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Master Degree in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change

The demographic increase and technological development have led to the degradation of natural resources. The awareness that it is better to prevent than to solve problems leads to the need to manage natural resources in a sustainable way. A solid knowledge in Ecology, namely on the factors determining the diversity of biological communities and the functional consequences of biodiversity change, is essential if we aim to contribute to the sustainability of ecosystems. The course provides an opportunity for the development of knowledge, skills and other attributes for a career in Applied Biology, Environmental Sciences, Conservation and Management of Natural Resources, aiming to integrate into the labour market or to proceed to a 3rd cycle of studies.

The Master Course in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change adopts a modular teaching system. Each curricular unit (UC) takes place alone and sequentially in time. The Course has no areas of specialization. Specialized training is ensured by the existence of a set of optional UCs, as advanced courses, where students have the opportunity to interact with renowned national and international experts. The teaching methodologies are diversified and include theoretical, laboratory and field classes in order to meet the objectives of each UC. Students are stimulated to interact strongly with teachers. Master's theses are developed in different environments: research laboratories, companies and associations, allowing a great diversity of approaches and professional opportunities.

The Master course in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change runs for 4 semesters, corresponding to 120 ECTS. The 1st year includes 10 curricular units: 7 are compulsory and 3 are optional. The 2nd year is totally devoted to the dissertation.

The Master in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change provides a high-level of scientific education and it is designed to enable students to gain knowledge, skills and other attributes in Ecology to handle with complex problems related to Applied Biology, Environmental Sciences and Conservation Biology. Students are mentored with the goal of becoming experts and leaders to pursue doctoral studies (C3) or to embrace diverse professional carriers, such as universities, research institutions, environmental and planning offices, public administration, non-governmental organizations, and industrial companies and services.

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements

Ranking criteria

The ranking of candidates will be based on the ranking resulting from the application of the following algorithm:

Final classification [0-20] = 0.20 A + 0.60 B + 0.20 C

where components A, B and C are defined below.

It is also considered the following table 1, which defines the P weight given to the candidate's previous type of training:

	P
Bachelor in Biological Sciences, Biology and Geology, Environmental Sciences, Marine Sciences, Agroforestry Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biochemistry and other related areas	1
Bachelors in other related areas	0,7

Component A:

Component A is calculated by the formula:

A=20*P

where P is the value given in table 1 according to the candidates previous training.

Component B:

Component B is given by the formula:

B=Med*0.75*P + OA*0.25

where P is defined in table 1, and Med and OA correspond to:

• Med: Final classification of degree, from 0 to 20;

• OA: Other relevant aspects in the scientific area of the cycle of studies such as presentations at scientific events, authorship of published works, participation in research projects, conducting internships, etc., whose ratings are assigned, from 0 to 20, by the Master's Course Steering Committee.

Component C:

Component C, valued from 0 to 20, is calculated as the sum of the ratings attributed by the Master's Course Steering Committee to the various dimensions of the candidate's technical and professional curriculum, in the area of the cycle of studies, as relevant professional activity, coordination and participation in projects, professional training, etc.

Applications 2026/2027 »»

2026/2027

General

Academic degree:

Master's degree

ECTS:

120

Duration:

4 curricular semesters

Regime:

Daytime

Place:

Gualtar Campus, Braga (UM)

Main Scientific area:

Ecology

Contacts

Course Director

Ronaldo Gomes Sousa

d4903@bio.uminho.pt

253604310

Mobility Academic Coordinator

Rui Pedro Soares Oliveira

ruipso@bio.uminho.pt

601512

School of Sciences

Campus de Gualtar
4710 - 057 Braga

+351 253604390

+351 253604398

cpedagogico@ecum.uminho.pt; sec@ecum.uminho.pt

http://www.ecum.uminho.pt

Description

The scientific and educational project of the Master course in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change offers advanced specialized training using high-throughput techniques (e.g. next generation sequencing, remote sensing and advanced computing) in different areas of Ecology. The course is part of UMinho projects, which, in its genesis, are aimed at serving the young population, offering a range of training in diversified areas of knowledge. In addition, UMinho scientific and technological courses are also designed to satisfy the labor market in significant areas of the economic activity in the region. For this purpose, UMinho has always worked closely with employers, in order to ensure that students acquire the skills necessary for their future professional performance. Currently, due to the expansion and qualification of the staff, exclusively constituted by doctoral elements, and to the quality of its research, UMinho offers numerous and prestigious professional opportunities that extend beyond the region in which it is inserted.

