Presentation
The models, opportunities and challenges of smart and sustainable development call for graduates with a blend of expertise in Earth Sciences and Computer Science, as well as the skills and capabilities needed:
This vocational programme lays the foundations for continuous lifelong learning. It equips students with the technical know-how and scientific proficiency needed for specialised roles in emerging employment sectors, contributing to geoinformatics and environmental conservation, while also enhancing quality of life and driving economic growth for both organisations and regions.
Course comisssion
Access
Entrance Exams:
One of the following combinations:
[16] Mathematics B
[07] Physics and Chemistry
or
[16] Mathematics B
[02] Biology and Geology
No. of Vacancies:
22 (subject to change)
Special Admissions
Special Entry Routes
Re-entry, Change of Combination/Institution/Course
Goals
Aims
The models, opportunities and challenges of smart and sustainable development call for graduates with a blend of expertise in Earth Sciences and Computer Science, as well as the skills and capabilities needed:
This vocational programme lays the foundations for continuous lifelong learning. It equips students with the technical know-how and scientific proficiency needed for specialised roles in emerging employment sectors, contributing to geoinformatics and environmental conservation, while also enhancing quality of life and driving economic growth for both organisations and regions.
Professional outcomes
Study Plan
Curricular Unit | Area | Type | Contact hours | ECTS | PUC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | MAT | S1 | T:14.00 | TP:32.00 | PL:32.00 | 6.00 | Consult |
Biology | CB | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:32.00 | 4.00 | Consult |
Chemistry and Biochemistry | FEQ | S1 | T:32.00 | PL:40.00 | 6.00 | Consult |
Climatology and Geomorphology | CAV | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Geodesy and Digital Cartography | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Spatial Data Base | EIM | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:32.00 | 4.00 | Consult |
Ecologia | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:32.00 | O:8.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Física | FEQ | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:48.00 | 6.00 | Consult |
Topografia e Sistemas de Posicionamento Global | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | TP:8.00 | TC:16.00 | PL:16.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Ciência e Proteção do Solo | CAV | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Fotogrametria | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Microbiologia | CB | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:32.00 | 4.00 | Consult |
Curricular Unit | Area | Type | Contact hours | ECTS | PUC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Landscape Ecology (optional) | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | TP:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Hydrology | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | TP:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Statistics and Experimental Design | MAT | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Remote Sensing | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Environmental Economics and Policy | OLM | S1 | TP:42.00 | S:7.00 | O:7.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Geographic Information Systems | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | TP:32.00 | O:8.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Planeamento e Gestão de Recursos Hídricos | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Gestão dos Recursos Naturais | CA | S2 | TP:42.00 | S:7.00 | O:7.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Território, Ambiente e Turismo (opcional) | CA | S2 | TP:44.00 | O:12.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Riscos e Proteção Civil | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:32.00 | S:8.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Qualidade do Ar e Ruído | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:36.00 | S:4.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Aplicações SIG | EIM | S2 | T:12.00 | PL:44.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Curricular Unit | Area | Type | Contact hours | ECTS | PUC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ecosystems Restoration and Monitoring | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
WEBGIS | EIM | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Water Supply and Drainage Systems | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:36.00 | O:4.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Landscape Planning | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:40.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Sustainable Forest Management (optional) | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:32.00 | O:8.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Environmental Assessment and Management | CA | S1 | T:16.00 | PL:36.00 | S:4.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Cadastro Geométrico | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:34.00 | O:6.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Energia e Mobilidade (opcional) | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | PL:36.00 | O:4.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Gestão de Resíduos Sólidos | CA | S2 | T:15.00 | PL:30.00 | S:6.00 | O:5.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Recursos Endógenos e Desenvolvimento | CA | S2 | T:16.00 | TP:28.00 | O:12.00 | 5.00 | Consult |
Estágio e Projeto Individual | CA | S2 | - | 10.00 | Consult |
Employability
Employability Rate – 98.3%
More information at: http://infocursos.mec.pt/dges.asp?code=3161&codc=L164
Partnerships and internships
Partner Institutions in the Scope of Erasmus+ Mobility Programmes:
National Partnerships:
Other information
Course Awards
Prize awarded as part of the Link-Me-Up 2022 project, “Living Mountains – reactivating local communities”, with the participation of three third year students from the Bachelor’s Degree Course in Environmental Engineering and Geoinformatics, in response to the challenge set by ARDAL – the Alto Lima Regional Development Association, the project partner: Third place in the IPVC competition.
