The Master's degree in Plant Sciences is a two-year full-time study, that consist of mandatory courses and elective courses. There are two specializations in English, that shows the students chosen focus area.
A Master's degree in Plant Sciences should in total consist of a minimum of 120 credits, including a Master's Thesis of 30 or 60 credits. A full year study at NMBU is a total of 60 credits, 30 credits each semester.
There are two specialisations in English:
- Plant Production and Plant Protection
- Plant Biotechnology
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Plant Production and Plant Protection
The specialization in Plant Production and Plant Protection focuses on plants in various forms of production, and the methods to protect them from pathogens, pests and weeds. One course is mandatory for all students (SDG302), which you will have in the August block in your first year of the Master's degree. Further, you are supposed to choose 30 credits from the list below, and write a Master's Thesis at 30 or 60 credits. It is important that you consider in which term each of the courses are offered, and whether they are offered every year.
It is highly recommended to take one of the courses that deals with production of different plants, if you do not have similar from your Bachelor's degree.
Mandatory requirements:
SDG302 - Sustainable Plant Production
Choose 30 credits among these courses:
PJH370 - Advanced crop production for future plant products
PLV321 - Plant Pathology and Resistance Breeding
PLV330 - Insect-Plant Relationships
PLV340 - Weed Biology and Weed-Crop Relationships
BIO324 - Plant Adaptation
PJH360 - Term paper in Plant Production
Master's Thesis of 30 or 60 credits
If you don't have similar from your Bachelor's degree, it is recommended to choose at least one of the following:
PJH212 - Forage and seed crop
PJH230 - Fruit and berries
PJH240 - Vegetables and potatoes
PJH250 - Plant Production in controlled environment
The remaining credits you are supposed to use on elective courses. Courses from other Universities both in Norway and abroad, may be approved by appointment with the student advisor.
All courses at NMBU you may find here (link).
Plant Biotechnology
The specialization in Plant Biotechnology focuses on the genetics and biotechnology of plants. One course is mandatory for all students (SDG302), which you will have in the August block in your first year of the Master's degree. Further, you are supposed to choose 30 credits from the list below, and to write a Master's Thesis at 30 or 60 credits. It is important that you consider in which term each of the courses are offered, and whether they are offered every year.
It is highly recommended to take the course BIO244 if you do not have similar from your Bachelor's degree.
Mandatory requirements:
SDG302 - Sustainable Plant Production
Choose 30 credits among these courses:
BIO300 - Microscopy Techniques
BIO320 - Development Biology
BIO321 - Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution
BIO324 - Plant Adaptation
BIO325 - CRISPR genome editing
BIO350 - In situ RNA hybridization techniques
BIO351 - Genetically Modified Plants - Case study
BOT320 - Advanced Course in Plant Developmental Physiology
Master's Thesis of 30 or 60 credits
If you don't have similar from your Bachelor's degree, it is recommended take the course:
BIO244 - Plant Biotechnology: Cell- and Tissue culture and Genetic Modifications
The remaining credits you are supposed to use on elective courses. Courses from other Universities both in Norway and abroad, may be approved by appointment with the student advisor.
All courses at NMBU you may find here (link).
Exchange
It is possible to have one semester at exchange in the course of your Master's degree. It is your responsibility as a student to suggest a composition of your study plan, where you either take the mandatory courses in other semesters at NMBU, or you are able to find corresponding courses at your chosen exchange destination. If you wish, you are welcome to discuss your options for exchange with the student coordinator.
Information about exchange at NMBU you may find here (link).
Some suggestions for relevant Universities abroad, you may find here (link).
Master's Thesis
You may choose if you wish to write a 30 or 60 credits Thesis. A 30 credits Thesis corresponds to a half year’s work, while a 60 credits Thesis corresponds to a full year’s work. It is important to start the planning early. Search for a topic and a supervisor the first year of your Master’s degree, so you are able to have a contract signed during the Spring semester of your first year.
M30-PV – Master’s Thesis at 30 credits (link)
M60-PV – Master’s Thesis at 60 credits (link)
More information about the Master’s Thesis you may find here (link)
NMBU’s webpage on writing a Master’s Thesis (link)