• As agriculture faces new challenges, it is important to train young professionals and scientists in modern plant breeding.
• Based on the expertise of internationally renowned lecturers and experts, this highly interdisciplinary master’s degree is completed over two years, full-time.

Plant breeding is essential to increase crop yield and quality while developing varieties that are adaptable to different environmental conditions, make better use of inputs and are integrated into sustainable and profitable agricultural systems. This field has evolved into a complex science that integrates genetic, genomic, molecular, cellular, and computer-based tools into classical selection methods. As agriculture faces new challenges, it is important to train young professionals and scientists in modern plant breeding.

Based on the expertise of internationally renowned lecturers and experts, this highly interdisciplinary master’s degree in Plant Genetics, Genomics and Breeding is organized by CIHEAM Zaragoza, the University of Lleida, ICARDA, CBGP and Agrotecnio, and is completed over two years, full-time. The programme includes an engaging blend of face-to-face coursework, practicals, individual and group work, and an independent research project, as well as visits to firms and research centres. Each edition, the syllabus is fine-tuned to suit current issues in plant biotechnology, genomics and breeding.

The main objective of this master's programme is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern plant breeding principles, including molecular, genomic, phenomic, and biotechnological techniques, as well as classical selection and breeding methods. Students learn how to assess the pros and cons of each method based on crop species characteristics, breeding objectives, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic context. They also gain the skills necessary to integrate conventional and modern techniques to improve the selection process and develop new varieties and learn how to design breeding programmes for specific crop species in a given region.

This MSc programme is a truly enriching multicultural experience and a unique opportunity to network with professionals from all over the world that equip students to undertake responsibilities in the field of plant breeding, as well as perform high-level scientific research.

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