Programme Overview
Molecular Science is a scientific area with a huge impact on the development of today’s society with the study and development of new compounds, materials or products that respond to societal, environmental and industrial challenges, whether in the pharmaceutical or fine-chemical, agro-food or polymers and nanomaterials. A Técnico MSc in Molecular Science and Engineering designs new molecules using advanced molecular modeling tools, synthesize and characterize them using qualitative and quantitative laboratory experimentation. In addition, they work on optimizing the synthesis process of these compounds and materials, assessing individual and environmental risks, innovating in terms of their sustainability.
Programme Structure
The 2nd Cycle in Molecular Science and Engineering has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), equivalent to 120 ECTS. The structure is depicted 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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18
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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 MSc programme in Molecular Science and Engineering derives from the former MSc in Chemistry.
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Core Structure (66 ECTS)
The MSc in Molecular Science and Engineering (Major) deepens knowledge in topics such as Molecular Design, Molecular Dynamics, Organic Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Polymer and Nanomaterials Design and Chemical Analysis.
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Free options (24 ECTS)
Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose subjects not only in Chemistry, but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.
This component offers you the possibility to take a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary modules- which corresponds to 18 ECTS credits. The offer cuts across all programmes taught at Técnico.
Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS credit points.
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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 in Molecular Science and Engineering is aimed at graduates in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Materials and related fields.
The course is entirely taught in English.
Career Opportunities
Técnico MSc graduates in Molecular Science and Engineering may work in industry and services, namely in research and development, or in academia in areas such as Fine Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Agri-food Industry, Polymers, Coatings, Nanomaterials, Environment and Energy. They are able to develop activities such as:
- Design and synthesis of new molecules;
- Development of sustainable chemicals;
- Study and development of new polymeric and nanomaterials architectures;
- Quality control;
- Marketing of products, equipment and processes;
- Consulting, leadership, leadership and management functions;
- Vocational training and education.
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.
