Plant Science University of Basel

Overview

The cornerstone of this Plant Science programme at the University of Basel is an individual research project in one of the areas of plant science of about one year duration. 

The project ends with a written Master's thesis. This practical part is complemented by lectures, seminars, and excursions. 

The course builds upon the strength of the Department in the areas of physiological plant ecology, plant-microbe interactions, symbiosis, ecosystem sciences and sustainable land use. The program benefits greatly from the leadership of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, a network integrating more than 600 scientists interested in plant science.

Course structure

The Master of Science degree is a postgraduate degree that requires a successfully completed Bachelor’s program (BSc in biology or equivalent). The program awards 90 ECTS credits in total. The Master’s degree program Plant Science is a so-called mono-course consisting of only one core subject. Supervised practical work over the course of one year constitutes the core of the studies. One ECTS credit point roughly equals 30 hours of studying.

Career opportunities

After successfully completing their Master’s degree the graduates can study further for a doctoral qualification or follow a profession in all fields of life sciences. Biology is a subject that covers many disciplines and the career opportunities include research and related activities in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. 

The practical advantages of the subject are found not only in basic research but also, increasingly, in business, society and politics. Numerous jobs are available for biology graduates, within the university and also in private industry, government service, schools and organizations, be it as researchers, communicators, teachers or advisors.