Program Overview

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Master in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology

General Objectives of the Course

The Master's Degree in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology aims to offer specialized, inter- and multidisciplinary training at an advanced level in different areas related to Microbiology. The training will cover the different domains in which the impact and action of microorganisms are recognized as relevant, namely, in industry, in the area of human health, and in environmental protection. The master will encourage a critical appreciation of scientific literature to develop the confidence necessary for autonomous work, inside and outside science. It is intended that the student acquires a series of skills that will help her/him in her/his future career, in direct contact with professors and scientists who carry out research in these areas, but also in business environments. The operationalization of the general objectives of this Master's Degree will be implemented in each curricular unit in a specific way, through the accomplishment of different tasks in the respective scope.

Admission Requirements

Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in Life and Health Sciences, Biotechnology and Engineering (if it includes a biological component), and in related fields can apply.

Professional Goals

The Master provides scientific training that allows students to provide services in various entities at national and international level. In the national field:

• Senior technicians in National State bodies, Companies and public institutions in the areas of the environment;
• Higher Education Institutions and/or Laboratories and/or Research Centers for the pursuit of training or research in the area of biotechnology and biomedicine;
• Pharmaceutical and food industry;
• R&D Laboratories, Higher Education and Research Institutions. National and international experts on topics related to the environment and health;
• Technicians or Experts in Civil Society Organizations (Foundations or Non Governmental Organizations). Internationally:
• Civil Society Organizations (Foundations or Non-Governmental Organizations),
• International Agencies,
• International Research Centers.

Mode of Study

Face to face and Blended

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese/ English

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

As assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently enrolled. The following are examples of assessment items:

• Oral or written exams,
• written or practical work,
• individual and group projects that may require an oral defense,
• as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever the grade comprises more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according a formula published in the course outline.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

It is intended that students acquire a wide range of skills in microbiology and microbial biotechnology:

1. Competences in the scientific area:

• knowing how to characterize microorganisms biochemically and molecularly;
• know their role in the environment;
• knowing how to explore their diversity in the production of products;
• know molecular aspects of microbial disease;
• knowing how to use microbiology in a professional context.

2. Instrumental skills:

• analysis and synthesis;
• organization and planning;
• oral and written presentation of information;
• capacity for reflection, decision and problem-solving.

3. Personal and interpersonal skills:

• group work and interdisciplinary teams;
• work in an international context;
• critical reasoning and expert language understanding.

4. Systemic competencies:

• learning and development of autonomous research;
• adaptability to new situations;
• practical application of theoretical knowledge;
• planning and management;
• self-criticism and self-assessment.

Course Coordinator(s)

Paula Maria de Melim Vasconcelos de Vitorino Morais

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

António Xavier de Barros e Cunha Pereira Coutinho

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning will be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the Decree-Law nr. 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording, Decree nº 782/2009 de July 23rd

Graduation Requirements

According to the study plan, students must fulfil 120 ECTS in total:

• 1st year (two semesters) – 60 ECTS;
• 2nd year - 60 ECTS:
  • In the 2nd year, 6 ECTS correspond to the curricular unit “Research Project” (1st semester)
  • and 54 ECTS to the curricular unit “Dissertation in Microbiology” (annual),which must be publicly defended before a jury
  • or in the curricular unit “Internship in Microbiology” (annual) also of 54 ECTS, which must be publicly defended before a jury.

Access to Further Studies

Access to the 3rd cycle of studies.

Study Programme

Microbiologia e Biotecnologia Microbiana

Academic Year

Change year

Course Type

2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code

MD37

Qualification Awarded

Duration

2 Year(s)

ECTS Credits

120.0

Category

Advanced specialization second cycle

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 57/2022