Master in Teaching of Physics and Chemistry

The Master in Teaching of Physics and Chemistry to the 3rd cycle of basic education and the secondary education level is a study program undergoing changes following the publication of Decree-Law no. 9-A/2025, of 14th February.

General Objectives of the Course

The general goals of this study cycle are:

• To provide professional qualification for physics and chemistry teaching in the 3rd cycle of Basic Education and in Secondary Education (3rd CEB & ES), intending that students develop knowledge, skills, and competencies required for physics and chemistry teachers in the framework of the Education System Basic Law, educational policy general guidelines, pertinent programs, goals, and curriculum guidelines.
• To consider general and specific professional performance profiles of national education policy guidelines, curricula guidelines for 3rd CEB & ES, socio-economic conditions, and emerging changes in society, in school, and in the teacher roles, scientific and technological developments, and relevant contributions of educational research, aiming to ensure learning required for physics and chemistry teachers and their professional development.

Admission Requirements

To apply for access to the cycle of studies leading to the master's degree, candidates must meet the following conditions cumulatively:

1. Hold a bachelor's degree or one of the qualifications referred to in paragraphs a) to c) of paragraph 1 of article 17 of Decree-Law No. 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording.
2. Have obtained, in that bachelor's degree or in other higher education study cycles, 120 credits (ECTS) in the scientific areas of Physics and Chemistry, with none having less than 30 credits.
3. Have oral and written proficiency in the Portuguese language and mastery of the essential rules of logical and critical argumentation. Additionally, those who meet the requirements of paragraphs a) and c) of point 1 but not paragraph b) may also apply if they have obtained 75% of the necessary credits (90 ECTS) in the teaching areas. Those who meet the requirements of paragraphs b) and c) of point 1 but not paragraph a) may also apply if they have a school, scientific, or professional curriculum recognized as attesting the capacity to carry out this cycle of studies by the Scientific Council of FCTUC and have obtained at least 75% of the necessary credits (90 ECTS) in the teaching areas.

Professional Goals

Holders of professional qualification for teaching in accordance with article 4 of Decree-Law 79/2014 of May 14th.

Mode of Study

The mode of study is daytime regime / face-to-face.

Teaching / Evaluation Language

The teaching and evaluation language is Portuguese.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

The examination regulations, assessment, and grading are under the Pedagogical Regulation of the University of Coimbra: Regulation 321/2013 of August 23rd.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The main objectives of the study cycle are:

• To build solid knowledge of physics and chemistry syllabus and curriculum guidelines for Basic and Secondary Education, and of correct and appropriate methodologies from scientific and pedagogical points of view.
• To use in pedagogical practice the knowledge acquired in the study areas, as well as those related to specific educational aspects, including lesson planning, preparation, and development of teaching materials and didactic resources, according to existing teaching models.
• To encourage adapting teaching to varied situations of human learning and development, considering not only students of different age levels, ability, and willingness to learn but also curricular changes and innovations, namely curricular changes, development of interdisciplinary projects, among others.
• To encourage good assessment and learning practices.
• To acquire knowledge about school realities, including the legislative framework of school organization, in order to stimulate cooperation with school governing bodies and with the school community.

Course Coordinator

The course coordinator is Pedro Fernando Simões Costa.

ECTS Departmental Coordinator

The ECTS departmental coordinators are:

• João Miguel Carvalho Alves Moreira
• Manuela Ramos Marques da Silva
• Rui Davide Martins Travasso

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The qualification requirements and regulations are according to Decree-Law 79/2014 of May 14th.

Graduation Requirements

The graduation requirements include the public defense of a dissertation and a minimum of 50 ECTS in disciplines from Physics and in disciplines from Chemistry, with a cumulative minimum of 120 ECTS in both scientific areas.

Access to Further Studies

Access to 3rd cycle of studies in physics, chemistry, science education, history of sciences, and educational sciences.

Study Programme

The study programme is a 2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme with a duration of 4 semesters and 120 ECTS credits.

Academic Year

The academic year is subject to change.

Course Type

The course type is a 2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme.

DGES Code

The DGES code is 6452.

Qualification Awarded

The qualification awarded is a Master's degree.

Duration

The duration of the programme is 4 semesters.

ECTS Credits

The programme has 120 ECTS credits.

Category

The category is Advanced specialization second cycle.

Accreditations

The programme is accredited by Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior and Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior, with the registration number R/A-Ef 1572/2011/AL03.

Universidade de Coimbra

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Overview:

Universidade de Coimbra is a public research university located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a rich history dating back to 1290. The university is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in the fields of law, medicine, and humanities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of cultural and sporting activities. Students can participate in the university's theater, music, and dance programs, as well as its sports teams. The university also has a number of student clubs and organizations.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Historical Significance:

Universidade de Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering students a unique opportunity to study in a historic and culturally rich environment.

Academic Excellence:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in Portugal and internationally, offering high-quality academic programs.

International Reputation:

Universidade de Coimbra has a strong international reputation, attracting students and faculty from around the world.

Research Opportunities:

The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

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Academic Programs:

Universidade de Coimbra offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Undergraduate Studies:

  • Licenciaturas (Bachelor's degrees)
  • Mestrados integrados (Integrated Master's degrees)

• Postgraduate Studies:

  • Mestrados (Master's degrees)
  • Doutoramentos (Doctoral degrees)

• Other Courses:

  • Ensino a distância (Distance learning)
  • Cursos preparatórios (Preparatory courses)
  • Aprender português (Portuguese language courses)

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Other:

The university has three campuses, 16 libraries, two museums, one theater, two stadiums, one botanic garden, 14 residences, and 18 canteens and cafeterias. It also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as solar panels and waste sorting programs.