PhD in History of Sciences and Scientific Education

The PhD in History of Sciences and Scientific Education is a multidisciplinary academic program that focuses on the role of history of science in scientific education and in the public understanding of science. This program configures a multidisciplinary academic space that includes history of science, scientific education, the communication and dissemination of science, and the philosophy and sociology of sciences.

General Objectives of the Course

The central role played today in society by Science and Technology (S&T) requires a critical and systematic reflection on science and its applications. This PhD program leads to the formation of new researchers in areas related to the historical development and social and cultural function of S&T in connection with scientific education, the management of scientific information, and the preservation of scientific cultural heritage.

Admission Requirements

To join the program, the applicant must satisfy the conditions laid down by national law, in specific normative applicable and, in particular, satisfy at least one of the alternatives expressed in the following paragraphs:

• Hold a Master's degree, or legal equivalent in Science Teaching, in History and Philosophy of Science, in Experimental Sciences or Humanities and Social Sciences, or a related field;
• Hold a Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent, and hold a relevant scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized as attesting the capacity to carry out this cycle of studies by the Scientific Program;
• Presenting an academic or professional curriculum that is recognized by the Scientific Committee as attesting the capacity to carry out this cycle of studies.

Mode of Study

The program is offered in face-to-face, daytime, and blended learning modes, supported on a platform like Moodle. Part-time enrollment is also admitted.

Teaching / Evaluation Language

The teaching and evaluation language is Portuguese.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

The evaluation rules and classification are defined in the terms established by Scholar Regulation at the University of Coimbra (Regulation nº. 344/2010, Official Gazette, Series II, of April 12, 2010), and Regulation of Studies at the University of Aveiro (Regulation nº. 214/2012, Official Gazette, Series II, of June 5, 2012).

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The program aims to:

• Understand the most important aspects of the evolution of science, analyzing its development as part of the intellectual and social experience of humanity;
• Develop advanced research skills in the field of History of Science and Scientific Education;
• Promote the acquisition of working methods according to current trends of historiography and pedagogy, for research in international and national units or integration in formal education institutions, dissemination of science and technology, network programming of science and culture (public and private) and other broadcasters and users of science;
• Identify, preserve, and display the Portuguese scientific heritage (museological and archival);
• Encourage scientific reading and writing, the in-depth appropriation of scientific contents, the development of autonomous work in multidisciplinary research contexts, both nationally and internationally.

Course Coordinator

The course coordinator is João Rui Couto da Rocha Pita.

ECTS Departmental Coordinator

The ECTS departmental coordinator is Marta Cristina Cardoso de Oliveira.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning will be done under the terms established by the Regulations for Studies and Doctoral Programmes of UA and UC, imposed either by the Decree-­Law 74/2006, amended by Decree-­Law nº 107/2008 of 25 June and the Decree-­Law nº 230/2009 of 14 September, either by Regulation Scholar at the University of Coimbra (Regulation No. 344/2010, Official Gazette, Series II, from April 12, 2010), and Regulation Studies at the University of Aveiro (Regulation No. 214/2012, Official Gazette, Series II, from June 5, 2012).

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The qualification requirements and regulations are defined by Decree-Law no 74/2006, from March 24, amended by the decree no 107/2008, from June 25, and by the decree no 230/2009, from September 14; Ordinance no. 782/2009, from July 23.

Graduation Requirements

The course consists of three curricular units in the scientific area of History of Science and Scientific Education and one Free Option unit in the first semester, totaling 24 mandatory ECTS and 6 free ECTS. In the second semester, students conduct a research project corresponding to 30 ECTS. The second and third years of the doctoral program are aimed at creating a thesis, corresponding to a total of 120 ECTS.

Study Programme

The study programme includes:

• History of Sciences and Scientific Education

Academic Year

The academic year details are available upon request.

Course Type

The course type is 3rd Cycle Studies.

DGES Code

The DGES code is 5876.

Qualification Awarded

The qualification awarded is a PhD in History of Sciences and Scientific Education.

Duration

The duration of the course is 3 years.

ECTS Credits

The total ECTS credits required for the course is 180.0.

Annual Fee

The annual fee for the course is 2350.0.

Accreditations

The course is accredited by Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior, with the registration number R/A-Cr 10/2013.

Universidade de Coimbra

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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)

---

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.