Course
Structure

The DCF lasts 8 semesters. The first and second semesters consist of curricular units (14 ECTS) and a seminar (22 ECTS) that privilege active integration in the scientific and academic community, the acquisition of scientific background, writing and communication skills. The remaining semesters (204 ECTS) correspond to the elaboration of a dissertation thesis supported by research carried out, as a rule, in multidisciplinary UP or interuniversity research centres of excellence.
The DCF also awards the European Ph.D. diploma by providing, supervised laboratory research placements abroad for 3-month periods, under the scope of protocols with prestigious international institutions.

PhD
Seminar

The conclusion of the Doctoral Seminar, under the supervision of the tutor, constitutes an important challenge for the student in the evidence of his ability to understand, rationalize and communicate on the subject of the doctorate and the theoretical and practical aspects included in it, giving him a starting point for the critical reflection of the experimental aspects to be realized within the scope of the thesis and to maintain an updated state of performance.
The PhD seminar should allow for a more rapid progression and a substantiated critical analysis of future experimental results.

Research
Methodologies I

In the first steps of a cycle of science-based studies, such as the DCF, students are unaware or neglect good practices in bibliographic research and scientific writing, with negative impact on their scientific production in the short term. These training gaps may persist and may be translated into long-term malfunctions. Thus, priority is given to acquiring research autonomy skills in key scientific databases and to creating libraries for document writing as a way to increase the credibility and visibility of future research activities, collaboration with different groups by recognizing the R&D research conducted by them. The parallel incentive to participate in scientific seminars, conferences and meetings is to promote the development of capacities to synthesize experimental information and to communicate orally and in writing with peers.

Research
Methodologies II

The curriculum content of this curricular unit is established under the tutorial guidance of the thesis supervisor, after listening to the Monitoring Committee, which will assess its consistency in the general scientific education of the student. It intends, in an individualized way, to provide the student with the skills and competences in the main research methodologies directly related to the experimental aspects contemplated in the respective doctoral thesis plan. In addition, it seeks students to gain an integrated view of key developments in knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of pharmaceutical research.

PhD
Thesis

The objective is the development of competences, skills and knowledge in-depth in the topic of the thesis through a set of activities of laboratory and bibliographic research, oral and written scientific dissemination, culminating in the elaboration of an original written document.

European
Doctoral Degree

The European Doctorate, approved by the Confederation of European Councils of Rectors, is a title associated with the doctoral degree awarded by European universities. It does not by itself, constitute an additional academic diploma or a joint degree between universities. The University of Porto attributes this diploma to U.Porto doctoral students who carry out a research period of at least a trimester at a university or research institution in the rest of Europe, after being duly certified. In the public defence of the thesis, part of the student presentation must be in a European language other than Portuguese.

Employability
108 graduates (2011-2016) interviewed; 64% of answers

Students other course 1,5%
Unemployed 3,1%
Post Doc 10,8%
Baggins 9,2%
Employee 75,4%

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