MA112 - ECTS

Ecological concepts for Aquatic Sciences students

MA113 - ECTS

Students should acquire basic knowledge about cell morphology, function and biogenesis of cell organelles and nuclear structures.  

 

 

 

 

 

MA115 - ECTS

Understanding of the main geological phenomena through a global approach that involves the genesis, composition and evolution of our Planet assuming Earth as a dynamic system where processes occur as an interactive cycle involving both the Earth interior and their external effects in the atmosphere, biosphere and oceans. To be aware of the importance of Geology in the assessment and management of natural resources of the seafloor as well as in the prevention of natural hazards associated with marine activity in coastal systems.

MA117 - ECTS

Ethology is a general education discipline that aims to sensitize students to the importance of studying animal behavior in both its theoretical and applied aspects. Topics covered will serve as a foundation for subjects taught later on. The goal is to foster the learning of fundamental concepts essential for understanding the study of animal behavior.

MA116 - ECTS

It is intended that students acquire a general understanding about the fundamental concepts of physical oceanography, global circulation, coastal phenomena and methods to obtain, manage and analyse meteorological and oceanographic datasets by lectures and practical sessions

MA114 - ECTS

Students should acquire basic knowledge about algae and protozoans, their biological diversity, life cycles, taxonomy and phylogeny.

 

MA122 - ECTS

As the beginning of life and its evolution happened in the aquatic environment the Biology of Vertebrates I is a basic discipline for students of Aquatic Sciences. The aim of this discipline is to cover the maters related with life and its evolution. Vertebrate evolution, systematic, biology and morphology are the main concerns. After correlating geologic times with appearance, evolution and extinction of main animal groups in Earth, development biology and embryology are covered. The final part of the discipline is dedicated to the functional morphology aspects of vertebrates, including: motion, feeding, growth, based on the different systems as: Integument, Skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory and digestive. Priority will be given for learning most aspects related to fish, amphibians and reptiles, while birds and mammals will be studied during Biology of Vertebrates II.

MA127 - ECTS

The aim is to expose the students to the biodiversity of invertebrate animals and to lead them to reflect on their evolution,  morphology, physiology,  applicability, and ecological relevance.

MA124 - ECTS

The study of vascular plant morphology is the major objective of this curricular unit. In addition, plant reproduction and development, evolution, phylogeny and taxonomy are also studied. Students also should acquire basic knowledge about fungi, lichens and non-vascular plants (bryophytes).

 

MA123 - ECTS This curricular unit intends that the students acquire, understand and apply a set of knowledge in the area of Vertebrate Biology, endowing them with essential skills to a professional in the area of Aquatic Sciences. The curricular unit seeks to give students knowledge about the origin, evolution and differentiation of the different classes of vertebrates, in particular birds and mammals, following the course of Biology of Vertebrates I, with emphasis on their anatomo-physiological adaptations and functional interconnection of the various organ systems that contribute to their body homeostasis.  Particular focus will be given to the aquatic organisms included in this class of vertebrates given the nature of the course. It is also intended to make a bridge with other specific disciplines, such as ichthyology, ecology and physiology, among others, so that students understand the basis for a rational and sustained exploitation of animal resources, and the adaptations that ensure vertebrates a high environmental resilience in a world impacted by human action.

MA128 - ECTS

General description of Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Hemichordata and Chordata - Protochordata group. General characteristics of phyla and classes. Biology and phylogeny.

MA125 - ECTS

The main objectives of this curricular unit are the study of plant physiology and the adaptations of vascular plants to aquatic environments and costal dunes.

 

MA215 - ECTS

Provide theoretical and practical knowledge about the structure of cells, tissues and organs, the level of microscopy, especially optical, and when opportune also electronic, and on their histophysiology. Thus, the bases of knowledge and skills promoted to a better understanding of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pathology, etc.. The practical component is based on the study of preparations of normal tissues and organs, subject directly to the optical microscope or indirectly, via his pictures taken by digital means.

It is also intended to demonstrate the importance of knowing and applying the normal histology of tissues and organs in the face of potential modifications of the same, as well as encourage students to make a morphofunctional integration of acquired knowledge and acquire.

Finally, if time allows, we aim to teach bases of general descriptive embryology (and developmental biology) as well as simpler model organisms (invertebrates) that allow students to not only understand their importance to access and understand, thereafter, the general and special embryology of more complex organisms (vertebrates).

