Plants form the basis of life as they convert sunlight into an inexhaustible source of food and renewable raw materials. Plants also have a stabilising effect in (agro-) ecosystems, a landscape function and ornamental value. In a nutshell, we can't do without plants. Modern molecular biology has opened up a whole new range of techniques and possibilities to scientists working in the different fields of the classical plant sciences (e.g. plant physiology, plant breeding, plant pathology). The combination of these disciplines forms a challenging domain: Plant Biotechnology.
What will you study during this Master’s?
The Master Plant Biotechnology focuses on the integration of plant sciences, molecular biology, genomics and bio-informatics to study molecular plant-environment interactions and develop healthy plants in a safe environment for food, health and bio-based applications. You will use state-of-the-art molecular tools, -omics and data science to study plants-environment interactions, gene function or bio-active health compounds. You will learn how to develop and adapt experiments and molecular tools to modify gene expression and biosynthetic pathways in plants. This will all help you to understand, discuss, navigate and integrate the socio-economic, ethical and environmental aspects of biotechnology in your academic work. Whether you’re interested in developing climate-resilient crops or studying medicinal plant compounds, this master’s offers a range of topics to match your interests. With excellent research facilities and a top-rated learning environment, Plant Biotechnology prepares you to help build a more sustainable future.
Why this programme?
- Learn how to integrate knowledge of plant morphology and physiology from the level of the single cell to the individual plant.
- Learn about the technical aspects of plant biotechnology as well as the ethical and regulatory aspects and intellectual property rights.
- Choose from three specialisations: Functional Plant Genomics, Plants for Human Health, or Molecular Plant Breeding and Pathology, to match your interests and career goals.
- Put theory into practice through interactive lectures, lab sessions, and project-based learning in state-of-the-art research facilities.
