Mestrado em Biologia Computacional e Bioinformática

Education

Master’s in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

The interface between Life Sciences and Information Technologies

Biology is undergoing the impact of a digital transformation driven by the rapid development of computational algorithms and artificial intelligence methods, which have revolutionized the analysis of biological systems as well as associated pharmaceutical and medical technologies.

The Master’s in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (MCBBI) at NOVA offers a multidisciplinary education at the interface between Life Sciences and Information Technologies.

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Impulso Mestre Scholarship

These scholarships, worth 450 euros, are available to all students from the School or other Higher Education Institutions who are applying for the first time to the first year of a Master’s programme at NOVA FCT and have a final undergraduate grade of 15 or higher.

Check the regulations (in Portuguese only)!

Why this Master's?

  • International and interdisciplinary nature;
  • High demand for professionals.

Applications 2025/26

1st Phase: FEV. 3 to MAR. 22 2025

2nd Phase: JUN. 2 toJ UL. 18 2025

Vacancies: 30

Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)

Format: On-site, Daytime

Language: English

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Course Coordinator: Paula Gonçalves, mbcbi.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

Academic division: mestrados@fct.unl.pt

I want to apply:

Program

The program offers solid hands-on training in the fundamental areas of computational biology and bioinformatics for students with a background in Life Sciences. It is based on a flexible structure composed of a common core and two specialization tracks.

The common core develops students’ proficiency in computer science, mathematics, and artificial intelligence, while exposing them to the various branches of computational biology.

Students may then choose to specialize in one of two tracks: Multi-Omics for Life and Health Sciences or Biosystems Simulation for Life and Health Sciences

Curriculum

For whom

  • Holders of a Bachelor's, Master's, or Integrated Master's degree, or equivalent, in the fields of Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related areas. Candidates with a degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields will be evaluated by the Master's Scientific Committee, and may be required to complete additional curricular units;
  • Holders of a foreign academic degree in any of the scientific areas mentioned above, awarded upon completion of a first cycle of studies in accordance with the Bologna Process;
  • Holders of a foreign academic degree in any of the scientific areas mentioned above, recognized as meeting the objectives of a Bachelor's degree by the Scientific Council of the coordinating institutions (NOVA FCT and ITQB NOVA);
  • Holders of an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum in the scientific areas mentioned in point 1, recognized as demonstrating the capacity to undertake the Master's program by the Scientific Council of the coordinating institutions (NOVA FCT and ITQB NOVA), upon proposal by the Master's Scientific Committee.

Career opportunities

  • Research;
  • Medical centers and hospitals;
  • Clinical and veterinary laboratories;
  • Public health;
  • Forensic science;
  • Pharmaceutical industry;
  • Food industry;
  • Cosmetics industry;
  • Biotechnology industry;
  • Consulting, governmental organizations.

Testimonials

Francisca Vieira

Researcher at UNIDEMI

The close interaction and availability of the professors were key to an enriching learning experience, providing support and guidance throughout the entire program.

I would recommend this Master’s and NOVA FCT, as they provided me not only with the practical and computational experience essential for the job market, but also with a solid theoretical foundation and a broader perspective on bioinformatics.

I would also highlight the impact the professors had on my professional development and the network of collaboration opportunities built during the academic journey.

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About the Department of Life Sciences

The Department of Life Sciences (DCV) focuses its activity on teaching and research in areas of fundamental Biology relevant for application in areas of Biotechnology and Biomedicine.

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