A candidate who has completed the programme is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in competence, knowledge and skills:

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and knowledge of plants, plant production, biodiversity, growth factors, ecology and environmental impact associated with use of plants for food, feed or for ornamental and aesthetic purposes.
• Display a thorough knowledge of issues in the entire value chain and have specialization in certain disciplines of plant science.
• Identify problems and present solutions related to agriculture, crop production, urban greening and farmland.

Skills:

• Apply knowledge to contribute to development, innovation and use of land area and plants in a sustainable manner, within an area of specialization.
• Apply knowledge in new areas, work independently and collaborate across disciplines with practical and theoretical issues. Analyze and understand methods and theories related to the interaction between plants and growth factors and climate impacts on plants.
• Analyze scientific issues on the basis of the history, traditions, character of the field, and societal needs
• Be able to use relevant methods and carry out advanced projects.
• Analyze, structure and think critically about information sources and scientific literature in the field.

Competencies:

• Impact of plant use in a national and global context, at present and in a future perspective.
• Master communication, team work and cooperation academically, national and international.
• Engage in public debate in a professional manner, while maintaining respect and humility for the opinions of others.
• Conduct an independent and limited research under the guidance and with a reflected ethical stance on global imbalances with regard to the exploitation of resources.
• Communicate independent work in academic fora using Norwegian and English terminology within the academic field.
• Should be able to participate in discussions within their specialization with specialists and the general public.

The Master`s degree comprises 120 credits (ECTS). For all areas of study this must include at least 30 credits at the 300 level and a compulsory thesis of 30 or 60 credits. Students must set up an education plan in consultation with the study advisor or in consultation with the thesis supervisor. Students must ensure that they have the prerequisite knowledge needed to take compulsory courses. A student may include one or two courses totaling 10 credits of 100-level in their degree. Relevant topics are BOT130 Plant Physiology (5 credits), GEO100 Geology (10 credits), JORD101 Soil Science (5 credits) or STAT100 Statistics (10 credits). Students select one of the following four specializations (three taught in English and one in Norwegian): 1) Plant Production Systems, 2) Plant Protection, 3) Plant Biotechnology and 4) Urban Greening (Norwegian). The Master includes the following compulsory courses at the 300 level within the various programs:

Specialization Plant Production Systems: A minimum of 30 credits must be selected from the following topics: PJH300 Sustainable Production Systems, PJH340 Quality in Food Plants, PJH350 Applied Plant Physiology in Greenhouses, BIO324 Plant adaptation, PJH360 Term paper in plant production, PLV321 Plant Pathology and Resistance Breeding, PLV330 Insect-plant relationsships, PLV340 Weed biology and weed-crop relationships.

In specialization Plant Protection: A minimun of one of the following: PLV321 Plant Pathology and Resistance Breeding, PLV330 Insect-plant relationsships, PLV340 Weed biology or weed-crop relationships. In addition, the student must select a minimum of 20 credits among: BIO300 Microscopy Techniques, BIO324 Plant adaptation, PJH300 Sustainable Production Systems, PJH340 Quality in Food Plants, PJH360 Term paper in plant production or ZOOL300 Ecological Entomology.

In specialization Plant Biotechnology: A minimum of 30 credits must be selected from the following courses: BIO300 Microscopy Techniques, BIO321 Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution, BIO320 Developmental Biology, BIO324 Plant adaptation, BIO350 In situ RNA hybridisation techniques, BIO351 Genetically modified plants-case study or BOT320 Advanced Course in Plant Developmental Physiology.

In specialization Green Environment: PHG316 Urban greening and landscape management and 10 credits related to green environment (ECOL350 Restoration Ecology, LAØ370 Landscape Ecology or SKS300 Forest Ecology). In addition, the courses PHG213 Landscape Plants, identification and characteristics, PHG215 Landscape Plants, establishment and maintenance, PLV210 Plant protection in Urban Horticulture LAA221 Professional Course I, TMPA220 Landscape Engineering, Plant Establishment and Management and BOT240 Plant Ecophysiology or BOT200 Plant Physiology should be included in the course portfolio, either from bachelor degree or taken as part of the Master's study.

If conscious choice of courses in the elective course portfolio the title agronomist can be awarded after degree. The courses are presented in the curriculum for the Bachelor and Master in Plant Sciences.

During the program, you will meet external partners in the form of master's theses, guest lectures, visits, excursions, etc. Internship with external partners is possible.

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology or equivalent education that includes basic knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, plant physiology, soil- and natural sciences.

There is a minimum mark requirement of C for admission.

Applicants must demonstrate English language ability in accordance with the NMBU regulations.

You can find general information on admission to NMBU here: https://www.nmbu.no/en/studies/admission.