Programme Overview
Biotechnology is an emerging area that proposes technological and industrial applications for Biological Sciences, studying a range of subjects from cells and organisms characterization to the technological equipment necessary for their handling and use. Masters in Biotechnology have advanced training in multidisciplinary fields of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Technologies, allowing them to develop production processes and purification of bioproducts in the fermentation, pharmaceutical, agro-food, chemical and environmental industries.
Study Plan
The 2nd Cycle in Biotechnology has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), equivalent to 120 ECTS, with the curriculum component described below.
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1st year (ECTS)
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48
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12
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2nd year (ECTS)
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12
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18
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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 (former programme structure).
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Core Structure (48 ECTS)
The Master in Biotechnology (Major) deepens the knowledge in subjects such as Molecular Engineering, Bioprocesses, Genomics, Computational Biology, Microbiology, Cell and Tissue Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, among others.
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Free options (30 ECTS)
Parte do currículo é de opção totalmente livre, significando que poderão ser escolhidas disciplinas não só das áreas da Biotecnologia, como de qualquer área científica oferecida no Técnico.
Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose subjects not only in Biotechnology, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.
In Biotechnology, one of the following secondary specialization areas (18 ECTS) can be chosen:
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology
- Bioprocess Technology and Industrial Biotechnology
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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Project (18 ECTS)
In order to integrate the knowledge acquired in the Master, two projects are proposed:
- Biotechnological Industries Project (6 ECTS): carried out in groups, about a biological product and how to produce it, integrating knowledge of bioprocess design, raw materials, equipment and economic evaluation.
- 2nd Cycle Integrating Project (12 ECTS): individually or in groups, in an academic or business environment, about a Biotechnology challenge.
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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 Master’s in Biotechnology is intended for graduates in areas related to Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biochemistry and related fields.
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
Técnico’s Masters in Biotechnology work in areas such as the Agro-Food Industry, Environment, Industrial Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry, Health, and may develop activities such as:
- Bioprocess operation;
- Development of chemical, biotechnological and biomedical based materials, products and devices;
- Idealization, development and implementation of chemical and biochemical, microbiological and molecular analyses;
- Scientific research and development;
- Quality control;
- Consulting, leadership and management functions;
- Professional training and teaching.
Facts & Figures
90%
employed MSc graduates
88,95
employability in the area of study
0%
internationalization
Source: Técnico Employability Observatory | 2016/17 academic year data.
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 stimulate autonomously and proactively projects that act as a complement to their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.
The students of the programmes taught at the Bioengineering Department gather together annually for Bioengineering Week, which promotes contact with different companies, researchers and professions.
