Bachelor in Biology and Geology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Minho

Program Overview

The Bachelor in Biology and Geology at the University of Minho is designed for students who are curious about the natural world and want to explore both living organisms and the Earth's processes. The program combines biology and geology to provide a broad scientific education, preparing graduates for careers in environmental sciences, natural resource management, research, conservation, or further postgraduate study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year focuses on building a solid scientific foundation in both biology and geology. Students study subjects such as Molecular and Cell Biology, General Geology, and Mineralogy, alongside General Chemistry, Fundamentals of Mathematics, and Topics of Physics, gaining the essential theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills needed for later years.

Year 2

In the second year, students expand their understanding of biological and geological systems through more advanced subjects. Modules including Animal Diversity, Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Geochemistry, Petrology II, Animal Physiology, Geomorphology, and Microbiology develop practical and analytical skills, while elective units allow students to explore areas such as hydrogeology, biotechnology, biodiversity, or field geology.

Year 3

The final year gives students the opportunity to deepen their expertise through advanced modules and optional subjects that match their interests and career goals. By integrating knowledge from biology and geology, students develop the skills needed for careers in environmental management, conservation, natural resource exploration, scientific research, or progression to master's degree studies.

Focus Areas:

Biology, Geology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Animal Biology, Microbiology, Geochemistry, Petrology, Geomorphology, Hydrogeology, Biodiversity, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Field and Laboratory Sciences

Learning Outcomes:

Develop a strong understanding of biological and geological sciences, apply laboratory and field techniques, analyse environmental and geological data, understand biodiversity and Earth processes, evaluate natural resources, solve scientific problems using analytical methods, communicate scientific findings effectively, and prepare for professional careers or postgraduate study.

Professional Alignment:

The program is officially accredited by the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES), confirming that it meets Portugal's national standards for higher education quality.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Minho is one of Portugal's leading public universities and is internationally recognised in global university rankings, including the QS World University Rankings. Graduates are well prepared for careers in environmental management, conservation, natural resource management, laboratory science, public administration, research, and advanced postgraduate education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor in Biology and Geology at the University of Minho places a strong emphasis on learning through practical experience. Throughout the program, students combine classroom knowledge with laboratory work, field activities, and scientific investigation, allowing them to develop the technical and analytical skills expected in both the biological and geological sciences. This hands-on approach helps students understand real-world scientific challenges while working with the same facilities and equipment used in research and professional practice. Students gain practical experience through:

Practical laboratory classes in biology, chemistry, microbiology, mineralogy, and geology.
Fieldwork and geological excursions to study rocks, landscapes, ecosystems, and natural environments.
Training in modern laboratory techniques used for biological and geological analysis.
Access to the School of Sciences' teaching and research laboratories.
Opportunities to use specialised equipment for microscopy, biological analysis, and geological sample identification.
Learning alongside active researchers from the School of Sciences' research centres and institutes.
Practical projects and laboratory assignments completed individually and in groups.
Access to the University of Minho Libraries, providing scientific journals, databases, study spaces, and digital learning resources.
Elective field-based modules, such as Field Geology, that strengthen practical investigation and observation skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor in Biology and Geology at the University of Minho leave with a strong mix of biological and earth science skills that are valued across environmental, research, and resource-based sectors. This degree opens up clear pathways into roles such as Environmental Technician, Laboratory Technician, Nature Conservation Officer, and Geology Field Technician, while also giving students a strong base for further academic study or research careers.

To support students in moving from study to employment, the university provides dedicated career services and development support:

The University of Minho has an employability support system that connects students with job opportunities through its Job Exchange platform and career guidance services, helping students prepare for the labour market and track graduate outcomes.
Graduates are prepared for work in areas such as environmental management, nature conservation, ecotourism, geoparks, natural resource exploration, laboratory analysis, public administration, geotechnics, and scientific research.
The degree is officially accredited by the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES), which ensures the qualification is nationally recognised and meets high academic quality standards.
The university regularly evaluates its programmes through internal monitoring and employability studies to ensure strong alignment with labour market needs.
The official university sources do not publish specific salary data, employment rates, or detailed industry partnership names for this programme.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies at master’s level in fields such as Ecology, Biological Resource Management, Geological Resources, Geoconservation, Microbiology, Plant Biology, Animal Biology, Hydrogeology, Geological Prospecting, or Cartography. Students may also pursue a teaching-focused master’s degree that leads to qualification as a Biology and Geology secondary school teacher.

Additional Information & Requirements

The Bachelor in Biology and Geology at the University of Minho is taught at the Gualtar Campus in Braga, Portugal, where the School of Sciences is based. This campus is the main academic and research hub for the programme, providing access to laboratories, lecture facilities, and scientific resources required for both biology and geology training.
completed upper secondary education equivalent to the Portuguese high school diploma and meet general academic eligibility for higher education admission in Portugal, which is assessed through diploma recognition.
An estimated entry requirement would be A-levels with passes in at least two to three science subjects such as Biology and Chemistry, generally around BBB to BBC or equivalent UCAS tariff points.
IB Diploma students, an estimated requirement would be a total score of around 28–32 points, with higher-level subjects in Biology and Chemistry considered advantageous for admission.
English language requirements are not always strictly defined for this programme on official sources, but an estimated requirement would be IELTS 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) or TOEFL iBT around 80, especially if English-taught modules are selected or required.
Overall admission is based on equivalence of secondary education qualifications and academic performance in science-related subjects, with final eligibility determined through Portuguese higher education recognition procedures.
As a general reference based on official University of Minho admission information, undergraduate applications are typically organised in multiple phases across the academic year, with deadlines commonly falling between spring and late summer, depending on the round of admission.
The application fee for University of Minho programmes is generally set at around 68 euros for international-style applications, although the exact amount can vary depending on the application route and student status.