PhD in Sustainable Forest Development

The PhD in Sustainable Forest Development is a 3rd cycle study program offered by the University of Coimbra in partnership with the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. The program aims to reinforce the training and qualification of human resources that can drive the development of interior rural spaces, create competences to identify, quantify, and manage natural resources, and stimulate sustainable economic dynamics.

General Objectives of the Course

The general objectives of the course are:

• To reinforce the training and qualification of human resources that may be the driving force for the development of the interior rural spaces
• To create competences to identify, quantify, and manage the natural resources of the rural territories of Portugal
• Strengthening the management of natural resources based on the transfer of scientific knowledge
• Stimulate sustainable economic dynamics, based on the efficient use of natural resources associated with the forest, that might counteract the inactivity and underutilization, identifying investment opportunities
• To join synergies and resources of both universities, in a clear signal of dialogue and cooperative work, between two challenging regions of Portugal (North and Centre)

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements are:

• Holders of the master degree or legal equivalent
• Holders of the degree of "licenciado" (bachelor degree), with a particularly relevant academic or scientific curriculum recognized by the Scientific Council of the Organic unit / school responsible for its edition, attesting capacity for the accomplishment of this cycle of studies
• Holders of a an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized by the Scientific Council of the Organic unit / School where they wish to be admitted, attesting ability to carry out this cycle of studies

Professional Goals

The professional goals of the program are:

• Teachers for university and polytechnic education
• Forest Research (e.g., RAIZ - Forest and Paper Research Institute)
• Forestry Technical Offices
• Senior Management in public bodies (e.g., ICNF) or in private companies
• Forest Management Companies (e.g., ZIF, Baldios, Forest Producers' Associations)
• Carbon credit fund consulting

Mode of Study

The mode of study is daytime, full-time, and face-to-face.

Teaching / Evaluation Language

The teaching and evaluation language is Portuguese.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

Evaluation is a key educational activity in the teaching process and is meant to assess the skills and knowledge acquired by students, their critical thinking, and ability to outline and solve problems, as well as their mastery of written and oral expression. Eligible candidates to the exams must be enrolled in the corresponding course units in the academic year of such exams. The evaluation process for each course unit may include one or more of the following evaluation instruments:

• Written or oral exam
• Tests
• Written or practical assignments
• Individual or group projects possibly followed by an oral defence
• Participation in the seminar sessions Grades for each course unit are expressed on an integer scale from 0 to 20. Students must attain a minimum grade of 10 to pass a course unit.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The learning objectives and intended skills of the program are:

• To identify the forested territorial matrix and the main challenges for sustainable development
• To recognize the main agents, public or private, enterprise or associative, and partners' network suitable to drive solutions for territory and societal challenges
• To know and present proposals on the challenges assigned to the forestry sector
• To promote forestry management of communal lands or other forms of forest organization (e.g., ZIF)
• To participate in the development of specific solutions, in the implementation of development projects, and in the application of innovative technology
• To present guidelines in order to improve knowledge transfer to society and to the territory in the forestry sector
• To contribute to a better integration within professional structures whose mission is the protection and prevention against natural or manmade hazards or forest management, as a way for sustainable development integrated into the landscape

Course Coordinator

The course coordinator is Maria Cristina Amaral Penas Nabais dos Santos.

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 is framed in Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of March 24, in the current version; Ordinance no. 782/2009, of July 23.

Graduation Requirements

The graduation requirements are the completion of a set of curricular units (study plan) with 180 ECTS, including a public defense of an original thesis.

Access to Further Studies

The access to further studies is postdoctoral studies.

Study Programme

The study programme is Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Floresta.

Academic Year

The academic year is available for change.

Course Type

The course type is 3rd Cycle Studies.

DGES Code

The DGES code is PA45.

Qualification Awarded

The qualification awarded is a PhD in Sustainable Forest Development.

Duration

The duration of the program is 3 years.

ECTS Credits

The ECTS credits are 180.0.

Annual Fee

The annual fee is 2500.0.

Accreditations

The program is accredited by Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior, with the registration number R/A-Cr 67/2019.

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.