Plant Sciences (Master of Science)

The Faculty of Biology of the LMU Munich offers a comprehensive two-year-Master’s programme in Plant Sciences for graduates with a background in biology (BSc in biology or equivalent). The Master’s programme in Plant Sciences at the LMU Biocenter links classical botanical disciplines to modern molecular methods. It is oriented towards highly motivated and globally diverse next-generation researchers with a strong interest in molecular and adaptation mechanisms, and evolution of plants. The programme is taught in English, and it offers state-of-the-art education in four main topics: Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Cell Biology, Systematics and Biotic Interactions of Plants. Our aim is to offer our students comprehensive preparation for meeting future challenges in science-related professional careers within the field of plant sciences. Based on topic related modules, the curriculum of the Master's programme in Plant Sciences includes lectures, seminars, and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. The first semester of the Master’s programme aims at deepening existing expertise gained from the previously completed Bachelor’s programme. In the following semesters, students can individually compose modules according to their goals and interests, either aiming for exposure to a wide variety of fields or on focusing in-depth on a particular subject. The Faculty of Biology of the LMU Munich is made up of internationally recognised researchers and award-winning instructors. The faculty provides excellent facilities for contemporary research and studies in the modern "Biocenter", that is part of the HighTechCampus of the LMU Munich. High-profile institutions are situated in close proximity, including the Max Planck Institutes for Biochemistry and Neuroscience, the German Research Center for Environmental Health, the Gene Center, the Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, and the Biomedical Center. The existing cooperative network with these institutions provides students with excellent teaching resources and a rich and unique research environment. The website of the Master of Science programme in Plants Sciences is the best way to find out more about this programme and to gain an overview of current research areas: https://www.bio.lmu.de/en/study/for-students/master-programs/pls/. The prescribed period of study is four semesters, which includes a final Master’s thesis. Requiring a total of 120 ECTS credits, the programme is based on acquiring approximately 30 ECTS credits per semester. The curriculum of the Master's programme is based on a modular system consisting of topically related fields of research, including lectures, seminars and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. Modules can be individually composed according to the student’s goals and interests. First semester – Basic training The first semester of the Master’s programme aims to enlarge and deepen existing know-how gained in the previously completed Bachelor’s programme. During the first two months of the programme, students will participate in the mandatory courses in “Lab Methods in Plant Sciences” and “Bioinformatics and Data Analysis”. Moreover, students can select up to two additional fields of study. Second and third semester – Specialisation In the second semester, students can deepen their knowledge in the fields of study of their first semester or select additional topics. Mandatory courses include lectures, seminars, practical courses, and practical research courses. In the third semester, students attend two topically linked modules, namely Special Methods in Plant Sciences and a Special Research Module. Fourth semester – Master module The Master’s programme culminates in a 24-week period devoted to a research project, combined with the writing and defence of a Master’s thesis. Through their Master’s theses, students prove their skil