Program Overview
The MSc Plant Biology & Biotechnology program at UCD equips graduates with cutting-edge knowledge in plant science and biotechnology, including genetics, cell biology, and climate change. It emphasizes innovation and hands-on research through a 3-month project, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, or PhD studies. Graduates gain strong writing and presentation skills, and an understanding of plant applications in various fields, including medicine and agriculture.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc Plant Biology & Biotechnology is a one-year program designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills in recent advances in plant biology and biotechnology. The program covers a wide diversity of topics and approaches, including genetics, genomics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and studies on climate change. It is taught by a high-profile research-oriented group of academics from the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, representing the largest grouping of plant scientists in Ireland.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide graduates with advanced knowledge in plant biology and biotechnology, including crop science, genetics, genomics, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and climate change.
- Equip graduates with the skills to pursue future careers in plant biology-based industries and PhD research.
- Foster an active, motivated, and autonomous learning environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
Teaching:
- Lectures, tutorials, and small group discussions are key elements in the program's design.
- Delivered by internationally recognized experts in the field.
- Students have the opportunity to develop a business plan as part of the innovation and entrepreneurship module.
- Students engage in a 3-month research project to gain advanced experimental skills.
Careers:
Graduates will have a distinct advantage when applying for PhD studentships or other advanced graduate training in plant biology and biotechnology. The MSc is ideal for graduates interested in pursuing scientific careers in academia, agriculture, and plant-science based or biotechnology industries. Graduates will have opportunities to pursue postgraduate education and research and work in areas such as:
- Plant biotechnology
- Scientific journalism/publishing
- Government agencies involved in governmental and non-governmental policy
Other:
- The program emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Researchers from the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science have research interests ranging from genetics and molecular biology of the cell to plant physiology and ecology.
- The program provides a strong focus on writing (popular articles, scientific papers) and presenting orally.
- Graduates will be able to interpret a variety of different datasets generated in Plant Biology research.
- Graduates will gain an appreciation of how plants/crops and plant/crop-derived products can be used in wider applications in the biomedical, food, and agricultural sciences.
MSc Plant Biology & Biotechnology (F080) Full Time EU fee per year - € 9300 nonEU fee per year - € 29100 MSc Plant Biology & Biotechnology (F131) Part Time EU fee per year - € 4450 nonEU fee per year - € 14550
