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 1st cycle in Biological Engineering has a duration of 6 semesters (3 years), equivalent to 180 ECTS. The structure is depicted below.

  • 1st year (ECTS)

    • 36
    • 18
    • 6
  • 2nd year (ECTS)

    • 24
    • 36
  • 3rd year (ECTS)

    • 33
    • 3
    • 12
    • 12

Study Plan

The curricula of the 1st and 2nd cycles were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model. The Biological Engineering undergraduate programme derives from the former Biological Engineering Integrated Master’s programme.

  1. Basic Sciences (60 ECTS)

    The basic sciences courses of this undergraduate programme ensure the fundamental training in:

    • Mathematics
    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    • Physics
    • Programming
  2. Core Structure (87 ECTS)

    The core training aims to complement the basic sciences by deepening knowledge in:

    • Specific Fields (examples: molecular biology, microbiology, bioanalytical chemistry, genetic engineering, enzyme engineering or cell and tissue engineering)
    • Engineering Sciences (examples: production and separation processes, thermodynamics, mass or energy transport phenomena)
  3. Pre-Major Options (12 ECTS)

    In the final year, students have the opportunity to choose specific subjects covering a wide range of fields that can be deepened in the master’s degree (the major).

  4. Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (9 ECTS)

    The humanist curricular component plays an important role in harnessing architects’ curiosity about the world they live in as well as understanding it, empowering them to actively respond to its challenges, using scientific and technological knowledge, in a more appropriate and contextualised way.

    Students can choose subjects, offered in several faculties of ULisboa, from areas such as Management, Economics, Literature, Psychology, Visual Arts or Sport, among others.

    Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

  5. Integrative Project (12 ECTS)

    In order to improve the knowledge acquired during the undergraduate degree, students are challenged to work on a topic related to Biological Engineering that may be based on a real challenge, whose solution will be developed in teams.

Entry Requirements

National Admission to Higher education

  • National Admission Exams1: Mathematics A + Physics and Chemistry
  • Application Grade2: MS x 50% + PI x 50%

1 Minimum grade point: 100 points (out of 200)

2 Minimum grade point: 120 points (out of 200)

MS: high school final arithmetic average grade | PI: Average of national admission exams’ grades.

National Admission to Higher Education

Admissions can also be done through one of the following ways:

  • Course Change and Transfer
  • Holders of Middle Level/Higher Education degrees
  • Applicants over the age of 23
  • Special Admission Regime for International Students

More information about admissions to Técnico (national and international candidates) is available at:

Admissions

Students' Organisations

Técnico students autonomously and proactively stimulate projects that complement their academic background. For example, Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value, making them more competitive in the labour market.

The Biological Engineering Students’ Organisation (NEB) is the main structure of 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