Program Overview

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Master's Programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology

The Master's Programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology is a 2-year, full-time programme that provides students with specialized competence and skills to recognize, understand, and find solutions to global problems in plant biotechnology. The programme is organized by the Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University) and the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), which together form the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), where world-leading research in plant and forest biotechnology is being conducted.

About the Programme

The programme gives students theoretical and practical knowledge about plant physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and functional genomics, as well as an understanding of the ethical, ecological, and legal aspects of plant biotechnology. Advanced knowledge is provided 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 students with hands-on experience and training in how to design, perform, and report scientific experiments. During their studies, students also have the opportunity to establish contacts with agricultural and forestry biotechnology companies.

World-Leading Research

Many of the teachers are active scientists, and the education is anchored around the various research topics of UPSC. The programme is organized by the Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University) and the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), which together form the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), where world-leading research in plant and forest biotechnology is being conducted.

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, students 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. Following their degree, students can apply for PhD programmes in plant biology, plant biotechnology, plant microbiology, and bioinformatics.

Eligibility

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are:

• 60 ECTS biology, 30 of which should be plant biology and cell and molecular biology
• Chemistry 15 ECTS
• Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6

Selection

Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)

Application and Tuition Fees

As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, students are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
• Total fee: SEK 304,600

Programme Details

• Start: Autumn term
• Number of credits: 120 credits
• Type of studies: On site
• Study pace: 100%
• Length: 2 years
• Study location: Umeå
• Language: English
• Application code: UMU-M5008

Research Excellence at Umeå University

Umeå University is a world-class environment for teaching and research, where the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing began, and where innovation continues to shape the future. The university has a strong focus on research for society, nature, and the future, and provides an open climate for groundbreaking research.

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