The Master's Degree Programme in Plant Production Science
Structure of MScPPS
Structure of MScPPS 2011-2014
The Master’s Degree Programme in Plant Production Science (MScPPS) lasts two years and consists of General studies (20 ECTS credits), Major subject studies (70-75 credits including the 40-credit Master’s Thesis), and Other studies related to the chosen specialization (25-30 credits). A combination of lecture and practical courses is available in all specialisation lines. In all cases, we expect you to have some prior knowledge in botany, plant physiology, biochemistry, and genetics.
MScPPS degree structure 2011-2014 (pdf):
The programme offers five specialist options under the major subject of Plant Production Sciences (responsible professor in parenthesis) :
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Agroecology (Prof. Juha Helenius)
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Crop Science (Prof. Pirjo Mäkelä)
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Horticulture (Prof. Paula Elomaa)
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Plant Breeding (Prof. Teemu Teeri)
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Plant Pathology (Prof. Jari Valkonen)
There is also an opportunity to specialise in Plant Virology or in Nordic Plant Pathology studies within Plant Pathology
You choose your specialist option during the first autumn term of your studies. All instruction is given in English.
Major subject Plant Production Sciences and its
5 specialist options:
Agroecology |
Crop Science |
Horticulture |
Plant Breeding |
Plant Pathology |
Agroecology
Agroecology serves sustainable development in agriculture and food systems, with the focus on ecological sustainability. The courses focus on agroecosystems, agrobiodiversity, and production systems. Issues of adaptive management of natural resources in agriculture, food system analysis, as well as ecological foundations of food security are included. We expect you to have prior knowledge of agricultural sciences, especially of plant production, agricultural technology or environmental sciences relating to agriculture and food systems, along with some understanding of ecology, geography, industrial ecology or systems analysis.
Crop Science
Crop scientists investigate plant physiological responses at the whole-crop, plant, cell or molecular scale. We aim to understand the genetic, morphological, physiological, biochemical and ecological properties of cultivated plants in order to manage their responses to different environmental stresses and growth factors. We seek to provide solutions for producing optimum crop quality in an ecologically and economically sustainable manner. The courses focus on the responses of cultivated plants to environmental stresses, the development of their yield and the possibilities to affect their quality. For this specialty, you need a basic understanding of agricultural sciences, agricultural technology or environmental botany.
Horticulture
Training in horticulture provides students with a basic knowledge of the production and storage of horticultural crops: fruits, berries, vegetables and ornamentals. The main emphasis is on the biological aspects of horticulture including the molecular level. The courses embrace cultivation techniques and their effects on the quality and quantity of crops and on the environment. The teaching aims to educate students to find, produce, evaluate and apply new information related to horticulture. Studies include practical working experience in the horticultural industry. Studies of horticulture can also be supported with studies in economics, technology, biotechnology and environmental protection.
Plant Breeding
Plant Breeding is the application of genetics to plant improvement, increasing crop productivity and quality, improving adaptation to stresses and to climatic change, and advancing sustainability. Plant breeding is conducted in an environment of rapidly changing technology and volatile public opinion. Courses cover the basics of plant genetics and population genetic methods as applied to plant breeding. In addition, plant breeding also utilizes modern molecular and biotechnological methods. Studies include practical laboratory and summer courses, along with training in plant breeding organizations. You should have a good grounding in genetics.
Plant Pathology
The main area of study in Plant Pathology is the interaction between the host plant and its pathogen (fungus, bacterium or virus) and its influence on plant physiology, resulting in either disease or resistance. These interactions are examined at all biological levels, from molecules to the ecosystem, and allow the development of the means for control of plant diseases. The courses include the biology and ecology of plant pathogens, the spread of diseases, and recognition and control of their consequences. The most harmful plant pathogens in crop production and horticulture are identified using morphological and molecular methods. The knowledge lays the foundation for economically and ecologically sustainable plant protection. You should have basic knowledge of plant production, soil sciences, ecology, and molecular biology.