Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master's program in Plant Biology for Sustainable Production is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge in plant biology, particularly for sustainable production in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to work independently on issues related to plant biology and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for the future.

Program Details

• Program Code: LM011
• Credits: 120 Hˆgskolepo‰ng
• Program Board: PN-LT Programn‰mnden fˆr utbildning inom landskap och tr‰dgÂrd
• Revised: By PN-LT Programn‰mnden fˆr utbildung inom landskap och tr‰dgÂrd
• SLU ID: SLU.ltv.2025.3.1.1-628
• Valid From: HT 2026
• Responsible Program Board: PN-LT Programn‰mnden fˆr utbildning inom landskap och tr‰dgÂrd

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Master's program in Plant Biology for Sustainable Production, students must meet the following requirements:

• Basic Eligibility: A degree at the undergraduate level of at least 180 hˆgskolepo‰ng (hp)
• Special Eligibility:
  • 90 hp in biology or
  • 60 hp in biology and 30 hp in agricultural science, horticultural science, forestry science, or forest management
• English Proficiency: Knowledge equivalent to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school

Program Content

The program starts with an introductory course that provides students with basic subject competence in plant biology and molecular genetics. This is followed by three courses during the first year that give students in-depth knowledge in subjects crucial for sustainable plant production. The program has two specializations located at different campuses:

• Plant Protection and Plant Breeding (Alnarp)
• Interactions between Cultivated Plants and their Environment (Ultuna)

Courses in the Program

Year 1 (Campus Alnarp or Campus Ultuna)

• Introduction to Plant Biology for Sustainable Production, 15 hp
• Plant Growth and Development, 15 hp
• Plant Breeding and Plant Protection, 15 hp
• Sustainable Plant Production from Molecular to Ecosystem Level, 15 hp

Year 2 (Elective Courses)

Specialization - Plant Protection and Plant Breeding (Campus Alnarp)

• Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Sustainable Cropping Systems, 15 hp
• Applied Plant Biotechnology, 15 hp
• Advanced Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, 15 hp
• Chemical Ecology for Sustainable Insect Pest Control, 15 hp
• Research Practice, 15 hp
• Master's Thesis in Biology, 30 hp or 60 hp

Specialization - Interactions between Cultivated Plants and their Environment (Campus Ultuna)

• Plant Pathology, 15 hp
• Genetic Diversity and Plant Breeding, 15 hp
• Plant-Microbe Interactions, 15 hp
• Research Practice, 15 hp
• Master's Thesis in Biology, 30 hp or 60 hp

Program Goals

The program aims to provide students with:

• In-depth knowledge in plant biology, including a broad understanding of the field and specialized knowledge in certain areas
• Advanced methodological knowledge in plant biology
• The ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyze complex phenomena
• The ability to identify and formulate research questions, plan and carry out advanced tasks, and evaluate their work
• The ability to clearly present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that underlie them
• The ability to make assessments with regard to relevant scientific, social, and ethical aspects

Examination

The program leads to a Master's degree with a major in Biology. The degree requires:

• 120 hˆgskolepo‰ng (hp) with a minimum of 30 hp in courses with in-depth studies in biology
• A Master's thesis of 30 hp or 60 hp in biology

Additional Information

• Prior knowledge in cell biology and genetics is recommended.
• There are opportunities for project-based in-depth courses and Master's projects at SLU in UmeÂ.
• The program prepares students for further studies at the doctoral level or for work in industries, government agencies, or other organizations focused on sustainable solutions.