MSc in Biocontrol Solutions for Plant Health

To grow the next generation of scientists in plant protection BOOST meets requirements in eco-friendly plant production technologies by producing the next generation of scientists and professionals in plant health.

Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
FI (initial training)/FC (executive training)/FP (continued training)
Duration: 2 years
Location: Sophia Antipolis/Institut Sophia Agrobiotech
Language: English

Implementation of eco-friendly plant production technologies, minimizing the hazards and risks to human health and the environment, is a major challenge worldwide. This challenge is faced by all economic sectors producing or using plants: agriculture, agri-food, cosmetics, Pharmaceutics.

Objectives

Track taught in English
Immersion of students within internationally recognized laboratories and R&D centers.
Built-in interdisciplinarity
Customizable training thanks to mentored professional teamwork projects and internships.

Opportunities to focus on:

Plant improvement, molecules, and substances for plant health, or biocontrol using macro- and micro-organisms.

A major global challenge is to implement eco-friendly plant production technologies while minimizing the hazards and risks to human health and the environment. This challenge is faced by all economic sectors that produce or use plants: agriculture, agri-food, cosmetics, Pharmaceutics.

Program and content

Track taught in English; Immersion of students within internationally recognized laboratories and R&D centers; Built-in interdisciplinarity; Customizable training thanks to mentored professional teamwork projects and internships; Opportunities to focus on: Plant improvement, molecules, and substances for plant health, or biocontrol using macro- and micro-organisms.

The BOOST training program is unique in France and one of only a few similar international programs; Face-to-face and online learning; Flexible and individual training opportunities with different elective tracks; Students are individually mentored and coached by biocontrol experts; Opportunities for continuing education.

BOOST training is provided in English and conducted within the laboratories of Université Côte D’Azur and its academic and industrial partners, located in the Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park (Southern France).

Year 1

Fundamentals: Biology*, Digital tools, Law & IP, Management
*Introduction to Biocontrol; Ecotoxicology; Analytical chemistry; Formulation technologies; Plant physiology & genetics; Evolution & adaptation, Ecology
Mentored projects in a professional environment: Research, Development, Expertise
Professional 6-month internships in a research laboratory or company

Year 2

Fundamentals: Biology*, Digital tools, Law & IP, Management
*New management approaches for agriculture; Plant physiology & genetics; Population genetics, biology & dynamics, Chemical & behavior ecology
Mentored projects in a professional environment: Research, Development, Expertise
Professional 6-month internship in a research laboratory or company

Tuition fees

Tuition fees: 4000€ per year - The tuition fee may vary according to your residence status, namely if you are a resident of an EU country or of a country outside the EU. In addition, financial aid (need-based or merit-based scholarships) will be available to students, and other sources of funding will also be available through each training course.

Admission

Eligible students holding 180 ECTS credits who wish to specialize in research & innovation in plant genetic improvement, biological control, defense stimulation or biostimulation.

Proficiency in English required, based on TOEFL, TOEIC scores or an internal English test.

Future careers

BOOST fosters the training of professionals who will have the expertise to lead projects in all sectors related to plant health research and innovation. Graduates will develop a broad view of associated challenges, disciplines, and stakeholders. As future professionals, students will be provided with the knowledge, know-how, and experience to act as researchers, R&D leaders in extension services and industry, or experts in consulting companies, public bodies and NGOs.