1. Encouraging both initial and continuing training of teachers of Exact and Natural Sciences, contributing to the improvement of their teaching practice in a formal context, but also consolidating their work in non-formal teaching environments.

2. Developing science dissemination skills, training communicators to organise events as well as physical and virtual outlets for the dissemination of sciences to different audiences, promoting scientific culture.

3. Building new knowledge in scientific areas and its technological application, the use of innovative teaching and dissemination methodologies and practices, and skills such as analysis and critical thinking, thus improving science education and communication.

Providing space for the specialised training of interlocutors who encourage communication between science, its teaching, and its dissemination. The Science Education Unit is staffed by teachers from the various areas of Science Education (Education in Biology, Physics, Geology, Mathematics and Chemistry). From the faculty's diverse skills and disciplinary areas arises the possibility of carrying out innovative research in science education and dissemination, strongly rooted in the respective scientific areas.

The physical structure of the Science Education Unit is spread throughout the Faculty of Sciences. The available facilities include libraries, study rooms, auditoriums, laboratories (teaching and research) and computer rooms with internet access. Science preservation and dissemination centres with close ties to the University of Porto, such as the Biodiversity Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Gonçalo Sampaio Botanical Garden, the Science Museum, Fundo Antigo, the Geophysical Institute, the Astronomic Observatory, and the Planetarium are also available for promoting knowledge and community engagement, which can greatly boost the activities developed within the Science Education Unit.

The Science Education Unit, in close co-operation with various Departments of the Faculty of Sciences and with other Organic Units of the University of Porto, offers and collaborates in master's and PhD programmes in teaching and dissemination of sciences, as described below (NOTE: the list of courses will follow).