Marine Biology and Conservation

The knowledge generated through Ispa’s research excellence in these areas, particularly within MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, a marine research unit bringing together more than 400 researchers from six Portuguese universities and recently rated “Excellent” in the latest evaluation by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), is translated into a curriculum designed to provide competences for a complete and integrated understanding of how marine ecosystems function.

Alongside solid theoretical training, a central concern of this study cycle is practical experience. Ispa has long collaborated closely with public institutions, companies, and non-governmental organisations active in marine conservation. In fact, the baseline studies that supported the creation of the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park in the Arrábida Natural Park were conducted by Ispa.

This applied dimension of marine ecosystem management is supported by the Ispa Biosciences Centre, representing a clear added value of this master’s degree when compared to other similar programmes in Portugal, as it enables students to apply their knowledge in practice throughout the two years of training.

The master’s degree in marine biology and Conservation has a duration of 2 academic years (4 semesters), totalling 120 ECTS credits.

• • To gain an in-depth understanding and integration of the main theories of Marine Biology and Ecosystem Conservation, and to apply professionally the main methods and techniques;
  • To understand the fundamental biological phenomena that influence marine ecological processes and their implications for conservation strategies;
  • To master advanced statistical analysis of ecological data and the interpretation of results;
  • To design, plan, adapt, and conduct scientific research in Marine Biology and Conservation, in compliance with the ethical principles underlying research processes and the use of animals in experimentation;
  • To communicate research findings, as well as the theoretical and methodological assumptions underlying them, clearly and professionally to diverse audiences: scientists, decision-makers, managers, and the general public;
  • To disseminate and promote scientific knowledge and its integration into social and cultural contexts.

  In the second year, students may choose one of the following profiles:

  • Applied, aimed at integrating students into companies, institutes, or organisations with which Ispa has established placement agreements;
  • Scientific, focused on research and the development of original scientific work.

Graduates may pursue careers as staff members in institutes, companies, or non-governmental organisations in the field of environment and conservation; as entrepreneurs, researchers, or specialised technicians; in university teaching; or as teachers in primary and secondary education.

Graduates in Biology or related fields, such as:

• Environmental Sciences
• Taxonomy
• Botany
• Genetics
• Zootechnical Engineering

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Fees and tuition
Charges and documents
Please refer to the Treasury Regulations

Ispa has placement agreements with hundreds of relevant public and private institutions, providing opportunities for its students to undertake curricular placements.

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Ispa rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit by awarding scholarships, granted on the basis of admission grades or performance within their programme of study.

In addition to recognising merit, Ispa is also committed to promoting fairness and social responsibility. For this reason, students facing economic hardship may apply for a variety of scholarships that serve as a financial and social support.

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International cooperation has always been a defining feature of Ispa, which for over 30 years has offered its students the opportunity to gain experience abroad. Whether through the Erasmus+ programme (within Europe) or through non-EU agreements (such as with Brazil), students may choose from more than 40 partner universities.

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Please refer to the academic calendar