Natural products are important sustainable sources of bioactive ingredients with a high potential for applications such as pharmaceuticals, dermocosmetics, medical devices and food supplements.

The Master's Degree in Chemistry of Natural Bioactives - Bio.Natural aims to provide a solid command of chemistry applied to natural products as a basic tool and essential knowledge for the promotion and application of natural bioactives. The student will also be able to specialize academically with research and innovation activities.

Why choose this Master's?

• Fully taught in English
• Specialisation in Natural Bioactives, Nutraceuticals, Phytotherapy and Cosmetics
• Industry-oriented research and innovation projects
• Collaboration with leading companies in biotechnology, nutraceuticals and cosmetic development
• Excellent preparation for PhD studies and international careers

Profile of the candidates:

Holders of a bachelor's, master's, or equivalent degree, preferably in the field of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Nutritional Sciences, Health Sciences, and related areas.

Technical and professional skills adquired:

1. Deepen advanced technical-scientific knowledge in Natural Product Chemistry;
2. Understand the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, structural identification, computational chemistry, nanotechnology and bioactivity applied to natural bioactives;
3. Develop the use of natural bioactives in distinct application domains (therapeutic, cosmetic, food, chemical, others);
4. Understand the importance of applied research as a main element of innovation, competitiveness, and economic and social progress.

Programme Overview: 

1st Year | Common Core

1º Semestre 

• Chemistry of Natural Bioactives (6 ects)
• Formulation Strategies and Nanotechnology (6 ects)
• Mechanisms of bioactivity (6 ects)
• Molecular Modeling and Chemoinformatics (6 ects)
• Structural Analysis (6 ects)

2º Semestre

• Bioactives in Diet and Food Supplements (6 ects)
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3 ects)
• Medicinal and Therapeutic Chemistry (6 ects)
• Natural Biactives in Cosmetics (6 ects)
• Organic Chemistry (6 ects)
• Research Methodologiesects (3 ects)

2nd Year | Common Core

• Dissertation (60 ects)

Career opportunities:

Industry: advanced training aimed at entering the Industry in areas related to natural products such as the Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Food Industry and Agrochemical Industry.

Interconnected sectors: there are several professional opportunities that go beyond the main areas of industry, also encompassing Quality Control, Biotechnology, Fine Chemistry (synthesis), Chemical Analysis, Environmental Technology and Companies in Auditing, Consulting and Project Management.

Teaching and Research: the possibility of joining research teams and/or pursuing 3rd cycle studies (PhD) are important and relevant options for students.