Program Overview

Master of Science in Plant Science

The Master's program in Plant Science provides theoretical and practical training. Graduates acquire in-depth knowledge in this sub-discipline of biology and demonstrate their ability to plan, conduct, and present their own research project in oral and written form.

Program Structure

The Master's program in Plant Science includes a Master's thesis, a Master's examination, and in-depth study of the subject. The program can be started in the fall or spring semester and typically lasts three semesters in full-time study.

Offering Organization Unit

The program is offered by the Department of Environmental Sciences.

Specialization Areas

• Physiological Plant Ecology: How do plants and ecosystems function in the context of their environment?
• Plant and Climate Change: How do plants react to atmospheric and climatic changes?
• Stable Isotopes: What processes can these modern tools of ecology and environmental sciences reveal?
• Physiological Ecology of Alpine Plants: How do plants function in alpine habitats?
• Phylogeny and Systematics: What relationships exist between plant species and how have they evolved?
• Plant-Microbe Interactions: How do root exudates function in communication between plants and their microbes? How can plants recognize and distinguish different soil microbiomes?
• Plant Microbiomes: What functions support the growth and health of the host plant? How do microbial 'feedbacks' affect plant growth?
• Utilizing Plant-Microbe Interactions: How can beneficial plant microbes be used for sustainable agriculture?
• Biological Control of Plant Diseases: How do beneficial plant microbes help in biological pest control? How do compost bacteria function in suppressing diseases in the soil?

Responsibility

The program is led by:

• Prof. Dr. Ansgar Kahmen, Group for Physiological Plant Ecology
• Prof. Dr. Klaus Schlaeppi, Group for Plant-Microbe Interactions

Detailed Program Information

Detailed information about the program can be found in the guidelines for Master's studies in the field of Biology at the Department of Environmental Sciences: Biology of Animals, Ecology, Plant Science.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Plant Science is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of plant biology, ecology, and physiology. The program covers various aspects of plant science, including plant-microbe interactions, physiological plant ecology, and phylogeny and systematics.

Research Areas

The program focuses on several research areas, including:

• Physiological plant ecology
• Plant and climate change
• Stable isotopes
• Physiological ecology of alpine plants
• Phylogeny and systematics
• Plant-microbe interactions
• Plant microbiomes
• Utilizing plant-microbe interactions
• Biological control of plant diseases

Additional Information

• Degree Profile: The Master of Science in Plant Science degree profile provides an overview of the program's structure and requirements.
• Program Overview: The program overview provides a detailed description of the program's content and objectives.
• Infosheet: The infosheet provides additional information about the program, including admission requirements and program structure.
• Flyer: The flyer provides a concise overview of the program and its specializations.