The PhD programme in Human Genetics and Infectious Disease at IHMT/NMS-FCM/UNL is based on a unique teaching and research structure and offers a novel combination in Portugal, with strong components in Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Infectious Diseases (Parasitology and Microbiology).
The interaction between host and infectious agent plays a key role in both morbidity and mortality in infected individuals, both for established infectious diseases as well as emergent or re-emergent diseases.
The study of these interactions is not simple and requires specialized professionals with high technical and scientific expertise and capacity for multidisciplinary research.
In 2016-17, non-resident students and student-workers will be able to access lectures via streaming, as well as a one month block of laboratory sessions.
Studentship submissions are encouraged, particularly to FCT and Gulbenkian Foundation (please contact the coordinator: isabel.mauricio@ihmt.unl.pt, or other teaching staff).
An Advanced Diploma in Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases can be obtained by those who complete the 60 ECTS that correspond to the 1st year (taught component).
Objetives
The holders of a PhD degree in Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases should be able to:
- Understand the molecular basis of disease and therapeutic responses;
- Devise possible individualized strategies for prevention and therapy, integrating knowledge related to 1) the organization, regulation of gene expression and signal transduction, 2) role of physical / chemical environment and 3) individual genetic predisposition;
- Understand the interaction between human genetics and susceptibility to diseases Infectious and its pathology;
- Understand and interpret apply molecular technologies used in the fields of human genetics and infectious disease;
- Design and conduct scientific research independently;
- Develop critical analysis of ideas and research results;
- Understand and implement the requirements of ethics and standards of quality and academic integrity;
- Communicate in a clear and concise with their peers and remaining scientific community and society at large.
Available project topics and research areas (including for application to FCT or FCG studentships):
Ana Abecasis, IHMT:
HIV infection in the PALOPs; The evolution of HIV-1 acquired and transmitted drug resistance in Portugal; Sexual transmitted diseases in Portuguese men who have sex with men; Evolutionary dynamics of flaviviruses
Ana Paula Arez, IHMT, and Paula Faustino, INSA:
Sickle-cell anaemia; Thalassemia; Phenotype modulator factors; Hereditary anaemia; Iron metabolism related pathologies; Red-blood cell enzymopathies and association with malaria.
Isabel Maurício, IHMT:
Genetic diversity, population markers and drug-resistance markers in helminths and Leishmania.
This PhD programme is offered by IHMT and Nova Medical School, in partnership.
This programme comprises 8 semesters (240 ECTS); the taught component in the 1st year (60 ECTS) and the research component (180 ECTS).
Students can freely select 7 ECTS according to their training needs and have to select their main field of studies (15 ECTS in either Genetics or Infectious Diseases).
Lab rotations are essential to prepare students in laboratory practice and implementation of state of the art methodologies.
Students who complete the 60 ECTS of the taught component (year 1) can obtain a diploma in Advanced Studies in Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases.
Coordinator
Docentes
Aida Esteves
Alina Brás (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
Ana Abecasis
Ana Domingos
Ana Paula Arez
Anne-Mieke Vandamme
A. Paulo G. Almeida
Carla A. Sousa
Celso Cunha
Fátima Nogueira
Filomena Martins Pereira
Gabriela Santos-Gomes
Helena Borba (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
Henrique Silveira
Inês Fronteira
Isabel Couto
Isabel Maurício
Jaime Nina
João Pinto
João Piedade
Joaquim Calado (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
Jorge Beirão Seixas
José Maria Marcelino
José Rueff (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
Lenea Campino
Luzia Gonçalves
Marcelo Sousa Silva
Maria Aldina Brás
Maria da Luz Martins
Maria Luisa Lobo
Maria Luísa Vieira
Maria Manuela Calado
Maria Odete Afonso
Maria Teresa Novo
Marta Gromicho (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
Michel Kranendonk (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
Miguel Viveiros
Olga Matos
Patrícia Salgueiro
Ricardo Parreira
Rita Castro
Sebastião Rodrigues (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
Silvana Belo
Sónia Centeno Lima
Susana Silva (Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas-UNL)
External advisory committee
- David Baker
- Jean-Marie Páges
- Peter Meyer
Self-monitoring
Self-monitoring will be undertaken through evaluation of teaching components questionnaires completed anonymously by students, which will be reviewed regularly by the Scientific Committee in conjunction with CU coordinators to ensure permanent updating of the quality of teaching in this course.
This process will be monitored by the External Advisory Committee.
Ana Armada
The PhD program in Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases presents fairly comprehensive curricular units which may prove useful in the future. One of the advantages is the fact that it is the first doctoral program of the IHMT in conjunction with the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Lisbon allowing joint training using the scientific expertise of the two institutions.
Luísa Ganço
In addition to a rewarding professional experience, which has given me the opportunity to contact lecturers and researchers of excellence, the doctoral plan in Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases is very well structured, enables a solid education and has contributed unequivocally to my personal development.
The articulation of knowledge in Genetics and Infectious Diseases, in addition to the close association between clinical aspects and research, enabled me to update my knowledge and develop and improve my professional skills. I confirm, with each passing day, that I made the best choice and I am truly pleased.
Diana Campelo
The PhD programme in Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases has been a very good experience. The curriculum is comprehensive and we have the opportunity to learn from many researchers and physicians from various fields of expertise.
Tiago Vaz
I chose the PhD programme in Human Genetics and Infectious Diseases at IHMT because to me it seemed the best way to pursue my academic training, particularly in the specific area of my interest. And I think it was an excellent choice because we have being acquiring and developing knowledge with many experts in various fields that complement and integrate with each other.
Student Profile
Students in this PhD programme should have a background in biosciences and an interest in the increasingly more topical intersection between infectious disease and human genetics.
Specifically, they should, either:
a) have a Master’s degree in Life Sciences or related field;
b) hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Life Sciences or related field, with a final mark of 14/20 or above, and an academic or scientific curriculum, recognized by the Scientific Committee to attest their capacity to successfully undertake this PhD.
In 2016-17, non-resident students and student-workers will be accepted and will be able to access lectures via streaming, as well as a one month block of laboratory sessions.
Studentship submissions are encouraged, particularly to FCT and Gulbenkian Foundation (please contact the coordinator: isabel.mauricio@ihmt.unl.pt, or other teaching staff).
Applications
Number of places: 10
1st phase: 1st June to 13th August 2016
Decision: until the 19th August 2016
Application fee: 51€
Documentation to submit
- Online application
- 1 photo
- Photocopies of National ID/Citizen’s card or Passport
- Tax identification card
- Degree certificates
- Motivation letter, addressed to the Course Coordinator (isabel.mauricio@ihmt.unl.pt)
- Curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
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Registration
Registration deadline: Until 23rd September 2016
Tuition
Annual fees: 2.750 Euros
Relevant legislation
- Decreto-Lei nº 74/2006
- Decreto-Lei nº 107/2008
- Decreto-Lei nº 230/2009
- Decreto-Lei nº 216/92
- Regulamento de Propinas da UNL 822/2010
- Regulamento de Propinas do IHMT
- Tabela de Emolumentos da UNL
Please contact the Academic Services should you have any question, through the telephone (direct line) +351 21 365 26 08 or via e-mail: secensino@ihmt.unl.pt
Payment
Bank details
Bank: Santander Totta
Balcão: LX-Santo Amaro
Address: R. Luis de Camões, 35-C
1300-355 Lisboa
Account Number: 0003 23498629020
IBAN: PT50 0018 0003 23498629020 22
SWIFT: TOTAPTPL
Proof of payment should be sent by email to secensino@ihmt.unl.pt, including the course and student identification.
