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  Master Degree in Molecular Genetics

The Master Degree in Molecular Genetics is organized according to the principles of Bologna process, comprising two years and 120 credits (ECTS). In the first year the Master?s programme encompasses eight curricular units designed to provide students with high-level knowledge and training in the fields of Cellular and Functional Biology and Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology. 

The courses focus mainly on the molecular understanding of cellular function and complex biological processes, and on the use of modern research tools and techniques to unravel these molecular mechanisms. In the second year students will develop individual research projects, which will be formally presented both written, as a thesis, and orally in a public discussion.

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements​

Ranking criteria










2024/2025

General


Academic degree:
  • Master's degree
ECTS:
120
Duration:
4 curricular semesters
Regime:
Daytime
Place:
Gualtar Campus, Braga (UM)
Main Scientific area:
  • Molecular Genetics

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 course aims to provide solid and updated scientific training in Genetics / Molecular and Cellular Biology for the creation of high quality skills of knowledge, particularly in its praxis area. Students will acquire scientific capacity to intervene at various levels, such as the planning of experiments, discussion and presentation of results. It is intended (1) to stimulate critical thinking, constructive, necessary to teamwork, (2) train the objective reasoning and focused on solving specific problems, and (3) develop the capacities of autonomous work, either in conceptual or research implementation of new methodologies.

Key learning outcomes


Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
1. Identify the advantages and limitations of different organisms as cellular and genetic models;
2. Discuss the different applications of cellular and genetic models, namely the expression of proteins, gene deletion and manipulation strategies, as well as the concept of synthetic lethality;
3. Distinguish biological models of development, stress response, cell cycle, aging, cell death and human disease;
4. Describe cell signaling pathways, and identify cell regulation mechanisms: genetic, epigenetic and protein;
5. Explain the basic principles of different techniques for studying the cell in vivo and in vitro, from microscopic observation to obtaining cell fractions and analysis by flow and image cytometry, cell separation and by "cytometric bead arrays";
6. Differentiate between genomics and other large scale analyses, at different levels, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics and systems biology;
7. Design laboratory protocols in Molecular Genetics;
8. Analyze large-scale experimental datasets, and present the results and interpretations in a scientifically rigorous manner;
9. Critically analyze projects, reports and publications in Molecular Genetics.

Access to higher education


This Master´s Degree equips the students with the required training to progress into a PhD (course of 3rd cycle) in similar scientific areas.

Careers


Our students receive the required training to become:
- PhD students performing research in similar scientific areas
- Researchers in Universities, Research Centers or R&D companies;
- Specialized laboratory technicians in the agro-alimentary sector, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, research centers, schools and universities;
- Collaborators in the pharmaceutical industry or in companies selling scientific equipment and materials;
- Experts in national / international or non-governmental organizations.

Access


25

Vacancies

12

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


Applications are accepted from:
a) Holders of a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine/Biomedical Sciences/Life and Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Biological Engineering/ Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences (or related areas) or legal equivalent;
b) Holders of a foreign higher education degree awarded after a first cycle of studies in the areas mentioned in a), and organized in accordance to the principles of Bologna by a State participating in this process;
c) Holders of a foreign higher academic degree that is recognized by the Scientific Council of the School of Sciences as fulfilling the objectives of a Bachelor’s degree in the areas mentioned in a);
d) Holders of an educational, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized by the Scientific Council of the School of Sciences as attesting to the ability to carry out cycle of studies.

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


Regime Curricular Unit Scientific Area ECTS
Year 1 60
A Current Themes in Genetics GM 6
A Project in Molecular Genetics GM 12
S1 Advanced Techniques of Cell Analysis BC 6
S1 Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology GM 6
S1 Mechanism of Cellular Regulation BMol 6
S1 Omics and Genetic Approaches in Model Organisms GM 6
S2 Opção I 6
Advances in Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics GM 6
Biopolymers Based on Renewable Resources BIO 6
Cancer Therapy BIO 6
Fungus-Host Interactions an Virulence BIO 6
Molecular Nutrition BC 6
Protein Degradation and Trafficking in Health and Disease BC 6
Regulated Cell Death and Autophagy BC 6
Structural Biology of Membrane Transporters BIO 6
S2 Opção II 6
Advances in Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics GM 6
Bionanosystems for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications BIOF 6
Biopolymers Based on Renewable Resources BIO 6
Cancer Therapy BIO 6
Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities of Bionanoparticles BIO 6
Fungus-Host Interactions an Virulence BIO 6
Metabolic Engineering BQ 6
Molecular Nutrition BC 6
Molecular Responses of Plants in a Changing Environment. BioMP 6
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants BVeg 6
Protein Degradation and Trafficking in Health and Disease BC 6
Regulated Cell Death and Autophagy BC 6
Structural Biology of Membrane Transporters BIO 6
S2 Opção III 6
Advances in Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics GM 6
Advances in Plant Molecular Biology BioMP 6
Biopolymers Based on Renewable Resources BIO 6
Cancer Therapy BIO 6
Fungus-Host Interactions an Virulence BIO 6
Metabolic Engineering BQ 6
Molecular Nutrition BC 6
Molecular Responses of Plants in a Changing Environment. BioMP 6
Next Generation Sequencing in Environmental Monitoring ECO 6
Plant-Microbe Interactions BVeg 6
Protein Degradation and Trafficking in Health and Disease BC 6
Regulated Cell Death and Autophagy BC 6
Smart and Functional Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications BIOF 6
Structural Biology of Membrane Transporters BIO 6
Year 2 60
A Dissertation GM 60

Assessment/Accreditation


A3ES Accreditation status:
Accredited
Resolution publication date:
26-10-2021
A3ES submited report:
Registry number at Ministry:
R/A-Ef 2523/2011/AL02
Registry Date:
01-04-2022
Accreditation validity:
31-07-2027