Having completed the taught part of the MSc, you will be able to identify pathogens using both traditional methods and molecular techniques. In addition, the course will focus on producing integrated management solutions that meet the requirements of sustainable crop production. Students also learn how to disseminate issues and ideas relating to plant disease control to various audiences using various communication methods.
The research project for the MSc will allow you to test hypotheses relevant to pure and applied plant pathology research by designing, carrying out, analyzing, and interpreting experiments. You will also learn to evaluate and interpret data and draw relevant conclusions from existing plant pathology studies.
The MSc covers a broad range of plant pathology topics. All students receive training in fundamental skills that will enable them to enter a plant pathology work environment within a commercial company, research institute, or academia. Although food production has tripled in the last 40 years, approximately 1 billion people still go hungry, with an average of 30 percent of all available food wasted during production, processing, and distribution. Crop losses through plant disease, either pre- or post-harvest, are an essential component of these losses.
The course aims to provide students with specialized training in plant pathology.
The course will:
prepare students for a career in plant pathology
offer vocational training in the area of applied plant pathology
prepare students for Ph.D. studies
The course is intended to provide a detailed understanding of basic and applied plant pathology and the issues associated with current production systems and control strategies. The approach is underpinned by an extensive program of agri-environment research at Harper Adams and longstanding collaborations with research institutes and other organizations in the UK and overseas.