Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding 15 credits

About the course

The course aims to provide knowledge on biotechnological applications in agriculture and forestry as well as how modern molecular biological methods can be used in plant breeding. The theory module deals with 1. the genetic transformation of plants with Agrobacterium system but also with other techniques and tissue culture propagation. Specific problems regarding e.g. grasses and trees are also discussed, and the laboratory sections illustrate the transformation and tissue culture of plants. 2. how plants but also to some extent bacteria can be utilized as production systems for example, chemicals, fuel, drugs and antibodies, as well as how plants can be genetically modified to have an altered nutrient content (e.g. Golden rice) or to become more resistant to stress. Practical exercises are also included here. 3. synthetic biology and gene editing methods e.g. CRISPR/Cas9 as well as their applications in plant biotechnology. 4. social aspects of plant biotechnology, for example, legislation of GMO plants in Sweden and the EU, patent legislation, risk assessment and ethical aspects of GMO plants and similar substances.

The course is divided into three modules: theory (10.5 credits), laboratory exercises (1.5 credits), literature studies and seminarium presentation (3 credits)

Show syllabus

Apply

Spring 2026
- Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  VT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  19 January 2026
  
  Ends
  23 March 2026
  
  Number of credits
  15 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-50942
  
  Eligibility
  90 ECTS credits, of which at least 15 ECTS credits are in the main area of chemistry and 60 ECTS credits in the main area of biology where at least 30 ECTS credits should be in cell- and molecular biology. Swedish for basic eligibility for higher education programmes and English 6/level 2. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.
  
  Selection
  
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 October 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 38,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 38,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
 
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

Explore your future at Umeå University

Join a vibrant academic community where high-quality education meets groundbreaking research in science, technology, humanities, and the arts. At Umeå University, you will learn from passionate, expert teachers and benefit from a close connection between research, education, collaboration, and innovation.

World's most satisfied international students

#1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.
A university with health at its core

Umeå University is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being.