Frequently Asked Questions
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Requirements for dissertation defense
According to the university school calendar, students must register and request enrollment in disciplines and other activities by the established deadlines, including registration for the dissertation. Registration is always done online using SIGAA (http://www.si3.ufc.br/sigaa). To avoid work overload that affects academic performance, it is recommended that students take no more than 12 credits per semester. After 30 months on the course, counting from the initial enrollment month, the student is automatically dismissed.
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Adjusting and Blocking Enrollment
Once enrolled, students may adjust their enrollment by excluding or including disciplines during the periods indicated in the university calendar. Students may also suspend their enrollment. Students may suspend their enrollment for up to two semesters. However, they may not suspend their enrollment during the first academic period in which they enter the program, except in cases of pregnancy, disease, or long-term illness as assessed by the university medical service.
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Utilization of disciplines from other graduate programs
After receiving approval from the collegiate body, credits obtained in other graduate programs recommended by CAPES may be accepted. Use of credits from other graduate courses is limited to six credits. Credits will only be accepted for courses in which the student received a score of at least 7.0. To apply, students must submit an application form to the secretariat and attach a statement from the program in which the discipline was completed. The statement must indicate student attendance and approval, as well as the teaching plan for the discipline.
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Foreign language proficiency
Students must take a foreign language proficiency test in English at institutions accredited by the UFC within 12 months of entering the program. Failure to do so will result in the inability to obtain the master’s degree. Students must submit their proficiency certificate to the secretariat once they have it.
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Teaching internship program
Teaching internship is considered a compulsory curricular activity for its students. It is defined as the participation of a graduate student in teaching activities in higher education at the university under the supervision of a professor.
The following teaching activities are considered: participation in theoretical classes, participation in practical, laboratory, and/or clinical activities, completion of courses in basic subject areas, tutoring study groups, assisting students with monographs and end-of-course projects, preparing teaching materials, and providing pedagogical support for students with special needs.
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Qualification Exam
The qualification exam must be taken before the dissertation defense. The objectives of the qualification exam are to provide an opportunity to demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills, stimulate thematic deepening and specialized bibliographic consultation, and certify that the research project is feasible.
The qualifying exam consists of a public presentation of the dissertation project and its results within 12 months of the start of the course. Students must demonstrate their ability to understand, analyze, and apply scientific methods and concepts. Failure to pass the qualifying exam will prevent registration for the dissertation. Students who do not pass the qualifying exam will be granted another opportunity according to the deadline set by the board.
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Defense of dissertation
Master’s degree candidates must pass a dissertation defense, demonstrating their ability to present their results. The Board of the Graduate Program in Biotechnology is responsible for approving the examining committee for the dissertation defense.
