Program Overview

Plant Biology MSci

Overview

The Plant Biology MSci program at the University of Nottingham is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of plant biology, from the molecular to the ecological level. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in plant science, biotechnology, or related fields.

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: MSci Hons
• Entry Requirements: ABB
• Start Date: September 2025
• UCAS code: C204
• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Fees: £9,535

Course Information

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Cell and molecular biology
• Gene editing
• Plant-pathogen interactions
• Environmental physiology
• Ecology

Students will have the opportunity to apply plant biology to uses in the agricultural, horticultural, biotechnology, and food industries.

Modules

• Year 1:
  • Academic Skills
  • Environmental Science and Society
  • Genes, Molecules and Cells
  • Introduction to Plant Science
  • Plant Science Research Tutorials
  • Principles of Ecology
• Year 2:
  • Environmental plant physiology
  • Research and Professional Skills
  • Applied crop science
  • Biological Photography and Imaging I
  • Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction
  • Ecological Surveying
  • Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
  • Ecosystem Processes
  • Enterprise Management Challenge
  • Forest Ecology and Management
  • Insect Biology
  • Molecular Biology of the Cell
  • Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology
  • Plant pests and pathogens
  • Soils
  • The Green Planet
• Year 3:
  • Undergraduate Research Project
  • Omics: At the Forefront of Biotechnology
  • Current Issues in Crop Science
  • Field Crops Cereals
  • Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants
  • Palaeobiology
  • Plant biotic interactions: from conflict to cooperation
  • Plant Cell Signalling
  • Plants and the Light Environment
  • Plant Ecophysiology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology
  • Tropical Ecology and Conservation
• Year 4:
  • Communication and Public Engagement Skills for Scientists
  • MSci Research Project
  • Project Management
  • Statistics and Experimental Design for Bioscientists
  • Writing and Reviewing Research Proposals for Plant Science

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Coursework
• Group project
• Lab reports
• Oral exam
• Poster presentation
• Research project
• Written exam

Careers

Plant scientists can work in crop production, plant biotechnology, food industries, environmental management, publishing, commerce, and teaching. Recent graduates have gone on to work as plant propagators and tissue culturists, horticulturists, research scientists, plant quarantine/quality inspectors, plant breeders, and journalists.

Campus

The University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings, and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.