Plant Biology

Welcome to the Department of Plant Biology

At the Department of Plant Biology (DBV) of the prestigious Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (FCUL), we contribute above all to the training, at different levels, of highly motivated biologists to work in the various sectors of society and thus support the solutions that the current challenges demand for a better and increasingly sustainable world.

Our commitment is not just to inform, but also to inspire generations of students with the challenges and mysteries of living organisms, their interactions and how they relate to their environment, from genes to ecosystems, to use this knowledge to improve society.

The 21st century is undoubtedly the age of Biology! The technological development that is taking place, for example in genetics, microscopy, artificial intelligence and satellites, means that every day we can get to know each other better, as well as the relationship we establish with other species and the environment that surrounds us on a global scale, beginning to reveal some of the secrets of life.

Biologists who graduate from the DBV work mainly in the areas of health, the terrestrial and marine environment, agriculture and forestry, and can deal with issues such as climate change, the biodiversity crisis, pandemics, food security and an ageing population, among others.

To do this, we use a solid 1st cycle degree in Biology, where we provide the Molecular Biology and Genetics and Cell Biology and Biotechnology branches.

We offer diversified training in the 2nd cycle in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Applied Microbiology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Marine Sciences and Design for Sustainability.

At the 3rd cycle level, we offer a PhD in Biology with various specialities and we participate in various PhDs in partnership with other departments and schools at the University of Lisbon, such as the PhD in Biology and Ecology of Global Change, the PhD in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution, the PhD in Marine Sciences and the PhD in Sustainability Sciences.

The scientific areas in which we can work include Cell and Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Systems Biology, Biomedicine, Environmental Science and Management, Ecology, Physiology and Developmental Biology, Genetics, Microbiology.

DBV is committed to teaching with a strong practical component. In addition to classroom training, there are laboratories and field stations equipped with various advanced technologies and a vibrant academic community, allowing our students to be immersed in cutting-edge research and innovative projects. For this we rely on close collaboration with the cE3c, BioISI and MARE Research and Development Units and a highly qualified and internationally recognized teaching staff.

FCUL is proudly recognized as one of the best national institutions in the Biological Sciences. Every year we welcome curious and passionate minds, both national and foreign, ready to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and face the challenges that our rapidly changing world demands.

Become part of this academic community committed to providing an education by encouraging critical thinking and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and cultivating the future together.

Cristina Branquinho
Head of Department