MA225 - ECTS

At the end of this course, the student shoud be able to: Acknowledge the central importance of Microbiology for his/her own daily life, for Earth’s environment, for the health of plants and animals and for the development of other Biomedical Sciences. Enumerate the basic structural features of viruses and bacteria, as they are know today. Enumerate different strategies used by bacterial cells to obtain the energy and biosynthetic precursors they need. Explain the main differences between procaryotic and eucaryotic cells in terms of the organization of their genomes and the way genetic material is transferred between cells. Identify microbial virulence factors. Enumerate the main components of the antimicrobial defense systems present in vertebrate animals. Enumerate the mechanisms of action of some the antibiotics in clinical use today. Explain the mechanisms of emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and ways to avoid this emergence. Manipulate microrganisms using a correct asseptic technique. Correctely use the optical microscope for the observation of different types of microrganisms. Apply different types of staining methods to visualize and classify microorganisms. Apply metabolic tests to the identification of microorganisms. Quantify bacteria or phages present in a given sample. Analyse a water sample for the presence of fecal contamination. Find and critically analyse scientific literature, so that he/she may keep up-to-date to relevant scientific knowledge throughout life.

MA217 - ECTS

The Fundamental Principles of Chemistry will be addressed and studied with special emphasis on the quantitative chemical description of natural as well  as non-natural water systems. Among the main topics we emphasize the following: Chemistry and  Transformations; stoichiometry and mass balances; Energy and transformation; Spontaneity, entropy and  Gibbs energy; Phase Equilibria, Chemical Equilibrium; rates of chemical transformations. Acids and Bases and their equilibria; Equilibrium Processes involving the Precipitation and Dissolution of solid minerals, the processes of electron transfer and the formation of metalic complexes and coordination compounds. Quantitative accurate treatments of the equilibrium processes studied earlier will be studied and conducted, as a means of quantitatively describing the composition of aquatic systems and its evolution, in order that speciation of the substances can be adequately described and characterized. In addition, a set of laboratorial classes is offered in order to introduce students to the main analytic techniques used in the analytical chemistry and environmental chemistry laboratories.

MA222 - ECTS
The objectives are in the area of Molecular Biology:
1 – To form a matrix of knowledge analysis
2 – To transmit knowledge
3 – To enable the students to solve theoretical and practical problems.
4 - To make the students familiar with the laboratory and laboratory work.

MA216 - ECTS

In the continuation of the unit of Histology and Embryology Comparative I provide theoretical and practical knowledge about the structure of cells, tissues and organs (now in recent emphasis), the microscopic level, particularly optics, but sometimes at TEM level, and the respective histophysiology. Thus, the bases of knowledge and skills promoted to a better understanding of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pathology, etc. The practical component is based on the study of preparations of normal tissues and organs, directly to the optical microscope or indirectly, via his pictures taken by digital means.

It is also intended to demonstrate the importance of knowing and applying the normal histology of tissues and organs in the face of potential modifications of the same, as well as encourage students to make a morphofunctional integration of acquired knowledge.

Finally, we aim to teach complementary bases of general and special embryology, now with emphasis on the latest, encompassing aspects of descriptive and developmental biology and studies aiming to model organisms (vertebrates). It is intended to provide students with knowledge to understand the structure and the normal organogenesis and placement of organs and tissues in the adult animal. It is also intended that students have the ability to discern the possible events that may cause teratological changes.

MA212 - ECTS

This course is intended to demonstrate the main transformations of carbon compounds, and demonstrate their influence on the Molecular Biology and Chemistry of the Environment. Thus, Its main objectives are:

- The study of three-dimensional structure of the main classes of carbon compounds;

- The relationship between chemistry, molecular biology and the environment through case study examples.

 

MA214 - ECTS

The main objective of this training program is that students acquire both theorethical and practical knowledge in basic biostatistics, through a process where they have to solve problems and the teacher function as guider in their individual pathway. The exposition to small biological problems will explore both theoretical and practical aspects of biostatistics, including verbal and written communication. Topics of Biostatistics include types of data, descriptive statistics, probability distributions and inference.

MA221 - ECTS

The program of Biophysics and Biochemistry aims to prepare students for the understanding of fundamental principles of Physics and its applications in Biology, as well of intermediate metabolism and regulatory mechanisms of metabolic pathways. It is highlighted the importance of signal transduction pathways used by cells to receive, process, amplify and integrate diverse extracellular signals. The student uses basic knowledge to discuss dysfunctions associated with traumas and specific conditions.
This curricular unit also aims at giving students the theoretical and practical knowledge required for the correct utilization of a group of experimental techniques based on physical principles and used for the biochemical characterization of cells, organelles, proteins and metabolites.