Novo Verde Packaging University Awards, for the North Region, in December 2018, awarded to the EcoEscola ESA-IPVC Project Team.
2011 “Sustainable NORTH” prize for the “Biodiversity Information and Monitoring System for Northern Portugal (SIMBioN)” project.
MAOT Best Practices Award 2010/2011 for the “Information and decision support system [SI.ADD] / Administração de Região Hidrográfica do Norte, I. P.” project in the 1st MAOT Best Practices Forum – “Sharing to improve performance”. 2011 “Sustainable NORTH” prize for the “Biodiversity Information and Monitoring System for Northern Portugal (SIMBioN)” project.
INFOGEO Project (2010) recognised as among the five best innovative initiatives for the promotion and integrated development of competitiveness, cohesion, sustainability and governance of territories in the Northern Region.
Other Information
Course Awards
Prize awarded as part of the Link-Me-Up 2022 project, “Living Mountains – reactivating local communities”, with the participation of three third year students from the Bachelor’s Degree Course in Environmental Engineering and Geoinformatics, in response to the challenge set by ARDAL – the Alto Lima Regional Development Association, the project partner: Third place in the IPVC competition.
Novo Verde Packaging University Awards, for the North Region, in December 2018, awarded to the EcoEscola ESA-IPVC Project Team.
2011 “Sustainable NORTH” prize for the “Biodiversity Information and Monitoring System for Northern Portugal (SIMBioN)” project.
MAOT Best Practices Award 2010/2011 for the “Information and decision support system [SI.ADD] / Administração de Região Hidrográfica do Norte, I. P.” project in the 1st MAOT Best Practices Forum – “Sharing to improve performance”. 2011 “Sustainable NORTH” prize for the “Biodiversity Information and Monitoring System for Northern Portugal (SIMBioN)” project.
INFOGEO Project (2010) recognised as among the five best innovative initiatives for the promotion and integrated development of competitiveness, cohesion, sustainability and governance of territories in the Northern Region.
Prize for Best Thesis awarded by SPECO – the Portuguese Ecology Society to Tiago André Sousa Barbosa (2012). Geographic Information Systems as a tool to help draft Water Safety Plans: assessment of topical and diffuse pressures on the Touvedo reservoir. Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, the Ponte de Lima School of Agriculture, Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo (ESA-IPVC)
3.1 Merit Award – Environmental Entrepreneurship Project
11th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2021), awarded to the Eco-Escola ESA-IPVC Project Team
3.2 Merit Award – Professional Career
11th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2021): Carla Sofia Gomes (Senior Technical Officer, Porto Ambiente – Empresa Municipal de Ambiente do Porto, EM, SA).
9th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2019): Tiago André Sousa Barbosa (Department of Environmental Management, Fesht Componentes, Lda).
7th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2017): Luís Manuel Varzim Silva (Business Unit Manager, CME – Construção e Manutenção Eletromecânica SA).
7th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2017): Célia Sofia Igreja Dias (Senior Technical Officer, Forestry Commission – Forest Renewables GIS Officer, Scotland).
6th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2016): Bruno Miguel Fernandes Caldas (Senior Technical Officer for Planning and Projects, Minho-Lima Intermunicipal Community).
6th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2016): Pedro Gonçalves Capela (Founding member of FungiFresh, Unipessoal Lda).
5th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2015): Sílvia Parente (Environmental Coordinator, GESTAMP Portugal).
5th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2015): Gonçalo Miguel Libório Pereira Rodrigues (Head of the Protected Area Service of Ponte de Lima Municipality).
3.3 Merit Award – Academic Career
9th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2019): Maria da Glória Gonçalves, PhD in Social Sustainability and Development at Universidade Aberta.
8th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2018): Nuno Guimarães, studying for a PhD at Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia on “The Ecology and Conservation of the Wolf in Slovakia”.
6th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2016): Sílvia Manuela Marinho Machado, PhD in Geography and Land Planning (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UNL), Assistant Professor at Forman Christian College, Pakistan).
