Program Overview

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Master’s Degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences

General Objectives of the Course

This Master’s course aims to provide advanced and specialized training of specialists able to contribute to the definition of a Portuguese policy in the area of Legal Medicine and other Forensic Sciences, cooperate with justice entities, conducting legal medicine examinations and forensic expertise, provide technical and laboratorial support, coordinate and supervise technical and scientific activities, taking part in the organization and management of legal medical services in Portugal. The course duration is 4 semesters (2 academic years) - 120 ECTS.

Admission Requirements

• May apply for the registration and enrollment graduates in Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Psychology, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, Anthropology, Criminal Sciences and Police Sciences, or other similar degrees (classification minimum 14).
• The Scientific Council of the Medical School may admit the registration candidates whose curriculum vitae reveals an adequate scientific preparation, even though the degree referred to in paragraph a) of paragraph 2, have ratings lower than 14.
• Can also apply foreign degree holders, following the 1st cycle of studies organized according to the Bologna Process, in the same national conditions.
• Applicants from non-member countries to the Bologna Process must submit an authorization of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Medicine to apply to the Master.

Professional Goals

The Master allows students to acquire skills needed to practice forensic activity with a higher technical and scientific level, depending on the graduation area, as well as to develop interest and research capacity in this field.

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

Promote qualified multidisciplinary postgraduate training within the Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences to graduates in different fields and academic backgrounds, providing them with technical and scientific training that will allow an effective and appropriate action in the areas of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. Encourage curiosity for scientific research in the areas studied and provide monitoring that enables, in particular, the research activity. Develop research into clinical disciplines, laboratory and other forensic application. Promote interrelationship between knowledge and contents of Forensic Medicine and other disciplines in the scope of Legal Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Course Coordinator

Duarte Nuno Pessoa Vieira

ECTS Departmental Coordinator

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, totaling 120 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

The Master’s degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences will be achieved when the student obtains 120 ECTS. The course duration is 2 academic years. After obtaining a Master's degree, it is possible to advance to the third cycle of studies (PhD).

Study Programme

Master's Degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences

Academic Year

Change year

Course Type

2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code

6653

Qualification Awarded

Master’s Degree in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences

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 1673/2011/AL01

Calendar

1st Semester

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• End date: 2nd Semester
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