Program Overview

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Master’s Degree in Physical Geography - Environment and Spatial Planning

General Objectives of the Course

The Master’s degree in Physical Geography - Environment and Spatial Planning aims to provide advanced knowledge of Physical Geography, promoting the discussion of concepts, theories, and methodologies. The course objectives include:

• Acquiring advanced knowledge of Physical Geography
• Understanding legal instruments of environmental protection and land use planning
• Knowing the current situation and potential of natural resources in Portugal
• Understanding the challenges posed to the management and planning of the territory
• Discussing the great problems that affect the territory at various scales
• Understanding the role of society in environmental change
• Understanding the projection of the effects of environmental changes on natural resources and the manifestation of risk
• Using data collection, analysis tools, and graphic-cartographic representations of the results obtained
• Applying the systemic perspective in the analysis of territorial dynamics
• Applying methodologies for evaluation and monitoring natural resources and environmental risks
• Proposing measures of sustainable management of the environment, framed by instruments of spatial planning

Admission Requirements

Eligible candidates to the MA course in Physical Geography Environment and Land Use Planning include:

• Holders of a BA in the fields of Geography
• Holders of a BA in Tourism, Leisure and Heritage; Archeology and Geology, or in other fields of the University of Coimbra or other European universities
• In exceptional and duly justified cases, holders of a BA degree in other fields, with a curriculum recognized by the Scientific Committee of the Department of Geography and Tourism as attesting the ability to enroll in this course

Professional Goals

The course prepares students for careers as:

• Technicians in spatial planning and management
• Technicians and strategic managers of environmental programs and policies (at different geographic scales)
• Advanced scientific researchers

Mode of Study

The course is offered in a face-to-face mode.

Teaching / Evaluation Language

The teaching and evaluation language is Portuguese.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

Assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, aiming 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. Assessment items include:

• Oral or written exams
• Written or practical work
• Individual and group projects that may require an oral defense
• Class participation Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20, and a grade of 10 is required to pass.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The course aims to:

• Deepen theoretical, methodological, and spatial knowledge necessary for an integrated analysis and interpretation of territorial processes and dynamics
• Strengthen specific skills related to knowledge and application of methods, techniques, and technologies for data collection, focusing on fieldwork, remote sensing, and geographic information systems
• Understand and analyze, in a holistic and critical way, biophysical and territorial processes and dynamics
• Enable students to prepare proposals for environmental management and land use planning
• Develop skills for action and intervention in the territory and its management, reinforcing the applied and experimental character of the geographic formation
• Develop skills in application and integration of the knowledge in the realization of diagnoses at different spatial and temporal scales, on the dynamics, problems, and potentialities that surround the environment and the territory

Course Coordinator(s)

The course coordinator is Albano Augusto Figueiredo Rodrigues.

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

The ECTS departmental coordinators are Albano Augusto Figueiredo Rodrigues and Luca António Dimuccio.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The recognition of prior learning is carried out according to the Academic Policy of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must achieve a passing grade in a set of curricular units that amount to a total of 120 ECTS, which also include the completion and public defense of a dissertation, project, or internship report.

Access to Further Studies

The qualification gives access to higher education, namely to third-cycle studies.

Study Programme

The study programme is titled "Geografia Física - Ambiente e Ordenamento do Território".

Academic Year

The academic year is not specified.

Course Type

The course type is 2nd Cycle Studies - Continuity Master Programme.

DGES Code

The DGES code is 6134.

Qualification Awarded

The qualification awarded is a Master’s degree.

Duration

The duration of the course is 2 years.

ECTS Credits

The course has 120 ECTS credits.

Category

The category is Continuity second cycle.

Accreditations

The course is accredited by Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior, with the registration number R/A-Ef 1659/2011/AL02.