Presentation
The Master’s in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology aims to provide specialised, inter- and multidisciplinary advanced training across different areas of Microbiology. This programme highlights and explains the global importance of microorganisms as essential elements in the processes that sustain life and the environment. It equips students with the skills needed to develop innovative potential for the pharmaceutical, food, and materials industries, as well as for environmental remediation and energy production, human and animal health, and other biotechnological applications.
The course focuses on microorganisms and their biotechnological applications, as well as on the research techniques used to study them. It covers topics such as applied microbiological knowledge, biotechnology and bioinformatics, functional principles of microbial cells and communities, research methods in microbiology, and approaches to solving microbiological problems. The programme includes both compulsory and elective courses, allowing students to tailor their study plan to their interests, complemented by elective modules, a seminar, and a project in their chosen area.
Study Programme
1st YEAR- 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Compulsory |
Microbiology |
6 | |
| Compulsory | Microbiology | 6 | |
| Compulsory | Microbiology | 6 | |
| Compulsory | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
| The student must enrol in elective courses, from the list below, to complete 30 ECTS: |
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
| Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
| Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
|
Free Elective |
Elective | Elective | 6 |
1st YEAR - 2nd Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Compulsory | Microbiology | 6 | |
| Compulsory | Microbiology | 6 | |
| Compulsory | Microbiology | 6 | |
| Compulsory | Microbiology | 6 | |
| The student must enrol in elective courses, from the list below, to complete 30 ECTS: |
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
| Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
| Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
| Elective | Interdisciplinary | 6 | |
2nd YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | REGIME | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Compulsory | Microbiology | 6 | ||
| Anual | Elective | Microbiology | 24 | |
| Anual | Elective | Microbiology | 24 | |
2nd YEAR - 2nd Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | REGIME | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Anual | Elective | Microbiology | 30 | |
| Anual | Elective | Microbiology | 30 | |
| The optional course units are offered on a yearly basis, depending on the availability of the Organic Unit. |
| In the 2nd Year, students will have to choose between completing a Dissertation or an Internship. |
General information
- Course Name: Master’s Degree in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology
- Type: 2nd Cycle – Advanced Specialization Master’s Degree
- Degree Awarded: Master
- Course Coordinator: Professor Paula Morais, PhD (pvmorais@ci.uc.pt)
- Mobility Coordinator: Professor António Pereira Coutinho, PhD (cafe@bot.uc.pt)
- Objectives: The Master’s in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology aims to provide specialised, inter- and multidisciplinary advanced training in various areas of Microbiology. The programme covers the domains in which the impact and activity of microorganisms are recognised as highly relevant, namely in industry, human health, and environmental protection. It seeks to foster critical appraisal of scientific literature, equipping students with the confidence required for independent work, both within and beyond academia. Students are expected to develop a broad set of skills to support their future careers through direct contact with lecturers and researchers working in these fields, as well as with professionals in industry and the job market. The operationalisation of these general objectives is implemented within each course unit through specific tasks and activities.
- Duration: 4 semesters
- ECTS: 120
- Career Opportunities: The Master’s provides scientific training that enables graduates to work in various national and international organisations. At the national level: Senior technicians in state institutions, companies, and public bodies in the environmental sector; Higher Education institutions, laboratories, and research centres pursuing training or research in biotechnology and biomedical sciences; pharmaceutical and food industries; R&D laboratories; higher education and research institutions; national and international experts in topics related to environment and health; technicians or specialists in civil society organisations (foundations or NGOs). At the international level: civil society organisations (foundations or NGOs), international agencies, and international research centres.
- Numerus Clausus: 35
- Annual Tuition Fee: National Students: €1,500 / International Students: €7,500
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or legal equivalent in Life and Health Sciences, Biotechnology, Engineering (provided it includes a biological component), or related fields.
- More information: UC website
Other information
Dissertations presented
You can CONSULT the dissertations that were presented at the Department of Life Sciences within the scope of this master's degree.