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Agrobiotechnology (M.Sc.)

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Overview

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Englischer Studiengang

This course of study is taught in English.

Overview-rest

Biotechnology has produced a new and leading technology that is helping to determine the direction of global economic development and international competitiveness. Since the early 1990s, there has been rapid progress in the biotechnology sector, driven mainly by the results of genomic research and, more recently, by rapid developments in cell biology (cell factories) and technological advances. Growth in these areas is expected to continue to accelerate. It is crucial for our future that the energies resulting from the explosion of knowledge taking place in these fundamental domains are harnessed to the development of technologies that will benefit society as a whole.

Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) offers an international Master's degree programme in Agrobiotechnology in order to meet the growing worldwide importance of biotechnology, not least in university education, for plant and animal production as well as for nutritional sciences. Justus Liebig University was the first German university to take up the global challenge of establishing an internationally oriented course of studies that provides the highest level of academic training for entry into the biotechnology and agricultural sectors of the global economy. The overall goal of the Master’s programme in Agrobiotechnology at Giessen University is to prepare scientists in both the traditional “pure” disciplines and in the fields of agriculture and nutrition for leadership roles at the forefront of the agriculture and food sector.

One important educational goal is to provide students with practical methods and expertise based on a broad scientific foundation. In order to achieve this goal, the following factors are crucial:

  • research-oriented study,
  • solving problems in current farming practice,
  • the acquisition of international expertise and the promotion of creativity and innovation,
  • attention to the need to identify and assess the impact of technological processes.

 

The English Master‘s programme Agrobiotechnology is offered by the Faculty 09 Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences, and Environmental Management.

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Composition of the Study Programme

Composition of the Study Programme

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Duration of Studies

4 semesters – 120 credit points (cp)

 

Composition of the Degree Programme

The study programme is organized in modules (courses). Each module comprises four semester hours per week and is completed with a final examination as given in the module description. The final grade of the study programme is calculated from the achieved module grades.

The course consists of 8 mandatory modules (core modules), 6 optional modules (profile modules), an industrial internship (or 2 more profile modules) and the Master‘s thesis. Having completed the core modules, the students are well equipped with a solid scientific education and ready to deepen their knowledge in specific research areas. By individually choosing their profile modules from a diverse range of study areas, students shape their individual competence profile. 

 

 

Structure of the Master's Degree Course

The Master’s degree course consists of 16 modules (120 credits):

Modules    

Core Competence
(mandatory modules)

 8 modules 48 credits
Profile Competence
(optional modules)

8 modules or

6 modules + industrial intership

 48 credits
Master’s thesis    24 credits
Total 16 modules 120 credits

 

Core Modules (Mandatory Courses) 

  • Applied Statistics (6 CP)
  • Lab Course Biochemistry (6 CP)
  • Plant Protection and Bioengineering (6 CP)
  • Principles of Scientific Practice (6 CP)
  • Molecular Phytopathology (6 CP)
  • Biotechnology and Genomics (6 CP)
  • Microbial Food Biotechnology (6 CP)
  • Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (6 CP)
 

Profile Modules (6 CP each)

Students tailor their individual profile by selecting 6 modules and the internship or 8 modules from the entire profile module catalogue of the faculty. For example, you can choose profile modules from the following subject areas:

  • Plant Breeding
  • Phytopathology
  • General and Soil Microbiology
  • Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection
  • Microbiology of Recycling Processes
  • Agricultural and Food Market Analysis
  • Insect Biotechnology
  • Natural Product Research
  • Landscape, Water and Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Landscape Ecology and Landscape Planning
  • Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy
  • Agronomy and Crop Physiology
  • Biometry and Population Genetics
  • Crop Biomass and Bioresources
  • Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Political Science

 

Internship (optional) (12 CP)

The international "Agrobiotechnology" Master's degree programme offers a voluntary internship that enables our students to gain an initial insight into the various areas of professional activity in which they hope to pursue in the future. The internship also enables them to collect hands-on professional experience and establish contacts with potential employers. The internship can be conducted in various areas such as the chemical industry, agricultural corporations, the food industry, government agencies or NGOs. The variety of contacts that our faculty possesses allows us to provide expert support to students seeking an internship.

More information about the internship

 

Master Thesis (24 CP)

Students dedicate the major part of the 4th semester to writing the Master’s thesis. With the thesis, students prove their capability to independently research a given topic scientifically within a limited period of time.

 

Application

Start WS-engl: Commencement of studies

Commencement of Studies

Only possible in the winter semester.

