Masters degrees in Plant Pathology provide advanced training in the biology, ecology, and epidemiology of pathogens. They include the molecular study of plant-insect and crop-weed relationships, providing practical experience in the development of disease-resistant plants and strategies for integrated pest management.
Many programmes are laboratory-based, with opportunities to carry out original research as well as mastering current scientific theory and practice. Popular specialisms and related subjects include Parasitology, Pest Management, Molecular Plant Science and branches of Agronomy.
Harper Adams is the UK’s only provider of a postgraduate course in plant pathology. There is currently a shortage of expertise in this important topic, which is a key element in the effort to ensure global food security and mitigating the effects of climate change. By successfully completing this course you will develop a range of abilities that will prepare for an interesting and fulfilling career in an area with considerable opportunities.
Although food production has tripled in the last 40 years, approximately 1 billion people still go hungry, with an average of 30 per cent of all available food being wasted during production, processing and distribution. Crop losses through plant disease either pre- or post-harvest are an important component of these losses.
The aim of the course is to provide students with specialized training in plant pathology.
The course will:
The course is intended to provide a detailed understanding of basic and applied plant pathology and the issues associated with current production systems and control strategies. The course is underpinned by an extensive programme of agri-environment research at Harper Adams and longstanding collaborations with research institutes and other organisations in the UK and overseas.
Having completed the taught part of MSc you will be able to identify pathogens using both traditional methods and molecular techniques. The course will focus on producing integrated management solutions that meet the requirements of sustainable crop production. Students also learn how to disseminate issues and ideas relating to plant disease control to a range of audiences using various methods of communication.
The research project for the MSc will allow you to test hypotheses relevant to pure and applied plant pathology research by designing, carrying out, analysing and interpreting experiments. You will also learn to evaluate and interpret data and draw relevant conclusions from existing plant pathology studies.
The MSc covers a broad range of topics in plant pathology and all students receive training in fundamental skills which will enable them to enter a plant pathology work environment within either a commercial company, research institute or academia.
The full-time and two year part-time courses are eligible for a postgraduate loan.
British Society of Plant Pathology
Plants form the basis of life as they convert sunlight into an inexhaustible source of food and renewable raw materials. Plants also have a stabilising effect in (agro) ecosystems, a landscape function and ornamental value. In a nutshell, we can't do without plants. Modern molecular biology has opened up a whole new range of techniques and possibilities to scientists working in the different fields of the classical plant sciences (e.g. plant physiology, plant breeding, plant pathology). The combination of these disciplines forms a challenging domain: Plant Biotechnology.
Plant Biotechnology aims to impart understanding of the basic principles of the plant sciences and molecular biology, as well as the integration of these disciplines, to provide healthy plants in a safe environment for food, non-food, feed and health applications. Besides covering the technological aspects, Plant Biotechnology also deals with the most important environmental, quality, health, socio-economic and infrastructural aspects.
On the programme of Plant Biotechnology page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
Graduates in Plant Biotechnology are university-trained professionals. Their main career focus will be on research and development positions at universities, research institutes and biotech or agribusiness companies. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
Related programmes:
The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare).
Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.
The course will be run entirely by research active and will offer students the opportunity to gain experience in internationally competitive laboratories.
The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare). Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.
Students undertaking this MSc course will study the folling modules:
- Foundation for Research in the Biosciences 20CATS
- Fundamental Parasitology & Advanced Skills 20CATS
- Advanced Parasitology I 20CATS
- Advanced Parasitology II 20CATS
- Bio-Entrepreneurship & Advanced Skills 20CATS
- Literature Review 20CATS
- Research Project 60CATS
CAREER PROSPECTS
It is anticipated that the skills set and knowledge acquired will equip participants with a comprehensive academic and methodological repertoire to undertake careers in agriculture, plant science, animal and human health, pharmaceutica, academia and food security, underpinning the transdisciplinary nature of the programme.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
WHY QUEEN'S?
The MSc programme embraces the One Health approach to these infectious diseases, with strong recognition of the interplay between health and disease at the dynamic interface between humans, animals and the environment.
In addition to embedded generic skills training, students will have the opportunity to acquire subject-specific skills training, e.g. molecular biology techniques, diagnostics, epidemiology (human, animal and plant diseases), drug/vaccine development, pathogen management/control, host-parasite interaction, immunobiology, drug resistance and the potential impact of climate change on parasites and their vectors.
In addition to the taught elements of the course, MSc students will undertake a research project working in research active laboratories (academic or industrial), or in the field, e.g. the impact of helminth infections on animal welfare, the economic impact of parasites on agriculture, the role of vectors in emerging diseases, the ecology of zoonotic diseases, the molecular basis of anthelmintic resistance, emerging technologies for drug discovery, the pathology of infection, parasite immunomodulation of the host.
