Vídeo de apresentação do curso
Presentation
The MSc in Ecology aims to provide inter- and multidisciplinary specialized training in different areas of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. It is intended to prepare highly qualified professionals with a profile designed for the job market in the area of Environment – e.g. environmental biomonitoring, conservation of species and protected areas, recovery of degraded habitats - or with a profile devoted to Fundamental and Applied Research in terrestrial, freshwater or marine environments.
Study Programme
1st YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Advanced Topics in Applied Ecology | Compulsory | Ecology | 6 |
| Evolutionary Biogeography and Spatial Modeling | Compulsory | Ecology | 6 |
| Field course in Ecological Techniques | Compulsory | Ecology | 6 |
| Global Change Ecology and Societal Challenges | Compulsory | Ecology | 6 |
| Optional 1 | Elective | 6 | |
|
In order to complete 30 ECTS, the student must enroll in a subject of free option, choosing from the list below (offered by DCV), or another of any master's degree at UC. |
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Biogeochemical cycles and assessment of wetlands | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Biodiversity and Habitat Management | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Advanced Concepts in Ecology | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Bioentrepreneurship and the creation of new ventures | Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 |
| Remote Sensing and Geographycal Information Systems | Elective | Geosciences | 6 |
| Behavioural Ecology | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Population Ecology | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Biochemical & Molecular Techniques in Ecology | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
1st YEAR - 2nd Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Conservation and Management of Biodiversity | Compulsory | Ecology | 6 |
| Ecotoxicology and Ecological Risk Assessment | Compulsory | Ecology | 6 |
| Scientific Writing | Compulsory | Cross-curricular | 6 |
| Seminar in Ecology | Compulsory | Ecology | 6 |
| Optional 2 | Elective | 6 | |
| In order to complete 30 ECTS, the student must enroll in a subject of free option, choosing from the list below (offered by DCV), or another of any master's degree at UC. |
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Environmental Quality Assessment | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Forest Biodiversity and Biotechnology | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Biorremediation | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Conservation and Management of Biodiversity | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Stream Ecology | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Ecotoxicology and Ecological Risk | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Phytopathology | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
| Biological Interactions | Elective | Ecology | 6 |
2nd YEAR
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | REGIME | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Project Management | 1st Semester | Compulsory | Ecology | 3 |
| Dissertation in Ecology | Annual | Elective | Ecology | 57 |
| Internship in Applied Ecology | Annual | Elective | Ecology | 57 |
| * The student must choose one of the two options. |
|
The 6 optional ECTS in each semester can be completed by passing any 2nd cycle units taught by the UC, through the open list rule. Enrollment in optional curricular units through the open list rule is subject to approval by the coordination of the study cycle, the availability of training offer in each year and the compatibility of schedules with mandatory curricular units. |
| The optional curricular units are offered annually depending on the availability of the Organic Unit. |
General information
- Course name: Master degree in Ecology
- Course type: 2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme
- Qualification awarded: Master
- Course coordinator: Prof. Ruben Heleno (rheleno@uc.pt)
- Mobility coordinator: Prof. António Pereira Coutinho (cafe@bot.uc.pt)
- Objectives of the course: The MSc in Ecology aims to provide inter- and multidisciplinary specialized training at an advanced level in different areas of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. The scientific and technical training acquired in this Master is crucial to (a) understand the functioning of ecosystems, (b) evaluate the effects of the main types of environmental pressures on biological systems. It is intended to prepare highly qualified professionals with a profile designed for the job market in the area of Environment – e.g. environmental biomonitoring (public and private areas) or a profile devoted to Fundamental and Applied Research.
- Duration: 4 semesters
- ECTS credits: 120
- Professional goals: Research: pursuing an investigation carrier through entering into doctoral programs (most common situation); Employees of private companies linked to environmental consulting; Employees of state institutions related, or not, to environmental agencies (e.g. Ministério da Agricultura, Florestas e Desenvolvimento Rural, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Town halls, Natural Parks and Reserves); Staff of non-governamental organizations.
- Numerus clausus: 25
- Tuition fee: National student: 1.500€ / International student: 7.000€
- Admission requirements: a) Holders of the Bachelor degree or legal equivalent;
b) Holders of a foreign academic degree achieved by following a 1st cycle of studies organized according to the principles of the Bologna Process by a State that has adhered to this Process;
c) Holders of a foreign higher education academic degree that is recognized to meet the objectives of the Bachelor degree by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology;
d) Holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum vitae that is recognized by the Scientific - More information: UC website
Other information
Testimonials from former students
Started in 1994, the Master in Ecology already has a long history of success. Many of our alumni are now leaders in the most diverse areas all over the world, which fills us with pride! See what some of them are doing.
If you're also part of this story, get in touch with us, we'd love to know what you're up to (rheleno@uc.pt)
EMPLOYABILITY
According to official DGEEC data made available in September 2020, only 3% of masters in ecology trained between 2015 and 2018 (n=99) were unemployed (and only 2% had been unemployed for more than 12 months). According to information from the supervisors, around 60% of the students pursued doctoral studies in the field of ecology and most of the rest got their first job in several areas related to the study cycle.
Dissertations presented
You can CONSULT the dissertations that were presented at the Department of Life Sciences within the scope of this master's degree.