Bachelors
Engineering Physics, unlike more traditional engineering, is not confined to a specific branch of science, such as Physics or Engineering. It is engineering dedicated to the creation and optimization of engineering solutions through the integrated understanding and application of scientific and mathematical principles with an emphasis on research and development in a variety of areas. The Engineering Physics degree offers a thorough grounding in applied physics in areas as varied as optics, quantum physics, electronics, computing, nuclear engineering, astrophysics, among others, so as to provide a comprehensive education that bridges the gap between engineering theory and practice. Its aim is to create and use advanced experimental and computational techniques to solve problems where standard approaches are inadequate, i.e. to develop engineering solutions to contemporary problems.
This degree is based on areas such as mathematics, classical and modern physics, computing and chemistry. At a more advanced stage, areas such as quantum physics, relativity, solid state physics, dynamic systems, computer modeling, electromagnetism and optics are included.
In this way, physics engineers will be able to work as engineers and/or physicists in high-tech industries, becoming specialists in various scientific fields of great technological impact and in cutting-edge engineering.
Coordination
Filipa Isabel Gouveia de Melo Borges Belo Soares | fborges@uc.pt
Testimonials
The degree in Engineering Physics at the University of Coimbra offers all the conditions and opportunities for its students to succeed in their academic career. This course provides all the necessary foundations for the future and is also perfect for enjoying three years of hard work and dedication at one of the best universities in the country. The academic spirit lived in the city is the icing on the cake for a unique experience that will certainly mark the life of any student who passes through.
I'm very happy with my choice to come and study in Coimbra!
Masters
The Master's in Engineering Physics aims to prepare professionals with a strong background in different specialty areas of Engineering Physics, developing the ability to apply scientific and engineering principles to solve multidisciplinary problems in the traditional areas of Engineering Physics, namely the technologies associated with Modern Physics, motivating the ability to learn throughout their career and providing the professional training needed to enter the job market.
Physics Engineers will be able to work in high-tech industries, becoming specialists in scientific fields of great technological impact and in cutting-edge engineering. The main career paths for physics engineers are in technology companies in the areas of medical and industrial instrumentation, metrology and quality control, maintenance and software development, among others, as well as teaching and research in higher education and research laboratories. Physical engineers can be found in large national and international groups (TAP, Soporcel, Ford, Revigrés, Roca, EDP, Edinfor, Sonae, Cofina, Siemens, Opel, Kuka, ABB). Others work in small and medium-sized companies, mainly in the areas of instrumentation and software, in some cases as entrepreneurs.
Course Coordination
António Adriano Castanhola Batista | castanhola@uc.pt
Testimonials
My experience on the master's degree in Engineering Physics at FCTUC has been truly interesting, as I have acquired technical knowledge in an area of engineering with a strong technological edge and high employability potential.
I opted for the MEF because I had the opportunity to create a unique academic curriculum, differentiating and meeting my objectives, being able to choose, in each semester of the 1st year of the master's degree, two optional subjects from a wide list of available subjects and taking an open subject from any other FCTUC master's degree, in addition to the two common subjects. In the 2nd year, we had several areas available to carry out the dissertation, such as theoretical physics, modeling, instrumentation, metrology, with companies or research centers, or to self-propose a topic, where I chose a project in an area that interested me. The Introduction to Project course allowed me to acquire the right tools to carry out an excellent dissertation.
I would therefore highly recommend this master's degree to anyone who wants to have an enriching career, develop their problem-solving skills and aim for a successful professional future.
PhD
The aim of the PhD in Engineering Physics is to provide its doctoral students with a general understanding of the foundations and research methods in Physics. This implies adequate training in modeling, experimentation and computing leading to the production of original, critical and creative scientific work in a field of Physics.
It is also intended that students acquire the necessary skills to apply and develop research methods in fundamental and applied Physics, in each of the specific areas of the study cycle, as well as providing them with experience of teamwork and interaction with national and foreign professional physicists.
Finally, on the basis of the skills acquired, students will be able to carry out high-quality autonomous research work, in accordance with international standards, which can be presented at international conferences and/or published in high-quality international journals in the field of the study cycle.
Career opportunities include basic and applied research, university teaching, development and improvement of new products and instruments, management (banking and consultancy).
Course Coordinator
Joaquim Marques Ferreira dos Santos | jmf@gian.fis.uc.pt