Departments

Science Education Unit

Acronym:	UEC
Person in Charge:	Ana Cristina Freire
Description:	The Science Teaching Unit is an interdepartmental unit of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, whose mission is to promote the Science-Teaching-Dissemination symbiosis, in particular: Fostering the initial and ongoing training of teachers in the areas of Exact and Natural Sciences, contributing to the improvement of teaching practice in a formal context, but also consolidating their action in non-formal teaching contexts. To foster the development of science dissemination skills, training communicators to organise events and physical and virtual spaces to disseminate science to various audiences, with a view to promoting scientific culture. Promoting the construction of new knowledge in scientific areas and their technological application, the use of innovative teaching and dissemination methodologies and practices, and the capacity for reflection and critical thinking, in order to improve science education and communication. Making room for the specialised training of interlocutors capable of promoting dialogue between the sciences, their teaching and dissemination, the Science Teaching Unit is made up of teachers from the various areas of Science Education (Education in Biology, Physics, Geology, Mathematics and Chemistry). This diversity of skills and disciplinary areas of the teaching staff makes it possible to carry out innovative research into issues of science education and dissemination, with strong links to the respective scientific areas. The physical structure of the Science Teaching Unit is spread throughout the Faculty of Science. The spaces available include libraries, study rooms, auditoriums, laboratories (teaching and research) and computer rooms with internet access. The science preservation and dissemination centres with close links to the University of Porto, such as the Biodiversity Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Gonçalo Sampaio Botanical Garden, the Science Museum, the Old Fund, the Geophysical Institute, the Astronomical Observatory and the Planetarium, are also physical facilities at the service of the promotion and enhancement of knowledge and the connection to the community that can greatly enhance the activities developed within the scope of the Science Teaching Unit. The Science Teaching Unit, in close co-operation with various Departments of the Faculty of Sciences and with other Organic Units of the University of Porto, collaborates and is responsible for master's and doctoral courses related to the teaching and dissemination of science, as shown below. Contacts:  uec.sec@fc.up.pt

COURSES [Responsibility and Collaboration]

MASTER DEGREE

• Master's degree in Biology and Geology Teacher Education for Middle and Secondary Schools
• Master's degree in Physics and Chemistry Teacher Education for Middle and Secondary Schools
• Master's degree in Mathematics Teacher Education for Middle and Secondary Schools
• Master's degree in Science Education and Communication
• Master in Multimedia (in collaboration with other UP schools)

DOCTORAL DEGREE

• Doctor's Degree in Teaching and Dissemination of Science