Presentation
Biology integrates several levels of knowledge, from the functioning of the cell to the organism, to genetic diversity and forms, to its evolution, and to the integration and interaction of organisms in the construction of ecosystems. In this sense, the degree in Biology has three fundamental pillars of knowledge: biodiversity and evolution, metabolism, physiology and ecology. Like any science, it needs a basic training in Mathematics (the language of science), Physics (to understand the mechanics of processes) and Chemistry (the organic basis of life), before entering the more specific areas of Biology. The training of biologists, with solid knowledge, is fundamental in a world in permanent change, especially in a time already recognized by many scientists as the Anthropocene Era.
As Charles Darwin said, "It is not the strongest that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one that best adapts to change." The contribution of the various areas of Biology is imperative to understand the reaction of organisms to environmental changes, the role of biodiversity and the interactions of organisms in the functioning of ecosystems. Biology encompasses an enormous diversity of knowledge and, as philosopher Bertrand Russell would say, "teaches us to live without certainty and without being paralyzed by hesitation".
Study programme
1st YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Cellular Biology | Compulsory | Biology | 4.5 |
| Animal Diversity | Compulsory | Biology | 4.5 |
| Mathematics | Compulsory | Maths | 6.0 |
| Methods and Techniques in Cytology and Physiology | Compulsory | Biology | 4.5 |
| Chemistry | Compulsory | Chemistry | 6.0 |
| Zoology | Compulsory | Biology | 4.5 |
1st YEAR - 2nd Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Molecular Biology | Compulsory | Biology | 3 |
| Biochemistry | Compulsory | Biochemistry | 6 |
| Plant Diversity | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Evolution | Compulsory | Biology | 3 |
| Physics | Compulsory | Physics | 6 |
| Methods and Techniques in Molecular Biology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
2nd YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Algae and Fungi | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Biostatistics | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Population and Community Ecology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Cellular Phisiology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Genetics | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
2nd YEAR - 2º Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Diffentiation & Development | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Functional Ecology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Animal Physiology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Plant Physiology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Option 1 | Elective | |
|
The student should register, in the 2nd semester, in a curricular unit of 6 ECTS from the list below. If the student chooses any other optional subject outside the Plan of this Degree (taught at the UC through the free list rule), the registration is subject to approval by the course coordinator. |
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Translational Biology and Biomedicine | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Societal Challenges - Environment | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Ecophysiology | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Estuarine Benthic Ecology | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Chemical Ecology in Aquatic Systems | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Project in Applied Biology II | Elective | Biology | 6 |
3rd YEAR - 1st Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Bioinformatics | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Biology of Conservation | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Microbiology | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Option 2 | Elective | | 6 |
| Option 3 | Elective | | 6 |
|
The student should register in two curricular unit of 12 ECTS from the following list: |
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Aquaculture and Fisheries | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Behavioural Biology | Elective | Anthropology | 6 |
| Marine Biology and Ecology | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Plant Biotecnology | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Societal Challenges - Health | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Human Phisiology | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Indicadores Ecológicos | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Primatology | Elective | Anthropology | 6 |
| Project in Applied Biology 1 | Elective | Biology | 6 |
3rd YEAR - 2nd Semester
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Plant Development | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Metabolism | Compulsory | Biology | 6 |
| Option 4 | Elective | | 6 |
| Option 5 | Elective | | 6 |
| Option 6 | Elective | | 6 |
|
The student should register in three curricular unit of 18 ECTS from the following list: |
| COURSE UNIT TITLE | TYPE | SUBJECT AREA | ECTS |
| Translational Biology and Biomedicine | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Societal Challenges - Environment | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Ecophysiology | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Estuarine Benthic Ecology | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Chemical Ecology in Aquatic Systems | Elective | Biology | 6 |
| Project in Applied Biology II | Elective | Biology | 6 |
|
The student must complete 36 ECTS in optional curricular units in the scientific areas of Biology, Anthropology, Biochemistry or Geology, with 6 ECTS corresponding to the Free Option (any curricular unit of the University of Coimbra). All choices subject to approval by the course coordinator. |
Study programme with Minor
Consult the STUDY PROGRAMME in order to know the distribution of subjects over the 6 semesters, as well as the list of Minors you can choose from.
General information
- Course name: Bachelor´s degree in Biology
- Course type: 1st Cycle Studies
- Qualification awarded: Licenciado
- Course coordinator:Prof. Leonel Pereira (leonel.pereira@uc.pt)
- Mobility coordinator:Prof. António Pereira Coutinho (cafe@bot.uc.pt)
- Objectives of the course: The aim of this program is to promote training in Biology, including a broad range of areas, such as: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physiology, Developmental Biology, Biodiversity and Systematics, Genetics, Ecology, Environment, Conservation and Bioinformatics.
The following are also objectives of this program:
- To provide essential knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry.
- To provide a solid scientific, theoretical and laboratory training allowing the student to pursue a career in several fields: Research, Industry (Food, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology) and Science Promotion, both nationally and internationally.
- To provide an initial training in a wide range of subjects within Biology being the basis for an advanced training in several areas of specialization, within the European education context. - Duration: 6 semesters
- ECTS credits: 180
- Professional goals: Careers in scientific research (Universities and research institutes), careers in productive activities, such as Clinical Laboratories and Diagnostics, Pharmaceutical and Food Industry, Biotechnology, Toxicology and also public administration (museums, protected areas management, municipalities, among others).
- Numerus clausus: 95
- Admission requirements: National Call for Access and Entry to Higher Education (DGES):
One of the following sets: 02 Biology and Geology / 02 Biology and Geology and 07 Physics and Chemistry / 02 Biology and Geology and 16 Mathematics - More information: UC website