Master in Paleontology

The course’s overall objective is to train postgraduate students with a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the current issues of the evolution of Earth and Life.
Despite the obvious added value in terms of quality and complementarity by the union of two universities to prepare a course of study, it is believed that this MSc program will promote a set of cohesive lessons, worth employability and act as protection and socio-economic recovery of the paleontological heritage. Apart from that, this MSc will fill a gap by offering specific training in this area.
This Master course aims to achieve the following general objectives:
1. Foster a continuous knowledge update in the exciting field of Palaeontology;
2. Develop research skills in palaeontology;
3. Provide a strong foundation and knowledge in palaeontology allowing future graduates to make conscious decisions regarding the palaeontological and geological heritage.

Specific objectives:
1. Expand training in the field of palaeontology to acquire sustainable foundations for the transmission of knowledge related to this scientific area;
2. Acquiring scientific and technical training in the field of palaeontology, allowing the understanding and resolution of new paradigms in multidisciplinary contexts, in particular for a better and more conscious performance of technical activities of classification and management of the natural environment, particularly the paleontological, the responsibility of public authorities (Ministry for Environment, Spatial Planning and Regional Development, Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications Works and municipalities);
3. Develop skills to integrate knowledge in complex geological settings;
4. Develop a critical view of the fossil record and its importance for understanding the process of evolution;
5. Analyze and discuss the biological aspects of the bodies from the past;
6. Discuss and apply theories, concepts, and paradigms to obtain a comprehensive and adequate view of the History of Earth and Life;
7. Acquire skills and autonomy in formulating proposals to submit scientific projects, especially to the national programs of the responsibility of the central and regional government. A country with a rich paleontological heritage yet to be explored;
8. Obtain skills that provide the graduate with a high degree of autonomy to develop and acquire lifelong training in palaeontological subjects.