematics (DM); Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC); Physics (DF).

The LECD aims to confer a solid foundation in the principles and methodologies of engineering and data science, particularly at the level of its mathematical, algorithmic, and methodological foundations. This will enable its students to pursue advanced studies (particularly at the master's level).

Thus, by conferring the bachelor's degree, this course allows access to second-cycle studies according to the constraints defined by each program, namely the Master's in Engineering and Data Science.

However, it is also intended to enable the profession to practice in contexts involving the operationalisation of fundamental concepts in the design of solutions to problems of small and medium complexity/scale and support for implementing complex solutions, whether in the component linked to data engineering or data science.

To this end, the LECD is assumed to be a vertical course with a high level of specialisation, in contrast to a more broadband course that can usually be found in typical computer engineering curricula, particularly the University of Coimbra's Computer Engineering Degree course.

Curriculum Structure

The Degree in Engineering and Data Science (LECD) lasts three years and is organized into six semesters, each corresponding to 4860 hours and 180 ECTS. Except for the last semester, all the other semesters comprise five curricular units of six ECTS. The final semester comprises four curricular units, one of which is 12 ECTS. The latter will allow the student to carry out a project of medium complexity and scope, enabling them to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course systematically.

The course consists of a single core of 28 compulsory subjects, to which is added an optional open subject. This allows the student to acquire knowledge in a specific area of interest, namely, the application of engineering concepts and data science in concrete application areas.

The LECD is part of the first cycle of studies in Data Science and Engineering, followed by the second cycle (MECD - Master's in Data Science and Engineering) and the third cycle (PDCTI - Doctorate in Information Science and Technology).

The curriculum is structured in such a way as to provide solid training in the mathematical foundations necessary for Data Science, in particular in issues related to optimisation and the numerical treatment of sparse and large-scale formulations in the algorithms and fundamental methodological principles necessary for data preparation, attribute analysis, visualisation, complexity reduction and computational learning, whether using purely data-oriented techniques or combining them with a priori knowledge. It also provides knowledge on the sizing of the infrastructure required for modern data science-orientated solutions, particularly concerning their reliability and scalability.

To this end, the LECD will be supported by specialised teaching staff with relevant activity in research centres that are mostly rated Excellent. The teaching team for this programme is actively involved in many research projects. Among the various research centres they are assigned, there are close to a hundred active or recently completed projects, many involving international cooperation and/or industry participation.

It is worth highlighting institutional partnerships under the Portugal-CMU, MIT, and Texas/Austin programmes, bilateral cooperation with several Brazilian universities, and active participation in the Erasmus, MAUI, Leonardo, etc. mobility programmes. These partnerships bring many external lecturers, students and researchers to FCTUC, providing students with an international learning context. Also noteworthy regarding scientific partnerships relevant to the area are a "GPU Research Centre" certified by NVIDIA at IT-UC, and participation in the international scientific networks ECMI, ENBIS and PRACE.

Admission Requirements

Maths A (19) or
Physics and Chemistry (07) and Maths A (19)

The information provided does not dispense with consulting the website of the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) and/or the Applicants' page. Consult the DGES and Applicants websites.

Tuition fee/price

National Student or equivalent: €697 (annual fee).
International Student: 7000€ (annual fee).

Learning Languages/Assessment

Portuguese.