5th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2015): Ivone Patrícia Oliveira Martins, FCT Scholarship – PhD in Ecology and Territory, FCUP
5th Conference on Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2015): Carlos António Bastos de Morais Guerra, PhD in …
Projects
Environmental + sustainable education: Encouraging the efficient use of water (2018-2019)
Paulo César Torres Alves
Devising a wine zoning system for the Douro Demarcated Region: Integration and modelling of climate, soils and physiography
Project: TERR@ALVA – Definition and influence of terroirs on the quality of Alvarinho wine
Joana da Silva Quintas
Proposed Methodology for Defining Local Climate Action Measures for Alto Minho
Project: Alto Minho Intermunicipal Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PIAAC Alto Minho)
Pedro Alvarinhas Ferreira
Mapping of the invasive alien species Egeria densa: Application of the biomod2 model
Project: SINVAQUA
Luís Fernando Dias Vieira Cruz
Monitoring invasive species by analysing aerial and spatial photographs
Project: PORBIOTA – Portuguese E-Infrastructure for Information and Research on Biodiversity (Infraestrutura Portuguesa de Informação e Investigação em Biodiversidade).
Ana Margarida Vianez Marinho
Floating islands to support ecosystem rehabilitation
Project: ECOSAN – Promoting Ecological Sanitation
Cláudia Manuela da Silva Martins
Environmental Recovery of Lagoa da ESA-IPV
Project: EcoEscola ESA-IPVC
Carolina Isabel Gomes Amorim
Mapping and Analysing Burnt Areas in Alto Minho (2014-2017)
Project: PRoTEC|GEoRISK – Civil Protection and Risk Management in Alto Minho
Ana Carolina Vieira Rego
Sustainable Management of the Forest Area: Forest fire risk management in the Forestry Technical Office of Viana do Castelo City Council
Project: PRoTEC|GEoRISK – Civil Protection and Risk Management in Alto Minho
Ricardo Filipe Brito Caldas
Analysing Land Cover and Land Use Change: Case study in the Serras da Aboboreira and Castelo
Project: SiAMoSE – Baixo Tâmega Socio-Ecological Assessment and Monitoring System
Silvana Daniela Pereira Pais
The mapping of ecosystem services to promote biodiversity: principles for application in the Vez river basin.
Project: IND_CHANGE – Modelling tools based on indicators to predict changes in the landscape and apply socio-ecological research to adaptive land management.
Joana da Silva Quintas
proMetheus Project: Development of Key Sustainability Performance Indicators for Application in Higher Education Institutions (HEI).
Maria Margarida Araújo Alves
Project: WAW – Waste Around the Wine
Nuno Mouta
Project: Alto Minho Intermunicipal Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PIAAC Alto Minho)
Cristina Costa
Project: PRoTEC|GEoRISK – Civil Protection and Risk Management in Alto Minho
Cláudia Manuela da Silva Martins
Project: FTA+siv: Farmland Afforestation with More Forestry, Innovation and Value
Sorry, this entry is only available in Português.
“Recordo-me bem das emoções e experiências vividas durante o meu tempo na ESA. A minha jornada académica começou com muitas dúvidas e incertezas. Felizmente, enquanto aluno de Ciências e Tecnologias do Ambiente, sempre fui acompanhado por um corpo docente extremamente qualificado, que, como tal, me orientou ao longo do meu percurso académico. Sem esquecer, claro, os meus colegas que tiveram um papel fundamental, tanto ao nível social como emocional. Realço também a componente prática e as temáticas abordadas no curso, que foram essenciais para o desfecho da minha carreira profissional. Foi nesse curso que obtive o primeiro contacto na área de SIG, que me despertou um grande interesse, e na qual me encontro a trabalhar. Atualmente, sou técnico de SIG na InfoPortugal, onde sou um dos responsáveis pela edição da cartografia.”
Accreditation and Registration
With prior accreditation in 2017, for 6 years |
Vacancy Limit: 35
Initial Registration: R/A-Cr 88/2017 of 19-09-2017
More information from the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education-A3ES: Link
General Information
180 ECTS | Accreditation for two years (valid from 31/07/2023) | CNAEF 422 Environmental Sciences | Code: L164
Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Notes: Replaces the study cycle for the Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Technology.
Process No.: PERA/2223/1600173
Issue Date: 18-04-2023