Between April 3rd and 6th, another edition of Futurália took place at Fil, in Lisbon.

In strict collaboration with the Rectory of the University of Lisbon, the Medical School was represented not only by several staff members but also by our students of the Integrated Masters in Medicine (IMM) and the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BCN). The goal was to make future students aware of their experience on life at FMUL.

As has been customary in these initiatives, there are many students who, in the final stretch of high school, seek us to find out more information about our institution. This time we challenged prospective medical students to collaborate with us on News, we invited them to ask a question that they considered vital in their decision to join FMUL.

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David, a student from Romeu Correia High School in Feijó, asks: “Is Neuroscience a Medicine Speciality, or is it something else?”

A: "Neuroscience is dedicated to deepening the knowledge about the Nervous System. As such, neuroscientists can use various approaches, i.e., analyse molecules relevant to the functioning of the nervous system, perceive the functioning of nerve cells and the relationships between them, analyse neural networks and their relation to certain cognitive behaviours or processes, analyse cognition itself. Neuroscience is therefore a multidisciplinary area, and when it seeks a response to a concrete question, it often requires more than one approach. Medicine provides important contributions to Neuroscience, just as Biology, Mathematics, Biochemistry, Physics, among others, provide. There is an area of Medicine, Neurology, that studies the diseases on the Nervous System. As such, it uses Neuroscience knowledge and, in turn, also informs Neuroscience because perceiving what is altered contributes to a better knowledge of certain functions. The same applies to another area of medicine, such as Psychiatry.

In short, some areas of Medicine contribute to Neuroscience, but Neuroscience is more comprehensive, interrelating with many other areas of knowledge beyond Medicine. Therefore, there are study programmes that focus on the study of Neuroscience. The Medical School has a Master's Degree in Neuroscience, and two PhD programmes in Neuroscience. These study programmes are open to students from a wide range of education backgrounds. In its first year, the study cycle of a Master's Degree in Neurosciences focuses on a diversity of aspects ranging from molecule to cognition, from function to dysfunction. The goal is to give the student a set of comprehensive insights that will allow him on the 2nd year of the Master's Degree to focus his research on concrete issues that he wants to deepen."

- Prof.ª Ana Sebastião, Professora Catedrática da FMUL em Farmacologia e Neurociências

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Afonso and Marta, both students at São Tomás School in Lisbon, want to know: "Why choose FMUL"?”

A:FMUL is a School that distinguishes itself for its history, quality of education and faculty members. We are part of the largest University in Portugal, the University of Lisbon, and given our integration in the Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, together with Santa Maria Hospital and the Institute of Molecular Medicine, we have the essential resources and infrastructures to guarantee an education of excellence. Early on, we stimulate the interest of our students in Research through the Support Office for Scientific, Technological and Innovation Research (GAPIC) and foster the integration of our students through the Mentoring , project, whose main mission is the integration of new FMUL students in the academic and social environment. Students may also have access to psychopedagogical counselling, promoted by the Student Support Office (GAE).

- Dolores Machado, Academic Department

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Q: "Is there a competitive environment at FMUL?" – Beatriz and Gonçalo, students at Santo André High School, in Barreiro.

A: "There isn't a competitive environment at all, in my opinion! On the contrary, I feel that we are all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction, so that the failures of some are compensated by the successes of others and vice versa. In addition, there are several projects that FMUL and AEFML (Students' Association) offer that allow us to foster relationships between several colleagues and create great ties with those who go through the same things we do. We have, for example, the Mentoring Project, in which the students of the first years are accompanied by mentors, more advanced students, who help them integrate, study, get to know the city, etc., promoting, early on, the formation of networks of friends where they can find great support. Even with the adversities of the study programme and of an uncertain future, I still feel that there is a great spirit of mutual help and unity in our School."

- João Valente, Coordinator/Fellow of the Mentoring Project

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Q: "Will the medical study programme be as demanding as they claim? ” – Henrique, student at São João High School, in Estoril.

A: "I would be lying if I said it isn't a demanding study programme. In fact, it requires, several hours of study outside the academic periods. As in all areas, there are subjects that take more time than others and for which we have to work a bit more. However, with effort and dedication, combined with an interest in the study programme, everything becomes possible. The key is to really like what you are doing and know why you are here. The rest comes naturally!"

                                               - João Valente, Coordinator/Fellow of the Mentoring Project

Isabel C. Varela

Editorial Team