Master in Environmental Biology

Plant and Microbial Sciences

This option focuses on the molecular aspects of plant health and development and includes the study of plant-associated microbiota. It covers an exciting range of subjects such as molecular signalling systems, resistance and tolerance of plants to biotic and abiotic stress, the molecular basis of immunity, interactions between plants and their symbionts, plant microbiota, biological control, chemical communication, as well as plant biotechnology. To address questions in these areas, research teams use various well-established model plants (Arabidopsis, Petunia, tobacco) and plants of agronomical relevance (potato, tomato, grapevine). They rely on a wide array of methods including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics as well as cellular imaging. For projects oriented towards field application, researchers collaborate with agronomical research institutions such as Agroscope, FiBL (Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau), the agricultural school in Grangeneuve, as well as with industries.