Plant Biotechnology
(Master of Science)

Plants grow in water in a glass. © Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät
© Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät

Profile

Course type
Postgraduate studies (Master)
Standard Course Duration
4 semesters
Course Start
Summer semester, Winter semester
Language of Instruction
German
Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German C1
Find out more

Admission
Unrestricted admission
International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

The degree programme takes an applied and strongly research-based approach. The main aim of the degree programme is to teach students new insights into the development, optimisation and use of biotechnological processes to foster innovation and improve the efficiency of plant production. Consequently, the programme focuses on giving students a general understanding of modern genetic methods and their use for integrated plant production, with special reference to molecular and physiological aspects. As a whole, the programme is primarily designed to prepare graduates for conducting research projects independently.
The areas of application involved in plant biotechnology are: development of new plant propagation techniques, acceleration and support of traditional methods of plant breeding using biotechnological methods, identification and isolation of agronomically relevant plant genes, creation of plants that are resistant to pathogens and pests, enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress, as well as improved internal and external quality, optimisation of recycling processes and the production of renewable raw materials and development of plants as a source of pharmaceutically and technically valuable raw materials.

Course Content

  • Development and application of biotechnological methods and genetic engineering
  • The teaching of problem-solving skills in the area of modern plant production
  • Technological impact assessment and the biological safety of plants
  • Development of the ability to devise biotechnological issues and experimental strategies
  • The ability to gain scientific results, to place them in an appropriate context and to communicate the results both orally and in writing
Course Structure

The Master’s degree programme in Plant Biotechnology is an academic programme involving a high level of basic research.

The standard period of study for the Master’s degree programme in Plant Biotechnology is four semesters, consisting of a flexible introductory phase (first academic year), followed by a specialisation phase (second academic year).

In the first and second semesters, students are given a portfolio of compulsory elective modules in which molecular biological/biochemical content is taught in addition to aspects related to plant production. These modules represent the priority themes of the three majors: Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology and Plant Production.

In the second academic year, the compulsory area leads to individual specialisation in the chosen major, which concludes with a Master’s thesis in the area of specialisation.

Recommended Abilities
  • An understanding of the fundamentals of plant biotechnology
  • An interest in subject-specific and research-oriented interrelations
Career Opportunities
  • Research, development and quality assurance in molecular biological basic research as well as in the plant biotech industry
  • University and non-university research
  • Activities in cultivation or biotech companies, e.g. breeding, seed and plant protection companies, propagation and seedling nurseries and companies that produce end products
  • Activities in the service sector and in agencies in Germany and abroad
  • Company start-ups
Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: 

Application Deadlines

First-year students (application from non-EU countries: VPD from uni-assist is required)

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
  • December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester

Students resuming their studies and transfer students (application in a higher semester)

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
  • December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester
Looking for exam information for this course?

Do you have questions about studying? We are happy to help!

Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building
Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building