The Master of Science in Genetics and Plant Breeding is a two-year postgraduate program that integrates traditional breeding methods with cutting-edge genomic technologies. Students master the principles of heredity, cytogenetics, and molecular biology to engineer crops with higher yields and improved nutritional profiles. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative genetics and biotechnology, training scholars in gene mapping and marker-assisted selection. Through intensive field trials and laboratory research, graduates gain the expertise needed to combat global food insecurity and climate change, preparing them for roles in agricultural research, seed production, and international development.
Duration of programme
Level of Study
Plant DNA & Heredity: You’ll learn how plants pass on traits (like color or size) from one generation to the next and how to "read" their genetic blueprints.
High-Tech Breeding: You’ll study how to use modern tools like CRISPR (genetic scissors) to precisely change a plant’s DNA to make it stronger or healthier.
Weather & Pest Defense: You’ll learn the science behind building "super plants" that don't die during droughts, floods, or attacks from hungry insects.
Lab & Computer Science: You’ll spend time in labs growing plant cells in test tubes and using computer programs (Bioinformatics) to track millions of genetic data points.
PSO-1- Mastery of Genetic Principles
Demonstrate a profound understanding of classical and molecular genetics to explain inheritance patterns and manipulate plant genomes for desirable traits.
PSO-2- Crop Improvement Expertise
Apply diverse breeding methods—such as pedigree, bulk, and backcross methods—to develop new varieties with high yield, improved quality, and early maturity.
PSO-3- Biotechnological Proficiency
Utilize advanced laboratory techniques, including Plant Tissue Culture, Gene Mapping, and DNA Fingerprinting, to solve complex breeding bottlenecks that traditional methods cannot address.
PSO-4- Stress Tolerance Development
Design and implement breeding programs specifically aimed at creating "climate-smart" crops that can withstand abiotic stresses (drought, salinity) and biotic stresses (pests, diseases).
PSO-5- Bioinformatics and Data Analytics
Competently use specialized software and statistical tools like R or SPSS to analyze large-scale phenotypic and genotypic data for accurate selection in breeding cycles.
PSO-6- Seed Technology and Quality Control
Apply knowledge of seed production, certification standards, and testing procedures to ensure the genetic purity and physical quality of improved seeds for commercial distribution.
PSO-7- Regulatory and Biosafety Compliance Navigate
the legal landscape of agriculture, including UPOV guidelines, Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR), and biosafety protocols for the release of transgenic crops.
PEO-1- Equips students with the latest knowledge of various breeding practices and techniques for different crops.
PEO-2- Trains postgraduates in scientific skills to modify plant genetic makeup for improved biotic/abiotic stress resistance, quality enhancement, genetic stock maintenance, and new resource identification.
PEO-3- Educates on hybrid seed production, inbred line development, and germplasm evaluation.
PEO-4- Prepares students in crop quality improvement via conventional and modern biotechnological tools like Marker Assisted Selection, tissue culture, and transgenics.
PEO-5- Appears in this standard document; other programs like DBUU list up to PEO-4 or vary in numbering.
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths (minimum 50% Marks)
Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths as mandatory subjects with B.sc agriculture (4year)
