Plant Science

Biologist
The decision to offer a Master's degree entirely in English and the close collaboration with UGA, where students are required to take part of the courses, broadens the graduate's job prospects, enabling them to enter the labour markets at national and international level.
The Master's course in Plant Science provides in-depth, state-of-the-art knowledge on the molecular and cellular aspects of plants, whether they are model organisms or species of agricultural interest, and their interactions with the environment.
The skills acquired in this degree course will equip the graduate with the ability to undertake roles of significant responsibility in professional areas such as:
- Basic and applied research activities in university laboratories, in other public or private research organisations, and in industry, with particular regard to plant organisms
- Developing and promoting scientific methodologies for the study of biological and, more specifically, plant-related questions
- Acquisition of the skills required for the performance of functions of responsibility in public or private bodies in charge of environmental protection and management, in biological research laboratories, in biotechnological and food industries, and in all professional fields in which a multidisciplinary approach to plant biology problems is required
- Publishing and science dissemination activities
- Teaching-related activities
Graduates will be eligible to take the state exam to obtain the qualification to practise as a biologist, and consequently registration in the National Order of Biologists (section A). To achieve greater levels of responsibility, further knowledge must be acquired through PhDs, Schools of Specialisation and Level II Masters.
Skills associated with the role
The holder of the Master's Degree in Plant Science has a specific and up-to-date cultural background in the field of plant biology, with skills ranging from molecular biology to ecology and genetic improvement of cultivated species. In particular, they acquire the following skills:
- The understanding of plant biological phenomena and the dissemination and transfer of this knowledge
- Ecosystem analysis, environmental impact assessment and biomonitoring
- Applied plant biology
Employment opportunities
- Universities and public and private research institutes
- Public and private laboratories for biological, microbiological, genetic analysis, quality control
- Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, biorefineries
- Scientific communication, dissemination and information, scientific publishing
- Agri-food companies operating in the field of plant breeding and seed production
- Companies involved in production of molecules of food, industrial and pharmaceutical interest in plant systems
- NGOs active in the field of cooperation with developing countries and within international organisations

Biotechnologist
Plant Science prepares graduates for positions of high responsibility in all professional fields in which research knowledge of plant biology is deepened, with particular reference to the use of plant biological systems and genetic engineering techniques for applications in various production sectors. Graduates will be able to take the State Examination for the Qualification of Biologist and thus be registered in the National Order of Biologists (Section A). In order to reach higher levels of responsibility, it is necessary to acquire further qualifications through PhDs, Schools of Specialisation and Level II Masters, after passing the relevant competitive examinations.
Skills associated with the role
Plant Science graduates have a solid cultural background in plant biotechnology, ranging from molecular biology to genetic improvement of crop species using the latest technologies. They have specific expertise in:
- Plant and agricultural industrial biotechnology
- Phenotyping and large-scale data analysis
- Biomolecular analyses
Job opportunities
- Universities and public or private research institutions
- Biotechnological, pharmaceutical, chemical industries and bio-refineries
- Communication, dissemination and scientific information, scientific publishing
- Plant genetic improvement and seed production
- Agri-food sector;
- Production of molecules of food, industrial and pharmaceutical interest in plant systems
- NGOs active in the field of cooperation with developing countries and within international organisations

Botanist
The Master of Plant Science has a thorough knowledge of plants in their integrity, complexity and evolutionary context. The solid cultural background and in-depth knowledge of plant anatomy and morphology, plant responses to the environment and the latest techniques in microscopic image acquisition will prepare you specifically for professional and project-related activities in botanical fields, but also for positions of responsibility in pharmaceutical botany and scientific research, both in industry and in public bodies or institutes. Graduates will be able to take the national examination to obtain the qualification to practice as a biologist and consequently register in the Italian National Order of Biologists (Ordine Nazionale dei Biologi, section A). They will be able to access PhD positions, specialization schools and other Master's courses.
Skills associated with the role
The holder of a Master's degree in Plant Science has specific skills in
- Identification and classification of plant species
- Use of microscopy techniques to analyse species
- Use of bioinformatics tools applied to the study of environmental biodiversity
Employment opportunities
- Universities and public and private research institutes
- Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and biorefinery industries
- In the field of communication, dissemination and scientific information, scientific publishing
- Agri-food industries involved in plant breeding and seed production
- Industries involved in the production of molecules of food, industrial and pharmaceutical interest in plant systems

Researchers and technicians with a degree in life sciences
Plant Science graduates perform highly responsible functions in all professional fields requiring the development of research concepts and theories related to plant biology:
- Plans and carries out theoretical and experimental research aimed at extending and innovating the scientific knowledge of plants or their application in production
- Ensures the operation of laboratories and scientific equipment
- Defines and applies scientific protocols in laboratory experiments and in both basic and applied plant research activities
- Coordinates research groups in the industrial and public sectors
Graduates can take the State Examination for the qualification of Biologist and, thus, be registered in the National Order of Biologists (Section A). To reach higher levels of responsibility, it is necessary to acquire further knowledge through PhDs, Specialisation Schools and Level II Masters, after passing the relevant competitive examinations.
Competences associated with the role
The Master's Degree holder in Plant Science has a solid technical-scientific background in applied research methods in plant biology. In particular, he/she has competences in:
- Molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and ecology of plants.
-The use of sophisticated equipment for the study of plants
Job opportunities
- Universities and research institutions;
- Public and private research laboratories.