Program Overview

Program Overview

The Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Breeding course is a 15-credit program offered at Umeå University. It aims to provide knowledge on biotechnological applications in agriculture and forestry, as well as the use of modern molecular biological methods in plant breeding.

Course Description

The course is divided into three modules: theory (10.5 credits), laboratory exercises (1.5 credits), and literature studies and seminar presentation (3 credits). The theory module covers topics such as:

• Genetic transformation of plants with Agrobacterium system and other techniques
• Tissue culture propagation
• Specific problems regarding grasses and trees
• Utilization of plants and bacteria as production systems for chemicals, fuel, drugs, and antibodies
• Genetic modification of plants to alter nutrient content or increase resistance to stress
• Synthetic biology and gene editing methods, such as CRISPR/Cas9
• Social aspects of plant biotechnology, including legislation, patent legislation, risk assessment, and ethical aspects

Eligibility and Selection

To be eligible for the course, students must have:

• 90 ECTS credits, with at least 15 ECTS credits in the main area of chemistry and 60 ECTS credits in the main area of biology
• At least 30 ECTS credits in cell- and molecular biology
• Swedish for basic eligibility for higher education programs and English 6/level 2 Selection is based on academic credits.

Application and Tuition Fees

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first installment: SEK 38,075
• Total fee: SEK 38,075 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.

Course Details

• Type: Course, second cycle
• Study pace: Full-time
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus
• Language: English
• Application code: UMU-50942
• Starts: 19 January 2026
• Ends: 23 March 2026
• Number of credits: 15 credits
• Teaching hours: Daytime

Research Areas

The course covers various research areas, including:

• Plant biotechnology
• Molecular breeding
• Synthetic biology
• Gene editing methods
• Social aspects of plant biotechnology

About Umeå University

Umeå University is a vibrant academic community where high-quality education meets groundbreaking research in science, technology, humanities, and the arts. The university is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being. It is also ranked #1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction for international students.