MA223 - ECTS

Physiology studies functions in living organisms. The comparative approach on the different solutions found in different organisms, regarding their adaptation to a specific and limiting environment, allows a better understanding of the general principles ruling the various homeostatic mechanisms involved. Information collection (from the environment and from the self organism), integration and regulation of the whole vital functions, analysed under a comparative and evolutive point of view, leads us to the understanding on why and how living organism response to the problems found on their surrounding environment. Accordingly, the main objective of the present course is to train students to understand how the activities of the various physiological systems are integrated to adapt the organism to different environments.

MA227 - ECTS

The Aquatic Ecology program focuses on three central themes: (i) the processes that regulate primary and secondary productivity in aquatic environments; (ii) the main marine ecosystems, their biodiversity, and functioning; and (iii) the impacts of human activities and climate change on these ecosystems. The topics covered will allow for the acquisition of fundamental knowledge for understanding the functioning of different aquatic ecosystems, particularly the influence of different environmental conditions on the dynamics of food webs, providing a holistic view of the processes that regulate aquatic productivity and biodiversity

MA224 - ECTS

Following the knowledge of anatomy, histology and comparative animal physiology previously acquired, it is projected now address, a perspective more particular aspects related to the physiology of aquatic animals with emphasis on fish, but also covering topics selected mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic mammals.

With the approach aims to become an emphasis of integrating aspects of endocrinology, particularly with interest applied to the areas of reproduction and growth. Elected as central pedagogical concern the ability of the student to be an active element in the search for knowledge and exploration of unreleased songs from the scope of the unit, using the knowledge that has systematically from their experience as a student of the aquatic sciences.

MA226 - ECTS Provide the students with knowledge in several areas of genetics and its application in basic research - characterization of species-evolution studies - and applied research - environmental genotoxicity, conservation of species and animal breeding and improvement. The curricular unity comprises of two parts: Formal and Population Genetics and Cytogenetics.

MA326 - ECTS Cell cultures applied to genetic studies of aquatic organisms. Basic principles of the operation in a cell culture room. Fundamentals of cell culture, distinguishing between primary and prolonged cultures, and between adherent and suspended cultures. Fundamentals of cell immortalization. Application of cell cultures to genetic and environmental toxicity studies.

MA327 - ECTS It is intended that students acquire knowledge about the history of Biology and Marine Sciences, a cultural component that is a base for the perception of Biology, which allows the understanding of the current state of this scientific area and to prepare for its future. Students are expected to be in touch with the history of biology, to understand its key events and main persons involved, and to develop curiosity for the cultural component of this area.

MA311 - ECTS This curricular unit intends that the students acquire, understand and apply a set of knowledge in the area of Ichthyology and Fisheries Biology, providing them with essential skills to a professional in the area of Aquatic Sciences. The curricular unit seeks to make students aware of the origin, evolution and differentiation of different groups of fish, with emphasis on their anatomical-physiological adaptations and the functional interconnection of the various organ systems that contribute to body homeostasis and environmental resilience. It is also intended to bridge the gap between two distinct disciplinary areas, with particular emphasis on a set of current concepts and tools of ichthyological interest with particular relevance in Fisheries Biology, which to a certain extent endow students with scientific-technological skills for understand the basis for a rational and sustained exploitation of fishery resources.

MA323 - ECTS Provide students with knowledge in Animal Health and Pathology, paying special attention to the most frequent pathogens in aquatic animals, in particular in aquacultured fish, given their great importance in terms of food and economics. Present an in-depth look at the various diagnostic methods, advantages and disadvantages and the difficulties in their application to diseases of aquatic animals. Sensitize students to the various aspects in the prevention of diseases in aquatic animals, their impact in aquatic production (economic, social and environmental) and to the importance of an increased investment in sanitary prophylaxis measures.

MA314 - ECTS

Concepts of Microbial Ecology

MA312 - ECTS

Currently, culture of aquatic organisms for direct consumption, stock enhancement, or other purposes is the fastest growing and diversified sector of livestock production. The purpose of this course is to develop in students a capacity to manage commonly used culture systems and to become familiar with the handling alternatives that are essential requirements in the profitability of these investments. Emphasis is placed in responsible selection and safe use of materials, equipment and techniques of fish handling and students will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on activities associated with the practical aspects of aquaculture. Trips to industries and government organizations will expose students to different culturing techniques.

MA315 - ECTS

The primary goal of the course is to present students with the basic principles of environmental toxicology, focusing on toxicological assessments, types and mechanisms of toxicological response, and the properties and effects of specific groups of toxicants that have been released into the environment (e.g. PAH, PCB, pesticides, metals, dioxins/dibenzofurans, natural and synthetic estrogens, pharmaceutical products).

It is expected that students will became able to evaluate risk situations, propose solutions for its prevention and have the ability to use analytic tools to evaluate environmental toxicity.

