Presentation
The Biochemistry Degree requires a strong background in chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology, thus providing a broadband approach to the study of life at the molecular level. It fosters the development of critical cognitive, scientific and laboratory skills that are required for further studies in Life Sciences and Biomedicine. Future biochemists are expected to develop careers in research and education, as well as in such diverse areas as biotechnology, food industry, pharmaceutics, environment, medical equipment, diagnosis and clinical chemistry.
Study programme
1st YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| General Physics | Compulsory | Physics | 6 |
| Biochemistry Laboratory Introduction | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Introduction to Biology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Mathematics and Modelling | Compulsory | Math | 6 |
| General Chemistry | Compulsory | Chemistry | 6 |
1st YEAR - 2nd Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Physical Biochemistry | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Physiology Fundamentals | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Laboratories of Analytical Biochemistry | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Statistical Methods | Compulsory | Math | 6 |
| Organic Chemistry | Compulsory | Chemistry | 6 |
2nd YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Inorganic Biochemistry | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Biochemistry of Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Lipids | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Molecular Biology Fundamentals | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | Compulsory | Math | 3 |
| Laboratories of Microbiology | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| General Microbiology | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 3 |
2nd YEAR - 2º Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Biochemistry of Metabolism | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Biomolecular Spectroscopy | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Introduction to Structural Biochemistry | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 3 |
| Practical classes of Molecular Biology | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Inorganic Biochemistry Laboratories | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 3 |
| Option 1 | Elective | | 6 |
|
The student should register, in the 2nd semester, in a curricular unit of 6 ECTS in the scientific area of Biochemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The register is subject to approval by the course Coordinator. |
3rd YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Cellular Biophysics | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Laboratories of Enzymology and Chemistry of Proteins | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Laboratories of Physiology and Cell Biophysics | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Option 2 | Elective | | 6 |
| Option 3 | Elective | 6 |
| The student should register, in the 1st semester, in two curricular units of 12 ECTS in the scientific area of Biochemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The register is subject to approval by the course Coordinator. |
3rd YEAR - 2nd Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Option 4 | Elective | | 6 |
| Option 5 | Elective | | 6 |
| Free option* | Elective | | 6 |
| Project | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 12 |
| The student should register, in the 2nd semester, in two curricular units of 12 ECTS in the scientific area of Biochemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The register is subject to approval by the course Coordinator. |
| (*) The student should register, in the 2nd semester, in a curricular unit of 6 ECTS, taught at the UC through the free list rule. |
Study programme with Minor
Consult the STUDY PROGRAMME in order to know the distribution of subjects over the 6 semesters, as well as the list of Minors you can choose from.
General information
- Course name: Bachelor´s degree in Biochemistry
- Course type: 1st Cycle Studies
- Qualification awarded: Licenciado
- Course coordinator: Prof. Anabela Rolo (anpiro@ci.uc.pt)
- Mobility coordinator: Prof. Ângelo Tomé (atome@ci.uc.pt)
- Objectives of the course: Biochemistry has as its main objective the description of the structure, organization and functioning of living matter in molecular terms. Its field of action can be divided into three main areas: the study of metabolism (chemical reactions that occur in living matter), the structural chemistry of the components of living matter (the relationship of biological function with living matter), molecular genetics ( study of substances, storage processes and transfer of biological information. The following aspects are also part of its objectives:
To provide essential knowledge of Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology as a preparation for an interdisciplinary area, Biochemistry, dedicated to the discovery of basic principles that constitute the molecular logic of life.Provide essential knowledge that allow research, understanding and the establishment of connections/correlations between molecular structures, biochemical mechanisms and biological phenomena, with a view to developing skills in the scope of prediction and solution of problems with an impact on the environment and public health.
Provide a solid scientific, theoretical and laboratory training, which allows the student to start a professional activity in areas as diverse as Research, Education, Health (Analytical/Laboratory), Industry (Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology) and the Dissemination of Scientific Information, both nationally and internationally.
To promote an initial broadband and integrated training in Biochemistry that allows the student to continue his advanced training in different areas of specialization within the European Education area.
- Duration: 6 semesters
- ECTS credits: 180
- 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.
- Numerus clausus: 65
- 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 - More information: UC website