MSc in Biology, Plant Science
Programme overview
Plants use intricate systems for growth, development, transport and metabolism to cope with adverse environmental conditions, but also have considerable capacity to adapt genetically to both biotic and abiotic factors. An understanding of the mechanisms that underlie these features is of fundamental importance for all biological disciplines. This is the subject for you if you are interested in plant biology, evolution and biodiversity.
You will gain knowledge and understanding of how plants function at different levels of organisation, from the molecular to the eco-physiological level. You will gain knowledge of the methodology used in plant biological work and in research into physiological, molecular and cell biological issues. You will learn about the mechanisms that are involved in the evolution of new plant species and the factors that control plant diversity and the distribution of plant species. You will come to understand the way in which mating systems and population structure influence gene flow and genetic diversity in plants. You will study how plants interact with other organisms and their ability to adapt to environmental change. You will be given a scientifically-based perspective to the conservation biology of plants and gain practical experience of ecological methodology. Field trips and laboratory work are integrated parts of many courses in this study programme.
Special features of the programme:
• Broad range of courses covering ecological and evolutionary topics related to plants, fungi and lichens
• Close connections to state-of-the-art research in an international environment
• Integration of theoretical analyses with field work and strong training of laboratory skills
• Freedom to create your own study programme and specialisation
Programme modules/courses
Compulsory courses: Plant Function, Plant Evolution and Adaptation, and a Master’s degree project in Plant Science.
Electives: Plant Systematics and Diversity, Population and Community Ecology, Soil and Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Methods in Molecular Biology, Genetic Analysis, Bioinformatics and Sequence Analysis, and Processing and Analysis of Biological Data.
Most courses are full-time studies, and you usually take only one course at a time. The courses are typically teaching-intensive, with lectures, seminars, excursions as well as theoretical and practical exercises. You are expected to spend about 40 hours per week on studies, self-studies included. Normally you take two courses of 15 credits per semester, i.e. a total of 60 credits per year.
Career prospects
The educational programme provides a foundation for continued studies at the doctoral level within the fields of plant biology, evolutionary botany, plant ecology, conservation biology, plant breeding and biotechnology, but also opens doors to employment within the public sector, forestry and agricultural organisations, ecological and conservation consultancy, plant breeding and education.
Read more about this programme on www.lunduniversity.lu.se/biology-plant-science
Why Lund University?
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is one of northern Europe’s oldest, broadest and finest universities. The University ranks among the world's top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2019 and is the #1 choice for international students coming to Sweden – one of the world's most innovative, sustainable and democratic countries.
If you would like to start building your international network in a global classroom setting, Lund University is a great option. Experience a different way of learning in a country ranked as one of the best in the world at providing higher education. Group work and informal teacher-student relationships facilitate in-depth learning.
The University is located in Lund, a charming and compact university city in southern Sweden, only 35 minutes away from Copenhagen Airport in Denmark. The city is famous for its vibrant student life and is also home to many world-leading research facilities and international companies.
Learn more about Lund University at www.lunduniversity.lu.se
This school offers programs in:
- English
Last updated October 4, 2018
