Course Objectives
To train engineers qualified to carry out their activity with scientific rigor and technological competence, in the various fields of electrical engineering, and in particular in the energy systems, automation and Electronics and Telecommunications sectors/areas.
Brief description of the curricular structure:
1. Degree or diploma: Bachelor in Electrical Engineering.
2. Predominant scientific area of the course: Electrical Engineering.
3. Number of credits, according to the European credit transfer system, necessary to obtain the degree or diploma: 180.
4. Normal course duration: six curricular semesters.
5. Branches: Energy Systems, Automation, Electronics and Telecommunications.
6. Regime of operation: diurnal and evening classes.
The study plan comprises three years of academic study and all subjects are compulsory. The first year of the study plan presents a broad, practical overview in the field of electrical engineering. During this first year, presentation of the course material is primarily delivered at a starter level with engineering fundamentals stressed and reinforced across the study plan. A strong understanding of practical and physical principles is fostered and promoted. A significant amount of time is directly related to hands-on training in material and equipment testing, use and program of engineering software tools.
The second year of the study plan is academically rigorous, with thorough investigation of the theoretical foundations of electrical engineering science in the following areas: Electrical Installations, Industrial Automation and Robotics, Electrical Machines, Electrical Power Systems and Introduction to Communication Systems.
At the same time, the practical application of electrical engineering knowledge is presented and applied through course assignments and project work.
In the last year is given to the student the possibility to choice one of the three specialty areas: Energy Systems, Automation, Electronics and Telecommunications.
Access Conditions
Entrance examinations
(16) – Mathematics and (07) – Physics and Chemistry
Regional preference
Area of influence: vacancies: 25%
Aveiro, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Viseu
Other preferential access
Courses with preferential access: Vacancies: 10%
081,383,385,398,424,427,430,450,452,544,545,602,6 04,736,737,
740,748,766,812,P41,P42,P43,P44,P45,P46,P47,P60,P66,S28,S2 9,
S30,T16,T17,T18,T19,T20
Minimum classification
Entrance exams: 95 points
Application Note: 95 points
Calculation formula
Entrance tests: 35%
Average of secondary: 65%
Professional Outlets
Workers on behalf of others or on an individual basis in the following situations:
1. Production, transportation, distribution and management of electric energy;
2. Automation industry;
3. Telecommunications industry and services;
4. Construction companies;
5. Individual enterprises;
6. Maintenance;
7. Manufacturing direction;
8. Project and consultancy offices;
9. Central and local public administration services.
Learning Language
The main language of instruction at Coimbra Institute of Engineering is Portuguese. However, some curricular units from the course can be offered in English and/or with a tutorial support in English.
Learning Objectives
The primary aim of the Electrical Engineering study cycle is to academically prepare the engineering student for professional practice.
The Electrical Engineering study plan provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
1. Basic mathematics and physics;
2. Fundamental concepts of Electrical Engineering (EE);
3. Management techniques that is relevant to engineering and engineers;
4. Professional and ethical responsibilities of the engineer;
5. Impact of engineering solutions in a global context.
This degree course also develops the following skills:
1. Intellectual skills – students are able to analyse and solve engineering problems, design systems and apply professional judgments to balance risks, costs, benefits, safety and impact;
2. Practical skills – students can plan and execute safely a series of experiments, prepare technical reports, use computational tools and packages;
3. Generic skills – students learn to communicate and interpret effectively throughout drawings and electrical schematics, work as a member of a team, use information and communication technologies and to learn in an independent and effective manner with the purpose of professional carrier development, in a wider context.
The role of the engineer as a manager is also developed. To further develop engineering skills for professional practice, the study plan concludes with the completion of a team-based structural design project.
The percentage of the theoretical teaching model of the Electrical Engineering degree course was decreased, moving from a passive teaching to a teaching more based on skills development, where the experimental and design components play a key role.
To ensure that the goals are achieved the following teaching methods were adopted:
Case studies: where an analysis of solutions is made in a professional context for solving complex problems;
Group learning: where groups of students solve problems and perform team work;
Practical work: where the students develop solutions to practical problems or they perform practical project works;
Oral and written presentation of reports: where the students present topics, reports or works;
Laboratory classes: where the students perform practical laboratory work under teacher supervising;
Seminars and Workshops: where presentations of topics are made by experts, followed by question and answer sessions;
Field trips.
Access to Superior Studies
Graduates in Electrical Engineering may apply for master’s degrees (2nd cycle studies) in the Electrical Engineering area or related scientific areas.