MS Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Mangement

Brief Description of the Specialization

The MSPGR programs educates and mentors the current and future germplasm curators/custodians and staff in PGRCM in the region. The program prepares the students for successful careers through the existing curriculum offered at UPLB.  It offers new concepts and applications of emerging technologies for use in all aspects of PGRCM. As well, it exposes students to the issues and policies surrounding PGR at the local, national and international levels.  The needs of institutional and community genebanks are integrated into the curriculum providing the students with skills in both systems.

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Opportunities

The graduate program in Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Management aims to equip the student with:  

• A comprehensive understanding of the PGR concepts, principles and strategies for formal and informal PGR conservation, development and management.

• Capacity to manage genebanks, living botanical collections, natural reserves and in situ conservation areas.

• Broad knowledge and understanding of policy issues relating to PGR conservation and use.

Mechanics to Graduate

The program requires a minimum of 31 units, these are 15 units of major courses, 9 units of minor courses, 1 unit of seminar and 6 units of thesis. The major courses are composed of core courses PGR 261, PGR 262, PGR 263 and other suggested major courses (AGR 254, AGR 270, HORT 234, STAT 250) to satisfy the minimum number of units. The program of study must include any foundation courses that have not been taken by the student previously but units earned in these courses cannot be used to satisfy the unit requirements for the degree. A core course need not be included in the program if the course or its equivalent has been taken by the student at UPLB or elsewhere. However, if the course or its equivalent was taken outside UPLB, the student must pass a validating examination for the course which will be given by the department offering it. The department shall also determine if the course previously taken may be considered as the equivalent of the required one.

To satisfy the minimum number of units required for the minor field, the student may choose from several courses in any of the following disciplines offered by the three participating colleges such as: Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Sociology, Anthropology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Seed Science, Forestry, Botany, Plant Physiology, Statistics, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, and other areas depending on the interest of the student.