Bachelor Biotechnology

What is Biotechnology? It is the application of science and technologies in microorganisms, plants and animals, for the development of products of interest to society in a sustainable way. Modern Biotechnology plays a crucial role in the society of the future and covers industrial, service and laboratory sectors, in areas such as agri-food, environmental (bioremediation processes in the treatment of polluting waste, new intelligent materials, renewable fuels, biodegradable products), pharmaceuticals, chemistry, forensic technologies and medicine, becoming one of the spearheads in the various areas of diagnosis in the treatment of diseases and the fight against pathogens. The course at University Lusofona of Lisbon aims to train professionals in a currently priority area, Biotechnology, at national and global level. In the degree in Biotechnology, areas of transversal knowledge are studied, combining disciplines ranging from cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, bioprocesses, chemical and information technologies, among other areas. This unique characteristic of Biotechnology has ensured a growing and considerable rate of employability in the various industrial and service sectors where the multipurpose character of Biotechnology has been predominant at different levels, such as the development of new environmentally friendly technologies. This innovative course, led by a team of PhD professors/researchers integrated in research centers of excellence, with a high professional profile taught at University Lusofona, provides training in fundamental and applied sciences in a harmonious way, complemented by intense laboratory practice. In this way, the course intends to respond to the needs of the industry and national and international analysis and research laboratories.

Those who apply through the institutional admission process may apply for this study program. See the required exams below.


Candidates may also apply via the regimes of institution/programme transfer or via Special Application, in accordance with the legal regulations in force (holders of higher education degree, holders of a Technological Specialization Course, holders of Professional Higher Technician Course or Over 23 years of Age). Candidates who meet the requirements defined in the International Student Statute can also apply.

The Degree in Biotechnology is a specific cycle of studies in the transversal areas of technologies including bioprocesses, chemical processes, genetics, microbiology adapted to the job market and is intended for all those interested in working in the industrial sector related to pharmaceutical areas in the optimization of technologies in production of new drugs, food development of bioproducts more adapted to the needs of our actual society, in an environmental point of view for greater sustainability (circular bioeconomy) as well as a determinant application in the health area (hospital or clinic).

The 1st cycle of studies in Biotechnology, a markedly multidisciplinary area, aims to train graduates imbued with a critical spirit, creativity and team spirit and with scientific and technological skills that allow them to exercise their profession in the labor market, in scientific and technical functions, in Industry and in services; or the frequency of higher study cycles. Due to their multipurpose and diversified training, the Biotechnology graduate can embark on careers in various fields: 1)- Research, consultancy and coordination in project offices; 2)- Education. 3)- Industries: Biotechnology, Environment (Bioenergy, water treatment plants); agrifood; pharmaceuticals; cosmetics. 4)- Medicine, Health, Hospital (Clinical Analysis Laboratories); 5)- Laboratories in Forensic Technologies (PJ); in biological, chemical, biochemical analysis 6)- Journalism in scientific journals.

The degree course in Biotechnology at University Lusofona enables the attendance of a Master (2nd cycle) in the various areas of Biotechnology, Food, Pharmaceuticals, Health and Environment as well as the integration in post-graduate specialization courses.

Throughout the school year, several workshops are organized with invited companies as well as lectures and seminars in hybrid mode (in person and online) with national and international guests in order to share their knowledge and experience with students in a business or academic context as well as to promote motivation of students and faculty for mobility and exchange between the Lusophone University and national and international institutions/companies.

University Lusofona has numerous classrooms and auditoriums dedicated to classes and conferences. It is noteworthy that the course is based on a strong practical component: laboratories of Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics and Chemistry, as well as the Beer Industrial Pilot Unit, have basic equipment that allow the development of practical classes in all areas and subjects of the course. Two research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment such as pilot microwaves, HPLC, spectrophotometers, among others, are exclusively dedicated to the development of the 3rd year project discipline project as well for the development of the research projects of the senior researchers of the course where our students are integrated.

Most of the professors/researchers of the course are integrated in research centers of excellence and carry out research projects at national and international level. In order to promote the strengthening of university-company interaction, the increase in the employability rate, student mobility and the efficiency of hiring staff by companies in the fields of supply are the priorities, the Business and Institutional Entities Unit (UEEI) was created ) ensuring the link between the university and the working environment with the possibility of developing final course projects in a business context, study visits, training provided with the support of companies/institutions/research centers in which all professors/researchers of the course are integrated, namely Central de Beer, Elisa da Câmara Lda, Namfungi Lda, WineVenture Lda, EXMceuticals Portugal Lda and institutions such as the Lisbon Judicial Police Laboratory, the University of Trier, Germany, Trinity College, Dublin, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon and Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, among others.

All teachers have a weekly schedule of assistance/tutoring to support students.