Master's Programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology 120 credits
About the programme
Plant biotechnology is an important tool to solve global problems. How do we produce enough food in the world? How do we develop renewable fuels and manage ecosystems in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner? The Master’s programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology gives you specialized competence and skills to recognize, understand and find solutions to these challenges.
World-leading research in plant science
International study environment
Gain lots of hands-on lab experience
While studying
The programme provides you with theoretical and practical knowledge about plant physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology and functional genomics; together with an understanding of the ethical, ecological and legal aspects of plant biotechnology. Advanced knowledge is given in plant cell and molecular biology as well as plant growth and development. This knowledge is then applied in the fields of plant breeding, biotechnology and functional genomics.
Hands-on experience
The different courses within the programme contain a variety of laboratory experiments, providing you with hands-on experience and training in how to design, perform and report scientific experiments. During your studies you also have the opportunity to establish contacts with agricultural and forestry biotechnology companies.
World leading research
The programme is organised by the Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University) and the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). Together they form the Umeå Plant Science Centre, UPSC, where world leading research in plant and forest biotechnology is being conducted. Many of your teachers are active scientists and the education is anchored around the various research topics of UPSC.
Courses within the programme
Year 1
- Plant cell and molecular biology
- Plant Growth and Development
- Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding
- Elective courses
Year 2
- Elective courses
- Degree Thesis in Plant Biology or Degree Thesis in Plant Molecular Biology
Examples of elective courses:
- Project course in Plant Molecular Biology/Plant Biology
- Functional Genomics Theory
- Applied Functional Genomics
- Biomaterials and Bioenergy
- Genetics and Biotechnology in Forest Production Systems
Future and career opportunities
After the Master's programme you are well suited to work in a plant biotechnology company. The programme is also suitable for students who would like to work with research and development in a broader laboratory environment.
Further studies?
Following your degree you can apply for PhD programmes in plant biology, plant biotechnology, plant microbiology and bioinformatics.
Programme director
