Why choose the School of Biotechnology for your Bachelor’s degree?

Excellence in Teaching

With a highly qualified academic staff, students learn in a modern scientific and technological environment, oriented towards the future and marked by strong pedagogical rigor, involving leading specialists in their fields.
The Faculty of Biotechnology is part of around 40 national and international teaching and research networks, involving hundreds of renowned institutions.

Ana Mafalda Queijo Gonçalves Pinto

Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology 
    

"It is a truly fascinating course, both for what we learn and for the people behind each subject, who always conveyed passion and dedication for what they do.”

 

Strong practical and laboratory component

At ESB, learning happens through experimentation. Courses have a strong laboratory component, and small class sizes encourage autonomy and problem-solving skills. Close interaction between students and lecturers ensures attentive teaching and personalised support.

Maria Leonor Neves

Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering  
    

“Here we have the opportunity to truly immerse ourselves in what we are studying. This constant connection to research makes all the difference in our academic journey.”

 

Personal development and holistic education

Education at ESB promotes students’ integral and cultural development, including modules in Critical Thinking, Creative Writing, Humanism and Christianity, and Personal Skills Development. This multifaceted context is a distinctive feature that challenges each student to stand out.

Simone Sá

Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology 
    

“The challenging environment and encouragement of autonomy allowed me to face the adversities of professional and personal life with confidence.”

 

Research excellence

The Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) at ESB is recognised for excellence in several areas of Biotechnology and has held the status of an Associated Laboratory since 2004. Students may join the “Researchers’ Club” from their first year, developing extracurricular research projects.

Strategic partnerships and mentoring programmes

With more than 100 national and international partners, ESB offers direct contact with the labour market through curricular and summer internships.
The Mentoring Programme also strengthens connections between students and alumni, supporting academic and professional guidance.

Fernanda Manuela Maia da Silva

Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences 
    

“I took advantage of every opportunity and programme the university offered to engage with different professional realities and successful professionals who continue to inspire me.”

 

International mobility

The Erasmus programme and other international internships, coordinated by the Mobility and International Relations Office, enable experiences at universities and companies abroad. ESB has already promoted more than one thousand international internships – and the number continues to grow.

A multidisciplinary environment

ESB is part of Universidade Católica Portuguesa’s Porto campus, fostering interaction with other faculties and access to stimulating cross-disciplinary programmes. Extracurricular activities, including volunteering with CASO – Católica Solidária and Gás África, are recognised in the Diploma Supplement.

Employability and market recognition

ESB graduates are highly valued by the labour market, with many holding prominent positions in health, environment and the food industry. The Student and Employability Service supports labour market integration and organises networking events with companies.

Joana Gabriela Laranjeira Silva

Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology 
    

“The fact that it was a UCP degree was seen as an added value in the labour market. There is also an interesting network that allows us to receive support, clarify doubts and develop projects in different areas.”

A starting point for entrepreneurship

The BioSpin strategy has fostered the creation of entrepreneurial projects in biotechnology since 1994, providing students with tools to transform academic ideas into business ventures.

Volunteering and community engagement

ESB encourages involvement in community projects that help develop skills such as empathy, organisation and time management.
Through UDIP (Unit for Integral Personal Development), students are motivated to engage in distinctive personal development experiences and have access to various volunteering opportunities.