In recent decades, society has witnessed an ever growing human demand for water resources due not only to the rise in population but also to changes in water consumption and hygiene resulting from increased standards of quality of life. Simultaneously, new agricultural techniques and methods plus novel industrial activities and the re-engineering of the same have sought to optimise production and reduce costs. It has, thus, become necessary to search out alternative sources in order to meet the expanding need for water whilst also developing novel uses of existing resources. In addition to the challenges regarding the extraction and use of hydraulic resources, water ecosystems are undergoing attacks of diverse intensity and origin, despite rising societal awareness of the issue and the need to institute measures to control and reduce the pernicious effects on water quality. These are some of the disequilibria acting against the self-purification of the aquatic ecosystem and the consequent challenges for water purification for human consumption.

This is the context in which the Master’s in Science in Biology and Water Quality Management is offering post-graduate training to supply the skills needed to resolve issues related to the biological quality of water and its uses. Special emphasis is give to the use of biology in evaluating water quality by focusing on those aspects related to main public health issues related to water as well as Portuguese and EC legislation in this regard. The goal is to make water available for a multiplicity of uses such as environmental protection, human consumption, recreation, fishing and agriculture. The role of live organisms in wastewater treatment is a key issue and the application of notions of ecotoxicology to the management and conservation of water resources is a priority. Students with Master’s degrees in Biology and Water Quality Management are able to hold positions in laboratories specialised in water analysis, in the service sector and companies involved in the planning and management of water quality, in local service sectors and governments, in institutions working in health and the environment, in water treatment and wastewater treatment institutions and research laboratories.

Admissions Requirements

• Available soon.

Criteria for Selection and Ranking

• Available soon.

Information

• Application Dates 2017-2018
• Access to FCUP’s Academic Exams

Contacts

This information is provided strictly for informational purposes
and does not preclude consultation of the Official Gazette.

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas