Master's Degree in Experimental Pathology

The Master's Degree in Experimental Pathology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques of experimental pathology. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and conduct research projects in experimental pathology, using both in vivo and in vitro models.

General Objectives of the Course

The objectives of the course are:

1. To know the rules and essential legislation relating to laboratorial research in vivo with laboratory animals, in vitro, and with the human species.
2. To know the morphofunctional and biopathological bases of the planification and development of experimental models in Pathology.
3. To be able to express a reasoned critical opinion in terms of ethics and bioethics, including animals' well-being, regarding projects of Experimental Pathology.
4. To be able to plan a research project in Experimental Pathology.
5. To be able to carry out laboratorial procedures with laboratory animals, namely the collection of products for analysis and take part in the post-mortem examination.
6. To use tissue culture techniques for Experimental Pathology studies.

Admission Requirements

The candidates to second cycle study programs must be:

• Holders of a first cycle or integrated cycle in the area of Health Sciences, Life Sciences, and Technological Sciences.
• Foreign degree holders of first cycle study programmes organised according to the Bolonha Process by a country where this Process is available, in the areas mentioned above.
• Foreign degree holders of courses recognised with the objectives of a licensee degree by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra.
• Holders of academic, scientific, or professional curricula recognised by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, declaring abilities of the candidate to prosecute this study programme.

Professional Goals

This Master's degree is intended to create conditions for the improvement of research capacity in the medium and long term. Thus, this Master's degree contributes to the training of new specialists even more able to practice scientific research, particularly in the area of Pathology, using experimental models in vivo and in vitro. It promotes an increase in the quality of professional and scientific activities and in research.

Mode of Study

The course is delivered in full-time or part-time attendance and daytime schedule.

Teaching / Evaluation Language

Portuguese

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 registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. 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 assessment includes more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

During the present study programme, we work on the main knowledge to work in the laboratory with safety and to have competencies in planning and developing projects of research in Experimental Pathology, in its main areas. The students must acquire the main objectives:

• Know and apply procedures for Laboratory Safety, Laboratory Waste Management, Animal Facilities, Animal Maintenance, and Manipulation.
• Know and apply techniques for Light Microscopy, Histochemistry, Immunohistochemistry for Optical Microscopy, Electronic Microscopy, Molecular Biology, Morphometrics, and Instrumental Techniques of Image Analysis, Tissue cultures, Organ Baths, Informatics Simulation, Experimental techniques for Nuclear Medicine, Imagiology, and Neurophysiology.
• Know the basis about biomaterials and its medical applications. Know the principles of biomaterial testing, mainly concerning biocompatibility.
• Know and perform the procedures of collecting tissue fragments for Experimental Pathology and join the execution of the routine techniques of Histology; morphologic basis for the diagnosis in light microscopy.
• Perform simple diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.
• Recognise the differences between the morphologic lesions among different species, comparing to the human being.
• Make the project and perform experimental models of neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathology of the different organic systems.
• Perform an experimental model: project, accomplishment, and report.
• Know the organic action of toxics, its metabolization, and the concepts about toxicity and reference values; techniques for toxic identification, applications, and limitations; mechanisms of toxic actions specially for liver, kidney, heart, lung, and nervous system; models of toxicology in vitro and in vivo. Project and accomplish these models.
• Know laboratory procedures for stem cells conditioning, mainly adult stem cells.
• Know and accomplish procedures for analgesia and anesthesia in the laboratory small animals in experimental surgery, suturing techniques, and surgical procedures in digestive and urinary tracts and splenectomy.
• Make contact with the reality in the society, mainly the clinical fields where the results of Experimental Pathology research are important and in the enterprises which resources and technologies can be applied in this kind of research.
• The evaluation is always performed by a written exam, complemented in some cases with other exams: practical, technical/laboratory, or monograph.

Course Coordinator(s)

Maria Filomena Rabaça Roque Botelho

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Ricardo José David Costa Vieira

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 legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law no. 74/2006, 24th March, amended and republished by the decree: DL no 107/2008, 25th June; Ordinance no. 782/2009, 23rd July.

Graduation Requirements

The Master's degree requires the successful completion of all units of study in the study plan, as well as a dissertation or the stage, totalling 120 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

The Master’s degree in Experimental Pathology will be achieved when the student obtains 120 ECTS. The course duration is 4 semesters. After obtaining a Master's degree, it is possible to advance to the third cycle of studies or PhD.

Study Programme

Master's Degree in Experimental Pathology

Academic Year

Change year

Course Type

2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code

6204

Qualification Awarded

Master's Degree

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-Ef 1675/2011/AL01

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.