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Agrobioinformatics (M.Sc.)

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Overview

Agrobioinformatics
Agrobioinformatics


Englischer Studiengang

This course of study is taught in English.

Overview-rest

Do you want to learn about cutting-edge tools and techniques to solve global challenges such as food insecurity and climate change? Are you interested in programming and analysing Big Data? Are you a Bachelor graduate in Agricultural Sciences, Biology, (Bio-)Informatics or related disciplines? Then the new English-language MSc in Agrobioinformatics is the right choice for you!

Agrobioinformatics is a rapidly developing field of research that focuses on combining bioinformatics tools and methods with agricultural issues. It aims to bridge the gap between computer science, biotechnology and modern agriculture.

This degree programme provides students with a comprehensive computational training to analyse and interpret data from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other biological disciplines. We cover topics ranging from the basics of programming and quantitative genetics to the development of analysis pipelines.

Students will also gain insights into the areas of plant protection, seed production and agrobiotechnology services, such as genotyping, phenotyping, sequencing and double haploid production, which are in high demand by upstream production companies.

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), a work placement (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 + work placement

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

 

Core Modules (Mandatory Courses) 

  • Applied Statistics (6 CP)
  • Principles of Scientific Practice (6 CP)
  • Bioinformatics: Analysis of DNA and RNA Sequencing Data (6 CP)
  • Gene Expression Analysis and System Biology (6 CP)
  • Python Programming for Bioinformatics
  • Genetics of Crop Diversity (6 CP)
  • Biotechnology and Genomics (6 CP)
  • Statistical Learning and Neural Networks (6 CP)
 

Profile Modules (6 CP each)

Students tailor their individual profile by selecting 6 modules and the work placement or 8 modules from the entire profile module catalogue of Faculty 09. For example, these are some subject-specific profile modules of the faculty (6 CP each):

  • Population Genetics
  • Practical Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics
  • Lab Course: Tissue Culturing and Genetic Transformation
  • Molecular Plant Breeding
  • Plant Breeding for Resistance and Quality Breeding
  • Biodiversity Monitoring with Molecular Tools
  • Plant Protection and Bioengineering

 

Work Placement (optional) (12 CP)

The international "Agrobioinformatics" Master's degree programme offers a voluntary work placement 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 work placement also enables them to collect hands-on professional experience and establish contacts with potential employers. The work placement 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 a work placement. 

More information about the work placement

 

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.

Bewerbergruppen-engl

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 period winter semester 2024/25:

  • Application for enrolment starts
    • for applicants with a German Bachelor's: 1 June 2024
    • for applicants with an international Bachelor's degree: 1 May 2024

  • Application deadline
    • for applicants with a German Bachelor's: 15 June 2024 // extended until 11 October 2024
    • for applicants with an international Bachelor's degree: 15 June 2024

 

Fees

No study fees are charged for this study program. However, students have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 360 EUR for administration and the Germany semester ticket (details).

Application: Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

In general, students can apply for this Master's programme if they hold a Bachelor's degree with a duration of at least three years (180 Credits) or a comparable degree. The Bachelor's degree must be completed in a closely related scientific field. For example:

  • Agrarbiologie (Agricultural Biology)
  • Agrarwirtschaft (Agricultural Economy)
  • Agrarwissenschaften (Agricultural Science)
  • Biologie (Biology)
  • Biotechnologie (Biotechnology)
  • Bioinformatik (Bioinformatics)
  • Data Science (Data Science)
  • Gartenbau (Horticulture)
  • Informatik (Computer Science)
  • Landwirtschaft (Agriculture)
  • Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioressourcen (Crop Biomass and Bioresources)
  • Ökologische Landwirtschaft (Ecological Agriculture)

Applications with a Bachelor’s degree in another scientific field or with a Bachelor’s degree from abroad will be examined individually as to whether the study requirements are fulfilled. A specialist commission at JLU will then finally decide on the admission. 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

Graduates of the MSc Agrobioinformatics programme are interdisciplinary experts who have in-depth knowledge and skills in both agricultural sciences and bioinformatics. They are able to apply bioinformatics methods and tools to agricultural issues in order to develop solutions to problems such as climate change, food security and sustainability.

There is very high demand from companies in upstream production in the areas of plant protection, seed production and agrobiotechnological services, such as genotyping, phenotyping, sequencing and double haploid production.

Here are some potential industries and career paths for graduates of the Master of Science in Agrobioinformatics:

  • Agricultural Technology (AgTech) Companies: Startups, Established Corporations
  • Biotechnology Companies: Research-focused or Commercial Enterprises
  • Academic Institutions: Universities, Research Institutes
  • Government Agencies: Agricultural Departments, Environmental Protection Authorities
  • Sustainability Consulting Companies: Offering Expertise to Various Industries
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Organizations: Focused on Genetic Research and Therapies
  • Food Industry: Companies Dealing with Food Safety, Quality Control, and Innovation
  • Environmental Non-Profit Organizations: Working towards Sustainable Practices
  • Data Analytics and AI Firms: Providing Solutions for Agriculture and Beyond
  • Precision Farming Services: Offering Technological Advancements to Farmers

These career options offer a diverse range of opportunities for Agrobioinformatics graduates, allowing them to contribute their expertise to various sectors within agriculture, informatics, and sustainability.

 

Doctoral Studies

After completing your Master's degree, you will have the opportunity to pursue a doctorate at JLU. Doctoral studies take place in a professorship at Faculty 09, to which you must apply. If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate at JLU, please contact the institute or professor in your area of interest directly. Open positions for various professorships can be found on the JLU job market.

The International Office also provides information for international students interested in pursuing a doctorate at JLU Giessen.

If you would like intensive support during your doctoral studies, you can apply to the Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL).

 

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

Agrobioinformatics (englischsprachiger Studiengang)

Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Golicz
Department of Agrobioinformatics
Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition (IFZ)
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32
35392 Giessen
Phone: +49 (0) 641 99 37432
Office hours: by appointment

Anja Staffler - engl

Central Study Advisor (JLU)

Anja Staffler (Dipl. oec.troph.)

Links

Further Information

Further Information: Dokumente

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!