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Bachelor in Biochemistry
​
Prepares professionals with a solid background in the fundamental areas of this science. These include the structure and function of biomolecules, the analysis of molecular structures, the organization ​and physiology of the cell and molecular biology and genetics.​

2025/2026

General

Academic degree:
  • Bachelor (Bologna 1st cycle degree)
ECTS:
180
Duration:
6 curricular semesters
Regime:
Daytime
Place:
Gualtar Campus, Braga (UM)
Main Scientific area:
  • Biochemistry

Contacts

    School of Sciences
    Campus de Gualtar
    4710 - 057 Braga
    Tel: +351 253604390 Fax: +351 253604398
    E-Mail: cpedagogico@ecum.uminho.pt; sec@ecum.uminho.pt
    URL: http://www.ecum.uminho.pt

Description

The Biochemistry Bachelor at the University of Minho trains professionals with a strong background in the various fields of Biochemistry, ranging from biomolecules to organisms functional studies, passing through the use of instrumental methods in the determination of molecular structures, the organization and physiology of the cell, the molecular biology and genetics and bioinformatics. It also ensures the acquisition of skills such as the ability to plan, execute, analyse and report research work, independently or in groups, which constitute an essential requisite of various professional activities or enables students to further continue their training. The course has a 6 semesters duration and is organized into curricular units (CUs) quantifiable according to the European system of curricular credits (ECTS). To obtain the degree it is necessary to perform 180 ECTS. In all the semesters there are CUs specially dedicated to practical activities that support the theoretical contents taught in the other CUs. During the last semester students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in a laboratory environment, in the Project CU. The teachers are qualified and committed, with PhD degrees by recognized universities, and use teaching and learning methodologies that stimulate the independent and cooperative work of the students.

Key learning outcomes

1. Provide students with a general background in the different areas of fundamental sciences.
2. Train professionals with a solid preparation in the various fields of Biochemistry.
3. Provide conditions for students to acquire essential laboratory skills for a Biochemist.
4. Ensure the acquisition of transversal competences, which enable the trainees to a diverse range of professional activities.
5. Confer technical and scientific abilities necessary to access master’s degree courses.
6. Transmit values and fundamental ethical principles for the formation of free, responsible and competent citizens.

Access to higher education

Given the multidisciplinary nature of this degree, the graduates may proceed to a wide range of Master degrees. These will enable them to acquire new and complementary skills, and more specific and advanced knowledge in areas of their choice, complementing their initial education.

Careers

The skills and knowledge acquired during this degree allows the graduates to take scientific, technical and business positions in different sectors of activity including health, pharmaceutical and food industry and also in agriculture and environmental related areas. Nevertheless, the vast majority of graduates continued their training attending a master's degree with considerable success. The chosen areas have been, not only Biochemistry and Applied Biochemistry, but also Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Genetics, Biophysics, Bioengineering and Health Sciences, among many others, demonstrating unequivocally the polyvalence of the given training. After, many continue to PhD and others have found employment in the above-mentioned areas.

Access

75

Vacancies

0

Minimum

Access forms

The access to this Cycle of Studies can be done through the following ways:
- Application for National Access to Higher Education Admissions;
- Application for Special Access to Higher Education Admissions;
- Application for Local Access to Higher Education Admissions;
- Application for Special Access to Higher Education Admissions;
- Application for Access to Higher Education Admissions through Re-Entry, Change and Transfer of Course.

Formal requirements

Entrance Testing

Two of the following exams:
02 Biology and Geology
07 Physics and Chemistry
19 Mathematics A

This information must be verified on
http://www.dges.gov.pt/guias/detcursopi.asp?codc=9015&code=1000

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Regime Curricular Unit Scientific Area ECTS
Year 1 60
S1 Calculus EC M 6
S1 Cell Biology BIO 6
S1 Fundamentals of Chemistry QUI 6
S1 Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry QUI 6
S1 Linear Algebra and Analytical Geometry EC M 6
S2 Biomolecules BQ 6
S2 Chemistry Laboratories QUI 6
S2 General Organic Chemistry QUI 6
S2 Microbiology BIO 6
S2 Physics I Fis 6
Year 2 60
S1 Analytical Biochemistry BQ 6
S1 Biochemistry Laboratories I BQ 6
S1 Metabolism and Regulation I BQ 6
S1 Molecular Biology BQ 6
S1 Physics II Fis 6
S2 Biochemistry Laboratories II BQ 6
S2 Bioinorganic Chemistry BQ 6
S2 Metabolism and Regulation II BQ 6
S2 Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics BQ 6
S2 Statistics EC M 6
Year 3 60
S1 Animal Physiology and Metabolism BIO 6
S1 Biochemistry Laboratories III BQ 6
S1 Enzymology BQ 6
S1 Plant Physiology and Metabolism BIO 6
S1 Opção 1 6
Clinical Biochemistry BQ 6
Complements of Organic Chemistry BQ QUI 6
Green Chemistry QUI 6
Natural Products QUI 6
S2 Project in Biochemistry BQ 15
S2 Opção 2 5
Applied Virology BIO 5
Biology of Freshwater Pollution BIO 5
Biophysics Fis 5
Fundamental Pharmacology BQ 5
Immunology BIO 6
Microbial Biotechnology BIO 5
S2 Opção 3 5
Applied Biochemistry BQ 5
Environmental Analytical Chemistry QUI 6
Glycobiochemistry BQ 5
Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry QUI 6
S2 Opção UMinho 5
Bioethics ECS 6
Business Creation G 6
Collaboration for a Sustainable Development in the Digitalization Era EGI 6
Crime, Deviance and Control SOC 6
Education and Interpersonal Development in the University Context CEd 6
Environment and Energy ENG 6
Fundamentals and Practices of First Aid ENF 6
Galician Language and Culture LLC 6
Gestão de Ativos EC 6
Governance and Public Private Partnerships CA 6
Green Buildings ENG 6
Introduction to the German Language and Culture ELG 6
Introduction to the Spanish Language and Culture ELG 6
Leadership and Entrepreneurship EIS 6
Mathematics Behind Things M 6
Occupational Safety and Health EH 6
Photographic Literacy from Physics to Message Fis 6
Political Issues in the History of the Present Time H 6
Preparing Generation Z Beyond Technologies ENG 6
Principles of Economics E 6
Psychology of Aging and Communication Psi 6
Reading and Writing for Academic Production and Knowledge LEP 6
Scientific Research Methodologies IDP 6
Social Skills and Employability Psi 6
Sport and Health EF 6

Assessment/Accreditation

A3ES Accreditation status:
Accredited
Resolution publication date:
15-09-2020
A3ES deliberation:
https://si.a3es.pt/sia3es/page?stage=ConsultaPublicaProcesso&processID=20806
Registry number at Ministry:
R/A-Ef 2415/2011/AL01
Registry Date:
19-04-2021
Accreditation validity:
31-07-2026