“Asprela Campus” rings with ambition. What story does Universidade Cat\u00f3lica – Campus Asprela hold? It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place of dreams.
The Universidade Cat\u00f3lica Portuguesa was established in 1967. This happened by decree of the Holy See. It followed a request from the Portuguese Bishops’ conference. The law aligned with the Concordat.
Initially, the Jesuit-owned Faculty of Philosophy of Braga was the first faculty. It had been operating since 1947. In 1968, the university extended to Lisbon. The Faculty of Theology opened there.
The Portuguese government officially recognized Universidade Cat\u00f3lica in 1971. Decree-law 307/71 acknowledged it. It became equal to other Portuguese universities. Degrees granted held the same value as those from state universities.
1978 marked expansion to Porto. The first Law Programme in Porto was launched within the Law Faculty. The College of Biotechnology in Porto was established in 1982. The Regional Centre of Porto was established in 1983. The School of Arts in Foz campus was created in 1996.
Universidade Cat\u00f3lica – Campus Asprela is home to the School of Biotechnology. It also hosts the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry.
The School of Biotechnology began its activity in 1984. It started as an institute of higher education. The school offers degrees in Bioengineering. Microbiology and Nutrition Sciences are taught. Master’s courses are offered. These include Food Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Biotechnology and Innovation are also options. Doctoral programs are available. Biotechnology along with Science are offered.
The Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry is a research center. Since 2004 it has been a laboratory associated with the State. It develops activities in Biotechnology. It focuses specifically on food and environmental areas. These are linked to quality of life and well-being. The center provides scientific services to industries and the community.
Starting in the academic year 2019/2020, all activities in Porto moved to the Foz campus. The School of Biotechnology occupied the new Biotechnology Building there.
The Porto Regional Centre has multiple teaching units. These include the Cat\u00f3lica Porto Business School. Also part of the campus are the Faculty of Biotechnology. The Faculty of Education and Psychology are here. The Faculty of Law is present as well. It is the School of Porto. The Faculty of Theology is another key part. The Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing is on site. The Institute of Bioethics contributes too. Nursing School rounds out the offerings. The School of Arts has a place here.
The Universidade Cat\u00f3lica – Campus Asprela stands as a testament. It represents growth. It embodies adaptation. It is a place of learning. It is a hub for innovation.