Overview
The one-year MSc course in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement provides training for students wishing to undertake a further degree in plant molecular genetics, or alternatively, a career in plant breeding and crop improvement. The course focuses on plant molecular genetics and its potential applications to crop improvement in the 21st century.
The course is run jointly by the School of Biological Sciences (BIO) at UEA and the
John Innes Centre (JIC), which also includes
The Sainsbury Laboratory. The John Innes Centre is one of the world’s leading research institutes in plant genetics and crop improvement. The teaching staff includes members of the School of Biological Sciences together with scientists from the John Innes Centre and a number of leading plant breeding and plant biotechnology companies within the UK.
In recent years the career prospects for students with a postgraduate degree in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement have been very good, often leading to a PhD or employment in the plant breeding industry. The course will provide you with a unique opportunity to study plant genetics and crop improvement in an environment of academic and research excellence.
The taught modules cover subjects including plant molecular genetics and biotechnology, target traits for crop improvement, and plant breeding. Training in a number of key transferable skills is also included. You will also undertake a six-month laboratory-based research project under the supervision of a member of BIO faculty or a senior scientist at the John Innes Centre. You will be required to submit a dissertation and present a seminar on your research project.
Research projects are offered in the following areas:
- Plant genetics
- Plant biotechnology and crop improvement
- Plant genome organisation
- Plant-microbe interactions
- Cell and developmental biology
- Plant gene function
"I found this course very beneficial but it was also tough for me as I did not have a molecular biology background in my first degree. However, there was always support from the lecturers, supervisors and staff of the course who are sympathetic to students and encouraging. The number of students is kept small, so the atmosphere of the class is friendlier than the other large courses. We are also privileged to have so much exposure to the latest Plant Science at John Innes Centre where renowned researchers gather from all over the world. Thanks to this course, I was offered the PhD studentship to research Crop Genetics at JIC and enjoy a life as a scientist there!"
Chie Hattori Former student
Course Organiser
Dr Colwyn Thomas
Why Choose Us?
- 90% of research activity classified as internationally leading, excellent, or recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
- Teaching of the highest quality; rated “Excellent” in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment.
- Consistently ranked in the top five for overall student satisfaction amongst mainstream English universities (UK National Student Survey).
- Research and teaching supported by an impressive array of cutting edge in house facilities and a range of well equipped modern laboratories.
- Part of the Norwich Research Park, a major international centre for plant, microbial, food and health science.
- Close collaboration with scientists from the Sainsbury Laboratory.
Come and Visit Us
Our
Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.
Entry Requirements
-
This programme is open to students with a good degree in biological sciences or plant biology.
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Candidates with other experience, such as employment within a plant breeding company or relevant research experience will also be considered.
Students for whom English is a foreign language
International applicants are required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language (if English is not their first language).
Preferred qualifications are:
- IELTS Minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL Minimum score of 92 (internet based test)
- Pearsons Test of English (PTE) Minimum score of 62 with no less than 55 in each component
Applicants who have previously studied in the English language may not be required to provide evidence of English language ability.
Year 1
Compulsory Study (180 credits)
Students will select 180 credits from the following module(s).
| Code |
Credits |
Period |
This module is a more in-depth version of BIO-M109, providing a Master's level introduction to the structure and function of DNA. The module covers mechanisms of inheritance in pro- and eukaryotic organisms and an introduction to the study of model organisms and their genomes. This will be followed by lectures and workshops that investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling transcription and translation together with contemporary 'omics' technologies used for the analysis of whole genomes, gene function and expression. Lectures and seminars that introduce the role of bioinformatics in genome biology and evolution will also be included together with an opportunity to gain practical experience in bioinformatics. These lectures and seminars will provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for more in-depth coverage of these topics later in the academic year, including within the laboratory-based research project.
more...
|
BIO-M113 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
Compulsory and restricted module for MSC in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement
A six month laboratory-based research project on some aspect of plant genetics, crop improvement, plant-microbe interactions or plant biology supervised by a member of scientific staff at the John Innes Centre or Sainsbury Laboratory, or by a member of faculty in the School of Biological Sciences at UEA. This provides a thorough training in experimentation, data collection, critical analysis, and presentation.
more...
|
BIO-M70X |
60 |
Semester 2 |
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the basic principles of plant breeding and genetics and to explore the principles and applications of the newer technologies in the manipulation of traits in crop improvement. On completion the students' understanding will include: The principles, analysis and application of Mendelian, population and quantitative genetics in plant breeding; the background to and application of molecular techniques such as the generation and use of doubled haploid populations and marker assisted breeding and selection; breeding strategies and selection procedures; principles and application of heterosis and hybrid breeding.
more...
|
BIO-M621 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
Compulsory Module for MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement.
Plant genetics and biotechnology have played a significant role in understanding fundamental aspects of plant biology, and they also have tremendous potential for crop plant improvement in the future. This module will provide an overview of the theory and practical applications of plant molecular genetics, genomics and transformation technologies in both model and crop plants.
more...
|
BIO-M112 |
20 |
Semester 2 |
The aim of this module is to provide students with a number of useful transferable skills to assist their learning and career development including: scientific writing, the use of presentation software, the utilisation of IT-based resources, science communication and engagement, knowledge transfer and ethics for bioscientists.
more...
|
BIO-M82Y |
10 |
Year Period |
This restricted and compulsory module for the MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement involves individual work carried out by the student under the supervision of the research project supervisor in BIO, or a member of staff at JIC. This module involves an extensive survey of current literature related to the research project (BIO-M70X), the formulation of hypotheses, and the design of experiments to test them. The module is intimately linked with the research project module BIO-M70X where students conduct these experiments, analyse their research project data, and critically assess their hypotheses.
more...
|
BIO-M116 |
20 |
Semester 2 |
Compulsory module for MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement.
Future crop plant improvement will depend upon new varieties expressing a number of key traits, either by conventional plant breeding, or by genetic modification. These traits include durable resistance to pathogenic microorganisms, and promoting interactions with other microorganisms that will result in mutually beneficial symbioses that could reduce inputs of nitrogen and phosphorous in agriculture. Other desirable traits include tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extremes of temperature, as well as crops with enhanced nutritional quality. This module will investigate the genetic basis underlying these important traits in both model and crop plants, and the strategies for introducing these traits into specific crops.
more...
|
BIO-M114 |
20 |
Semester 2 |
This is an introduction for some students and a refresher for others. Simple tests for trends (correlation, regression) and for differences (Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVAs) are introduced using a friendly statistical package (SPSSx for Windows). The link between statistics and experimental design is stressed. Students studying on the Master of Science degree programme in Applied Ecology and Conservation MUST undertake this module if they have no previous statistical experience.
more...
|
BIO-M519 |
10 |
Semester 1 |
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
How To Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
You can
apply online, or by downloading the
hard copy application form, or by using the application form in the University’s Postgraduate Prospectus.
Further Information
To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our
online enquiry form.
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email:
admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the
International Students section of our website.
