Plant Biotechnology (MPB) / MSc

Profile

The MSc programme Plant Biotechnology focuses on the integration of plant sciences and molecular biology to develop healthy plants for food, non-food, and health applications. Rapid technological developments in the field of plant sciences, genomics and molecular genetics enabled the application of molecular marker technology to accelerate the selection of novel varieties with a wide variety of favourable traits, including improved quality characteristics and resistance against biotic and abiotic factors. These developments have also facilitated the design, development and management of transgenic plants. At present, plants are increasingly being used as an alternative for the production of valuable proteins and secondary metabolites for food supplements and pharmaceuticals. In addition, new insights into the molecular basis of plant-insect, plant-pathogen and crop-weed relationships form the basis for the development of disease-resistant plants and strategies for the integrated management of pests, diseases and weeds. The programme is research oriented, focusing on molecular and cell biology and genomics. The fundamental approach is combined with the development of tools and technologies that can be applied to plant breeding, plant pathology, post-harvest quality control, and the production of renewable resources. The socio-economic, ethical and environmental impact of plant biotechnology in a global perspective is also addressed.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this MSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- explain and exemplify theories, methods and techniques that are relevant to the selected specialization, and remain informed about recent developments in the field of specialization as well as related fields;
- apply knowledge of genomics, molecular biology, genetics and bio-information technology to analyse gene expression in order to improve understanding of fundamental processes in plants and interactions between genes and gene products (Specialization A - Functional Plant Genomics);
- apply the knowledge of plant molecular biology, genomics, metabolomics and biomedical science in order to analyse and design plant-based systems for the production of health-improving compounds (proteins and secondary metabolites) (Specialization B - Plants for Human and Animal Health);
- apply the knowledge of molecular markers, genomics and genetics to explore genetic variation and to develop novel plant varieties, and apply knowledge on plant-insect, plant-pathogen, crop-weed interactions and molecular detection technologies to design strategies for integrated plant health-management and disease resistant crops (Specialization C - Molecular Plant Breeding and Pathology);
- select and apply suitable laboratory techniques, analytical measurements, mathematical and statistical methods for the collection, processing and analysis of experimental data in plant biotechnology independently;
- independently formulate a scientific problem in plant biotechnology in terms of research questions, and develop a scientifically relevant research plan in which problem definition, hypothesis, experimental set-up and data analysis are described in relation to relevant literature;
- independently perform scientific experiments and analyse and interpret experimental data, in order to develop or design a novel solution, system, model or product;
- translate research data and scientific knowledge in the field of specialization into relevant solutions to complex problems; - critically select relevant scientific literature to analyse current concepts, theories, techniques and debates as a basis for defining research questions and testing hypotheses in order to draw conclusions and develop recommendations;
- communicate in professional English with specialists and non-specialists about research and solutions to problems related to the field of specialization, both verbally (in presentations and debates) and in writing;
- co-operate in a multi-disciplinary international team in different team roles, including the role of team leader, to plan, perform and manage project-based work;
- analyse and evaluate the socio-economic, ethical and environmental aspects related to the academic field of specialization and integrate these in scientific work in an international context;
- self-reflect on personal knowledge, skills, attitudes and functioning, both individually and by giving and receiving feedback, and develop a personal learning path.

Specializations

- Functional Plant Genomics;
- Plants for Human and Animal Health;
- Molecular Plant Breeding and Pathology.

Programme Director

Dr G.J. Kuipers
Phone: 0317-(4)84767/ 82839
Email: anja.kuipers@wur.nl

Study Adviser(s)

- Dr ir A.B. Bonnema
Phone: 0317-(4)84028
Email: guusje.bonnema@wur.nl
- Dr Y. Bai
Phone: 0317-(4)82136
Email: bai.yuling@wur.nl
- Dr J.W. van 't Klooster
Phone: 0317-(4)5551
Email: john.vantklooster@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: Prof Dr Ir N.P.R. Anten
Secretary: Dr G.J. Kuipers

Internet

http://www.wageningenuniversity.nl/mpb

Study Association

Semper Florens
Email: semper.florens@wur.nl
Internet: www.semper-florens.nl