Programme Overview
Biological Engineering develops new solutions for scientific and technical problems in areas at the intersection of Biology with Engineering. The role of a biological engineer encompasses studying, designing and developing new biotechnology-based products and services with applications to the health and agri food sector and the environment, which are vital for the wellbeing of a modern, fair and sustainable society.
Programme Structure
The 2nd Cycle in Biological Engineering has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), equivalent to 120 ECTS. The structure is depicted bellow.
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1st year (ECTS)
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42
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18
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2nd year (ECTS)
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6
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12
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12
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30
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The curricula of the 1st and 2nd Cycle were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model and pedagogical practices. The BSc in Biological Engineering derives from the former Integrated MSc in Biological Engineering.
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Core Structure (48 ECTS)
The MSc in Biological Engineering (Major) allows the student to improve knowledge acquired in the 1st Cycle, and tackles topics such as:
- Molecular and Bioprocess Engineering (production and purification of biological products)
- Biological Sciences and Bioinformatics
- Production, Operations and Quality Management
- Systems and Process Control
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Free options (30 ECTS)
Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose subjects not only in Bioengineering, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.
This component includes the possibility of taking a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary courses – which corresponds to 18 ECTS. The offer cuts across all programmes taught at Técnico.
Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS.
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Integrative Project (12 ECTS)
In order to incorporate knowledge acquired in this MSc programme, students are proposed to conduct group work research for a project on a biological product and how to bring it to the market, merging knowledge of bioprocess design, raw materials, equipment and economic assessment.
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Dissertation (30 ECTS)
The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialise on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:
- Scientific thesis
- Internship at a company
- Capstone project
Target Audience
The MSc programme in Biological Engineering is intended for graduates in areas related to Engineering, namely Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and related areas.
The programme is taught in Portuguese however may there be international or mobility students enrolled, the curricular units will be taught in English.
Career Opportunities
Biological engineers may work in the fields of agriculture and food processing, environment, bioenergy, industrial biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and health, and are able to pursue careers in:
- Project, development, optimization and operation of industrial bioprocesses;
- Development of chemical, biotechnological and cosmetic-based materials, products and devices with different applications;
- Planning, development and implementation of chemical and biochemical, microbiological and molecular analyses;
- Research and development;
- Quality control;
- Commercialization of products, equipment and processes;
- Consultancy, leadership, supervision and management;
- Vocational training and teaching.
Facts & Figures
97.4%
employed MSc graduates
73%
employability in the field of expertise
19.2%
internationalisation
Source: Técnico Employability Observatory | Data for 2016/17 academic year.
Entry requirements
To apply for a 2nd Cycle at Técnico you should:
- hold a 1st cycle degree in Science and Technology (except in the case of the 2nd cycle in Architecture, which requires a 1st cycle degree in Architecture);
- hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.
Candidates are selected according to these criteria:
- affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
- type of degree they hold;
- academic success in the programme they attended.
Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.
Students' Organisations
Técnico students autonomously and proactively stimulate projects that complement their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.
The Biological Engineering Group (NEB) is the main structure for Biological Engineering students, which promotes:
- Study visits and workshops
- The Bioengineering Week
- The Biological Engineering Challenge
- The Collaboration in the Open Bioengineering Laboratories
- NEBLetter (Course journal)
- A repository of study material
- Alumni Sessions and collaboration with the Alumni Group
- Técnico Summer Internships
