/ MASTER PROGRAMME

Master degree in Biodiversity and Vegetal Biotechnology

Presentation


The Master in Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology contemplates the study of biological diversity, from genetic variability to the variety of plant and fungi species and its importance for the balance of ecosystems, as well as for understanding the methodologies that allow to modify plants and fungi to obtain products or processes for specific uses. These areas are becoming increasingly important in scientific and societal terms and are central to decision-making by governmental agents and international organizations.

Study Programme

1st YEAR - 1st Semester

COURSE UNIT TITLE TYPE SUBJECT AREA ECTS
Biodiversity and Habitat Management Compulsory Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Bioentrepreneurship Compulsory Interdisciplinary 3
Plant Breeding Compulsory Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Secondary Metabolism and Bioactive Compounds Compulsory Interdisciplinary 6
Ethics and Legislation Compulsory Interdisciplinary 3
The student should register, in the 1st semester, in a curricular unit of 6 ECTS from the list that follows, to make 30 ECTS:
COURSE UNIT TITLE TYPE SUBJECT AREA ECTS
Molecular Biotechnology Elective Interdisciplinary 6
Marine Economic Botany Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Biological Collections: Methods and Techniques Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Experimental Embryology Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Phycology Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Plant Physiology and Genetics Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6

1st YEAR - 2nd Semester

COURSE UNIT TITLE TYPE SUBJECT AREA ECTS
Forest Biodiversity and Biotechnology Compulsory Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Biorremediation Compulsory Interdisciplinary 6
Phytopathology Compulsory Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Initiation to Scientific Investigation Compulsory Interdisciplinary 3
Seminar I Compulsory Interdisciplinary 3
The student should register, in the 1st semester, in a curricular unit of 6 ECTS from the list that follows, to make 30 ECTS:
COURSE UNIT TITLE TYPE SUBJECT AREA ECTS
Data Analysis in Ecology Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Algae Biotechnology Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Ecoliteracy Elective Interdisciplinary 6
Energy and Biofuels Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Portuguese Flora Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Biological Interactions Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Regulation of Plant Development Elective Biodiversity_Biotecnology 6
Vegetal Toxicology Elective Interdisciplinary 6

2nd YEAR

COURSE UNIT TITLE REGIME TYPE SUBJECT AREA ECTS
Seminar II Anual Compulsory Biodiversity_Biotecnology 3
Dissertation Anual Compulsory Biodiversity_Biotecnology 57
The student must make 60 credits annually.

An optional curricular unit (in the 1st or 2nd semester) may be chosen among the units taught in other Master’s courses of the University of Coimbra, with a total number of 6 ECTS. Choice is subject to the approval of the course coordinator.

The optional course units are offered on a yearly basis, depending on the availability of the Organic Unit.

General information

  • Course name: Master degree in Biodiversity and Vegetal Biotechnology
  • Course type: 2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme
  • Qualification awarded: Master
  • Course coordinator: Prof. Jorge Canhoto (jorgecan@uc.pt)
  • Mobility coordinator: Prof. António Pereira Coutinho (cafe@bot.uc.pt)
  • Objectives of the course: The MSc in Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology aims to provide a consistent and multidisciplinary training in Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology. These areas are having a growing impact in our society, not only on a science-based perspective, but also from a socio-economic point of view. These areas are often taken into account in decision-making by governmental and international organizations. This MSc intends to prepare students with a solid techno-scientific training in these fields, which will allow them, as professionals, to answer the challenges of an increasing dynamic and informed society. The scientific and technical training acquired in this Master is crucial to understand the potential and the limitations of plant biotechnology, as well its implications in the environment.
  • Duration: 4 semesters
  • ECTS credits: 120
  • Professional goals: Research: pursuing an investigation carrier through doctoral programmes (most common situation); career in private companies linked to biotechnology and environmental consulting; career in state institutions related to environmental agencies (including the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment).
  • Numerus clausus: 15
  • Tuition fee: National student: 1.063,47€ / International student: 7.000€
  • Admission requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Forestry or equivalent areas (minimum 180 ECTSs). Applicants with a good curriculum in biology or plant sciences or in higher professional education can also apply.
  • More information: UC website

Dissertations presented

You can CONSULT the dissertations that were presented at the Department of Life Sciences within the scope of this master's degree.