Key learning outcomes

Biodiversity loss, overexploitation of resources, and climate change affect the structure and function of ecosystems, with impacts on biological communities and human well-being. The Master's course in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change aims at contributing to:
1. understand the functional importance of biodiversity in ecosystems and the services they provide;
2. assess the effects of stressors on biological systems;
3. promote the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems;
4. develop the ability of scientific and technical intervention in Ecology, through the planning and implementation of experiments / projects, in the interpretation and analysis of scientific literature;
5. ameliorate the ability to present and discuss results (written and oral form);
6. stimulate critical and constructive thinking;
7. training objective thinking and problem-centered approach;
8. develop skills for personal and intellectual autonomy;
9. promote ethical conduct;
10. provide knowledge on multidisciplinary methodologies and topics in Ecology, Biodiversity and Global Change.

Access to higher education

The Master course prepares students for C3 courses in the areas of Ecology, Marine Sciences, Agroforestry Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Sustainability and related areas.

Careers

The C2 degree allows for the integration in private environmental consulting firms, state institutions or environmental agencies (e.g. City Councils, Environmental Ministry, and Natural Parks) and non-governmental organizations.

Access

23

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

The access to this Cycle of Study can be done at the Students Portal of the University of Minho
https://alunos.uminho.pt/EN/candidates/MastersDegrees/Pages/default.aspx

This information does not replace consultation of the Academic Regulations of the University of Minho and other official documents.

Formal requirements

Holders of a Bachelor's degree (or legally equivalent qualification) in Biological Sciences, Biology and Geology, Environmental Sciences, Marine Sciences, Agroforestry Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biochemistry, or related fields.
Students may also apply under Article 52 of the Regulamento Académico da Universidade do Minho (RAUM).

Application deadlines

Information on Application Deadlines can be found at:
https://www.ecum.uminho.pt/en/Ensino/Pages/Applications-for-Master-Programmes-.aspx

Registration deadlines

Information on Registration Deadlines can be found at:
https://www.ecum.uminho.pt/en/Ensino/Pages/Applications-for-Master-Programmes-.aspx

Aditional Information

Study Plan

When applicable, the elective curricular units available as well as the registration conditions and the number of vacancies will be indicated annually.

Regime	Curricular Unit	Scientific Area	ECTS
Year 1			60
S1	Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning and Services	ECO	6
S1	Field and Laboratory Ecology	ECO	6
S1	Landscape Ecology and Conservation	ECO	6
S1	Molecular Ecology and Evolution	ECO	6
S1	Quantitive Ecology	ECO	6
S2	Advanced Topics in Ecology and Global Change	ECO	6
S2	Project in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change	ECO	6
S2	Opção 1		6
	Agroecology	ECO	6
	Biological Invasions	ECO	6
	Biology of Coastal and Transitional Waters	ECO	6
	Conservação em Ecossistemas de Água Doce	ECO	6
	Global Change and Biodiversity: Implications for Ecosystems Services	ECO	6
	Next Generation Sequencing in Environmental Monitoring	ECO	6
	River Restoration and Ecosystem Services	ECO	6
	Stress Biology and Ecotoxicology	ECO	6
S2	Opção 2		6
	Agroecology	ECO	6
	Biological Invasions	ECO	6
	Biology of Coastal and Transitional Waters	ECO	6
	Conservação em Ecossistemas de Água Doce	ECO	6
	Global Change and Biodiversity: Implications for Ecosystems Services	ECO	6
	Next Generation Sequencing in Environmental Monitoring	ECO	6
	River Restoration and Ecosystem Services	ECO	6
	Stress Biology and Ecotoxicology	ECO	6
S2	Opção 3		6
	Advances in Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics	GM	6
	Agroecology	ECO	6
	Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning and Services	ECO	6
	Biological Invasions	ECO	6
	Biology of Coastal and Transitional Waters	ECO	6
	Conservação em Ecossistemas de Água Doce	ECO	6
	Molecular Responses of Plants in a Changing Environment.	BioMP	6
	Next Generation Sequencing in Environmental Monitoring	ECO	6
	Plant-Microbe Interactions	BVeg	6
	River Restoration and Ecosystem Services	ECO	6
	Stress Biology and Ecotoxicology	ECO	6
Year 2			60
A	Dissertation	ECO	60

Assessment/Accreditation

A3ES Accreditation status:

Accredited

Resolution publication date:

19-03-2026

A3ES deliberation:

https://si.a3es.pt/sia3es/page?stage=ConsultaPublicaProcesso&processID=27937

Registry number at Ministry:

R/A-Ef 2479/2011/AL02

Registry Date:

27-03-2026

Accreditation validity:

31-07-2032

Master Degree in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements

Ranking criteria

General

Contacts

Description

Key learning outcomes

Access to higher education

Careers

Access

23

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

Formal requirements

Application deadlines

Registration deadlines

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Assessment/Accreditation

Useful links

School of Sciences

Campus de Gualtar, Edifício 6

Information

Social Media

Master Degree in Biodiversity, Ecology and Global Change

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements​

Ranking criteria

General

Contacts

Description

Key learning outcomes

Access to higher education

Careers

Access

23

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

Formal requirements

Application deadlines

Registration deadlines

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Assessment/Accreditation

Access requirements