MA328 - ECTS

The particularities of aquatic species will be highlighted so that students understand that:
   a) The dose and toxicity of each drug is species specific;
   b) There are several ways to administer drugs to animals;
   c) Respecting the withdrawal period is essential to ensure public health.

Emphasis will be given to pharmacological groups that are most commonly used in aquatic species, such as anesthetics and analgesics (used in the treatment of ornamental species and research / conservation projects) or drugs used to treat parasitic (antiparasitic), fungal (antifungal) or bacterial infections (antibiotics). The use of these drugs will be discussed considering not only the growing problem of resistance, but also their framing in the concept “One Health”, sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO).

MA316 - ECTS

Basics on environmental monitoring and GIS

MA300 - ECTS

To offer the chance to have formation in an area of interest of the student, not covered in the compulsory curricular units (courses). It is intended to develop decision abilities, along with scientific-techniques skills.

MA321 - ECTS Knowing Fishing as the oldest and most important activity of Mankind in the aquatic environment, including the history of fishing, fishing gear and vessels, the main statistical data of the sector, fishing methods and gears, materials used in fishing, ancient and modern navigation aids for fish detection, capture and management of the environment and catches on board, the relationship between catches and the quality of fish and of the environment, and the main characteristics of fisheries in Europe, in mainland Portugal, Azores and Madeira and long distance fishing. Recognize current resource management problems, fisheries management methods and how to improve fisheries sustainability.

MA330 - ECTS The incidence and prevalence of human diseases is changing. These changes are predominantly related to lifestyle and environmental alterations. The gradual increase in the world's population and the emergence of new human diseases increases the need for novel and better medicines to combat them. Although seventy-five percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, research on new medicines and knowledge of the pharmacology of marine organisms (plants and / or animals) is limited. The marine environment is an exceptional reservoir of biologically active natural products (e.g. poisons, metabolites), many of which exhibit structural characteristics not found in terrestrial natural products. These molecules represent a diversified and unavoidable resource of inspiration for the research of new drugs and biomaterials of biomedical interest. Scientific research is intense in the search for products with antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, analgesic and antimalarial properties of marine origin. Research on natural products of marine origin has evolved from the analytical chemistry required to isolate new interest molecules to a collaborative effort among chemists, biologists and pharmacologists to identify their mechanisms of action on specific cell receptors or enzymes and their potential biomedical interest. This optional course aims at alerting undergraduate students in Aquatic Sciences about the opportunities that marine species offer for biomedical research and research / design of innovative medicines, motivating them to know the process of molecular isolation, functional evaluation, improvement and formulation, preclinical investigation and clinical trial of molecules of biomedical interest.

MA313 - ECTS During the course of the discipline “Nutrition and Feeding in Aquaculture”, the students will learn fundamental knowledge in the domain of applied biology. Within the scope of nutrition of aquatic animals, basic knowledge of the animal nutrition, with specific orientation to the fish nutrition and feeding, will be dealt. The transformation of relatively low valued food, to more attractive ones to human consumption, is the main goal of any animal production study. Even though the possibility to attain 100% conversion efficiency is an unachievable task, the degree in which the feed ingredients are used, constitutes the central concern of the nutritionists. The costs of the formulated feed in an intensive aquaculture system represent between 40 and 70% of the total production costs. The careful preparation of the discipline of Nutrition and Feeding in Aquaculture, will contribute for the preparation of capable and independent professional to contribute for the aquaculture management of the feed resources.

MA300 - ECTS

To offer the chance to have formation in an area of interest of the student, not covered in the compulsory curricular units (courses). It is intended to develop decision abilities, along with scientific-techniques skills.

MA322 - ECTS

To provide the students with the basic knowledge and training to achieve a clear thinking about the methods of seafood handling and processing, as well as a modern perspective of the food quality and corresponding technical and scientific skills, in order to prepare the students for the professional work they will have to develop. The capacity to criticize, to find and choose the right information and the contact with the realistic professional environment are favoured, by visiting industry facilities. The students should be able to describe, in a critical way, the characteristics and composition of seafood, food degradation, processing and preservation methods, and also quality evaluation methods.

MA329 - ECTS Students are expected to acquire specific knowledge on several of the most recent and emerging aspects of aquatic food and non-food products, focusing on the valorization, certification and sustainability of commercial items, as these concepts are nowadays the great concerns of the consumers. Students are expected to be in touch with background knowledge on these subjects, and also to be able to recognize and understand the views of the various players in the fish chain (including consumers), in order to take decisions that are more clear and justified. They are also expected to keep in mind these important concerns in their professional future, in any of the areas included in the aquatic and environmental sciences.