The PhD Programme in Environmental Toxicology and Contamination (PDCTA) is a joint 3rd Study Cycle of the ICBAS, the FCUP and the FFUP of the University of Porto with the participation of 3 research centres classified as units of excellence in scientific research by the Portuguese Foundation for the Science and the Technology: the CIIMAR, the IBMC, and the REQUIMTE.

The 3rth Study Cycle in Environmental Toxicology and Contamination is a platform of high education and scientific research of excellence, including teachers/researchers with different backgrounds in the scope of Environmental and Life Sciences. The central objective is to prepare human resources of high scientific and technical multidisciplinary qualification able to contribute to face the environmental impacts caused by the major global problems, especially in what concerns the adverse effects and risks of chemicals and other stressors to the environment and health. It is intend to attract strongly motivated candidates from several regions around the world, contributing to a multicultural atmosphere made of diverse experiences, according to the spirit of openness to the society and the world that the Porto University always encouraged and has been implementing.

Interdisciplinary advanced knowledge and training in Environmental Contamination and Toxicology and related areas will be provided, including the capability of recognise and characterise environmental problems and their effects on health; planning and implement research and/or action projects able to address and solve theoretical and applied situations; obtain, analyse and interpret data; assess and manage environmental risks and resources; communicate results and risks to different types of audience.

The PDCTA duration is 4 years. The PhD project may be started immediately after the admission of the student and it will be done in an environment of high level and international research. The scientific productivity will be promoted. Thus, among other conditions, an original full length paper with the student as first author published, in press or submitted to an international indexed journal will be required to accept the PhD Thesis for public defence. Accreditation of previous academic, scientific or professional experiences and competences is possible after request of the student through the official ways, in the scope of "Option".

Professional Abilities
Interdisciplinary advanced knowledge and training on Environmental Contamination and Toxicology and related areas will be provided, including the capability of recognise and characterise environmental problems and their effects on health; planning and implement research and/or action projects able to address and solve theoretical and applied situations; obtain, analyse and interpret data; assess and manage environmental risks and resources; communicate results and risks to different types of audience. It is also intended to develop the students’ capabilities of creativity, autonomous thinking and planning, search and update of information, critical analysis, scientific and technical maturity, dialogue with opponents, team working in a multidisciplinary, international and multicultural context. Special attention will be given to the development of the capability of intervention and decision-making in environmental issues, in distinct professional contexts.


For more information go to the ICBAS page, the course's administrative institution.