The transferrable skill set and knowledge base acquired from the programme will equip students with a highly desirable qualification that is suited to those wishing to pursue careers in human health/infectious disease, animal health, veterinary medicine, animal/plant biology, pharmaceutical sciences and food security.
Students studying at Writtle University College will have access to the Research glasshouse, farms and the postharvest unit which undertakes research and trials in conjunction with commercial companies.
This provides the opportunity to study a range of crops relevant to the chosen area of horticulture or agriculture.
Students will examine crop growing using resources at the University and through visits to growers and post harvest facilities; they will develop an understanding of the supply chain from the field through to sale. Together with visiting speakers from industry, this develops students’ awareness of the latest trends and research in industry.
The teaching staff have developed close links with industry on a worldwide basis and the research and consultancy work is used to underpin the curriculum.
On successful completion of the course graduates possess the knowledge to gain employment with crop producers and in management positions with major import/export organisations.
There are also opportunities to undertake further research.
You will gain a broad understanding of molecular plant sciences before specialising in a specific area. You’ll study the biology of plants at the molecular level.
You will focus on topics including mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity, cell and molecular biology of pollen-stigma recognition, signalling in flowering plants and genomics and gene networks. You’ll have access to facilities including a GM glasshouse and tissue culture for plant and mammalian cells.
Your studies will help you develop the skills you need to move into a wide range of careers in the sciences or to take on further research. Our graduates have an excellent employment record with companies and academic institutions across the globe. Graduates have moved into roles with employers including BBSRC, Oxford University and Morvus-Technology Limited.
If you already have extensive and relevant research experience and would like to specialise, you might consider an MRes programme.
Visit the website http://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-2018/taught-postgraduate-master-s-courses/msc-molecular-plant-sciences/
- 90% of our research judged to be internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading
- Our current research funding portfolio stands at £14 million, supporting internationally excellent research in the biosciences
The aim of each of our MSc programmes in Biology and Biochemistry is to provide professional-level training that will develop highly skilled bioscientists with strong theoretical, research and transferable skills, all of which are necessary to work at the forefront of modern biosciences.
For further information please see our department pages (http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/)
Since graduating, our students have gone on to employment or further research at institutions in the US, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Recent employers include:
Morvus-Technology Ltd
Janssen-Cilag
Royal United Hospital, Bath
Ministry of Defence
State Intellectual Property Office, Beijing
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University
AbCam
Salisbury Foundation Trust Hospital
BBSRC
Lonza
Find out more about the department here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/
Find out how to apply here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/science/graduate-school/taught-programmes/how-to-apply/
Learn the fundamentals of the biology of plants and their molecules. Study the specialist area of industrial biotechnology.
This course is for you if you want to go into a research career or study for a PhD in the field of molecular plant sciences.
You will have the opportunity to study molecular problems from epigenetics through to food crops. Themes include mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity and host plant defence in temperate and tropical species, cell and molecular biology of pollen-stigma recognition and signalling in flowering plants, plant hormone and G protein signalling pathways, genomics and gene networks, and molecular biology of stress responses in the important tropical crop cassava. You’ll have access to facilities including a GM glasshouse and tissue culture for plant and mammalian cells.
The MRes provides a unique mix of taught components, extended laboratory projects, literature reviews and preparation of a grant proposal based on a research dissertation. You’ll gain an insight into a range of research activities and techniques, gaining the transferable skills training needed for all early stage researchers. You’ll also address the scientific, ethical and commercial context within which the research takes place.
All of the MRes courses can be studied as the first year of our Integrated PhD course.
Visit the website http://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-2018/taught-postgraduate-master-s-courses/mres-molecular-plant-sciences/
- 90% of our research judged to be internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading
- Our current research funding portfolio stands at £14 million, supporting internationally excellent research in the biosciences
MRes degree programmes are designed for graduates who are contemplating a research career and who may go on to study for a PhD or to a position in industry involving interaction with research scientists.
For further information please see our department pages (http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/).
Since graduating, our students have gone on to employment or further research at institutions in the US, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. Recent employers include:
Morvus-Technology Ltd
Janssen-Cilag
Royal United Hospital, Bath
Ministry of Defence
State Intellectual Property Office, Beijing
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University
AbCam
Salisbury Foundation Trust Hospital
BBSRC
Lonza
Find out more about the department here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/
Find out how to apply here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/science/graduate-school/taught-programmes/how-to-apply/