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Application Procedure

Depending on where you obtained either your university entrance certificate or your Bachelor degree, we differentiate two application procedures:

Case A

You need to use JLU’s application portal if

  • you hold a completed Bachelor’s degree obtained at a German university (the country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance).
  • your German Bachelor programme is not yet complete. Please provide a preliminary report. The country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance.
  • you want to change to another degree programme at JLU. The country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance.

Case B

You need to submit your application to uni-assist if

  • you hold a completed Bachelor’s degree obtained at a foreign university (the country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance).
  • you obtained your university entrance certificate abroad and attended but not completed yet a Bachelor programme at any other university within EU. Please provide a preliminary report.
Application: deadline, intake capacity, fees

Intake capacity ("Numerus Clausus")

The intake capacity of this degree programme is not limited internally by the university.

 

Deadline

  • Application for enrolment starts
    • for applicants with a German Bachelor's: June 1
    • for applicants with an international Bachelor's degree: May 1

  • Application deadline
    • for applicants with a German Bachelor's: June 15 // extended until October 11
    • for applicants with an international Bachelor's degree: June 15

 

Fees

No study fees are charged for this study program. However, students have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 340 EUR for administration and the Germany semester ticket (details).

Application: Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

The entry prerequisite for a Master’s degree course is a Bachelor’s degree. For example:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Agricultural Biology
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology

Applications without a relevant Bachelor degree will be examined individually as to whether the study requirements are fulfilled. A specialist commission at JLU will then decide on which qualifications can be accepted or whether additional qualifications are necessary. Any information on the status of acceptance without having completed the application process is not possible.

 

Application: Language requirements

Language Requirements

As the entire degree course is taught in English, applicants must provide proof of sufficient knowledge of written and spoken English. Accepted proofs of language proficiency:

  1. either: TOEFL-Test ITB (internet-based test) with at least 95 points or IELTS-Test with at least grade of 7 in the academic test;
  2. or: Proof of obtaining a local higher education entrance qualification in one of the following countries: Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom, South Africa;
  3. or: Proof of a Bachelor’s degree in English in one of the following countries: Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom, South Africa;
  4. or: Proof of the UNIcert III certificate.
Further information-admission international

For further information please contact:

Registrar’s Office / Studierendensekretariat
Goethestrasse 58
Postal address: Postfach 11 14 40, 35359 Giessen
Tel.: 0641/99-16400
   /

Career Options

Career Options / Career Opportunities

Career Options / Career Opportunities

There is a high need for qualified candidates to meet the challenges in science, technology and social policy, for people with the well-founded knowledge required to responsibly implement technological developments and to move society forward.
Due to its compatibility with other international degrees, the Master of Science in Agrobiotechnology is an ideal qualification for working abroad. The chief emphasis of the University is on international cooperation with Eastern Europe, India, China and the USA.
The job opportunities open for graduates are optimized by the emphasis on internationalization within the degree course, which offers a curriculum taught in English, and helps provide cooperative access to international biotechnology companies and the opportunities to study abroad.
Those who have planned their degree wisely will be able to present a profile characterized by broad knowledge, analytical skills, and, most importantly, a high degree of flexibility. Computer and online skills, as well as a good working knowledge of foreign languages and experience gained from time spent abroad will enhance your professional qualifications.
A broad spectrum of careers is open to graduates interested in research, product development and quality management in areas such as agricultural industry (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides), chemistry, pharmaceuticals, food, as well as engineering and consulting companies. Further job perspectives include research and teaching positions in universities and international organisations, including programmes in international development cooperation.

Graduates with a Master's degree take on management positions in national and international authorities and associations. Other areas of employment include quality management, further education, consulting and research, public relations or marketing.

 

Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL)

Prospective doctoral students have the opportunity to apply as a member of the International Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL) to receive intensive support during their doctorate (in the form of seminars, internships, workshops, etc.). Information on the GGL and its internationally oriented doctoral programme, the requirements and the application procedure can be found here.

Contact

Course Director

Agrobiotechnology (englischsprachiger Studiengang)

Prof. Dr. Peter Kämpfer
Department of Applied Microbiology
Research Center for Biosystems, Nutrition and Land Use (IFZ)
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32
35392 Giessen
Phone: +49 (0) 641 99 37352
Office hours: by appointment

Anja Staffler - engl

Central Study Advisor (JLU)

Anja Staffler (Dipl. oec.troph.)

Links

Further Information

Further Information: Dokumente

PDF documents for the courses of study

 

Examination regulations

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

 Electronical course catalogue (in German)

 List module (Informationen in English)

Links Faculty 09

Master's Degree Programmes of Faculty 09

taught in English

 

taught in German

Any more questions?

Any more questions?
Information and consulting services of the JLU can be found in the category "Contact" on this page!