Program History

Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Postgraduate Program (PPGBBio) started its activities in 2011 at the masters level, with CAPES 3 concept, presenting two Research Lines: Bioassays and Toxicology. At the end of 2014, CAPES approved the extension of the program to the PhD level, thus in 2015 the first group of students was admitted. With the start of the doctoral program a new research line called Bioactive Substances was created.

The goal of PPGBBio is to create qualified human resources that are up-to-date and well prepared to face the challenge of actively participating in the teaching-learning process and evidence-based knowledge building.

It is important to highlight the importance of the development of these lines of research at UFPel, considering that relevant aspects are considered such as the valorization of natural sources of raw materials, development of new drugs, development of methods of analysis and characterization of substances, among others, which can be studied in experimental models in vitro and / or in vivo. In this way, the lines of research of the PPGBBio are interconnected, characterizing an interdisciplinarity of the course.

The permanent faculty of the course is formed by renowned and highly regarded professors and lecturers with a background in areas such as biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacy, dentistry and chemistry in the Graduate Programs of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and UFPel itself.

Specifically, the PhD from Line 1: Bioassays, will obtain the knowledge to perform biological assays involving the biological action of products of synthetic and/or natural origin. The PhD from Line 2: Toxicology, will have the knowledge in toxicology in the sense of evaluation of natural and/or synthetic substances in their technological aspect and the determination of their environmental impact. The PhD from Line 3: Bioactive Substances, will be able to plan and obtain chemical substances with potential biochemical, biological and pharmacological action, through the development of application products in the health, food or pharmaceutical sectors. Thus, it can be highlighted that:

–  The student who completes any of the different master’s degrees of PPGBBio will be able to enter doctorate courses, as well as to act in teaching, research, extension and technological innovation in the area of ​​knowledge. In addition, this student can contribute to meet the demands of society and the scientific community.

– The student who completes any of the different doctoral program of PPGBBio will be able to coordinate teaching, research, technological innovation and extension activities in Brazil and abroad, as well as produce and disseminate knowledge in the field of biochemistry and bioprospecting. Also, they will be able to act in the industry and/or in teaching and research institutions, transmitting the knowledge acquired to society and to the scientific community in general.