Study programme’s generic objectives
- To give the skills to solve problems in new/unfamiliar situations in multidisciplinary contexts;
- To enrich the student’s competence to adapt to changes In the state of the art promoting their capacity of self-oriented and independent study;
- To develop competence for technical and scientífic work on critical and independent way in the different target contexts, with emphasis on aspects related to computer science and computer engineering;
- To give the capacity to integrate knowledge, deal with complex issues, develop solutions in situations of limited information and reflect on the implications and ethical and social responsibilities;
- To develop practical experience through laboratory and supported practical work through group work or individual projects;
- To develop the students’ ability to innovatively incorporate concepts in the design of new systems or processes.
Employability of graduates.
The study cycle has a long tradition of recognition by the professional associations (Portuguese Engineering and Professional Association and FEANI).
The PhD Program in Cyber-Physical Systems for Sustainable Development (CPS-SD) is a four-year doctoral program focused on applied research, placing advanced engineering and emerging technologies at the service of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The program centers on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)—intelligent solutions that tightly integrate sensing, computation, communication and control with physical processes. These systems constitute the technological backbone of smart cities, resilient infrastructures, next-generation healthcare, sustainable energy networks and Industry 4.0, enabling real-time interaction between the digital and physical worlds in a human-centred manner.
The program provides a strong interdisciplinary environment, bringing together expertise from Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Computer and informatics Engineering, Engineering Physics, and Biomedical Engineering. During the first year, students undertake advanced training covering sustainable development, research methods and ethics, core CPS concepts, and technology management and entrepreneurship. This training is complemented by elective courses that allow students to deepen their knowledge in areas such as communications, photonics and optoelectronics, intelligent and ubiquitous systems, computational systems, climate challenges, materials for CPS, biomedical engineering, and multimedia-oriented CPS applications.
From the second year onwards, students devote themselves fully to original research leading to the doctoral thesis, under the close supervision of experienced researchers.
Throughout the program, students develop advanced research skills, critical thinking and the ability to lead multidisciplinary projects addressing real sustainability challenges. They are also trained to communicate effectively with both scientific and non-specialist audiences and to translate technological innovation into societal impact, including in the context of developing and least-developed countries. Graduates will be well prepared for careers in academia, research institutes, high-technology industries and innovative organizations, contributing to the design and implementation of CPS solutions that directly support the Sustainable Development Goals and help shape a more just, inclusive and sustainable future.
