Why Study / Key Benefits

The programme is designed for students who want advanced knowledge and practical skills in plant breeding and plant science. Massey highlights the following benefits:

• Development of expertise in quantitative genetics and applied plant-breeding methods.
• Training in multisite experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Exposure to molecular-marker technologies used in modern plant breeding.
• Understanding of related disciplines including agronomy, plant protection and plant physiology.
• A multidisciplinary and team-based approach involving active researchers and practising field breeders.
• Practical exposure through applied field programmes.
• Opportunities to learn using Massey’s glasshouses, farms, molecular laboratories, Plant Growth Unit, seed-testing facilities, genome services and microscopy/imaging facilities.
• Opportunities for interaction with organisations involved in plant breeding and agricultural research, including organisations located around the Manawat? campus.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Plant Breeding endorsement contains 75 credits of Plant Breeding study.

Compulsory Plant Breeding courses

283707 Molecular Plant Breeding – 30 credits

This course covers modern methods used in plant breeding, with emphasis on molecular breeding and breeding for tolerance to abiotic stress.

Topics include:

• mapping
• molecular markers
• quantitative trait loci (QTL)
• transgenics
• metabolomics
• polyploidy
• cytogenetics
• tissue culture
• intellectual property
• ethics.

A block course provides exposure to the application of these techniques within industry plant-breeding programmes and encourages professional discussion and networking.

283708 Quantitative Plant Breeding – 30 credits

This is a career-development course focusing on quantitative genetics and plant breeding.

Topics include:

• objective setting
• plant genetic resources
• base-population development
• quantitative genetic variation
• selection efficiency
• selection for multiple traits
• genotype × environment interactions
• line development
• backcross breeding
• recurrent selection
• variety development.

Approved research-methods / subject courses

Students must choose at least 15 credits from approved subject courses.

119728 Research Methods in Animal, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences – 15 credits

Topics include:

• philosophy of science
• research ethics
• literature searching and review
• project development and management
• scientific writing
• oral presentation
• statistical terminology
• introductory quantitative data analysis
• research proposal development.

162760 Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences – 30 credits

This course covers research methodology and scientific communication in biosciences. Assessment can include:

• research proposal
• literature review
• scientific writing for a journal
• formal seminar presentation

Disciplines / Specialisations

Formal specialisation:

Plant Breeding.

Key academic areas covered within the specialisation include:

• quantitative genetics
• applied plant breeding
• molecular plant breeding
• plant genetic resources
• molecular markers and QTL
• crop improvement
• plant physiology
• agronomy
• plant protection
• experimental design
• data analysis
• biotechnology-related plant-breeding techniques.

Programme Highlights

Key features of the programme include:

• 120-credit postgraduate qualification.
• Approximately one year of full-time study.
• Manawat? campus location.
• Plant Breeding specialisation.
• Strong emphasis on quantitative genetics and molecular breeding.
• Practical exposure to plant-breeding programmes.
• Access to glasshouses, farms, molecular laboratories, genome services, seed-testing facilities and specialist research facilities.
• Interaction with researchers and practising plant breeders.
• Exposure to industry-relevant applications.
• Opportunity to progress to the Master of Science in Plant Breeding.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies the following potential career directions:

• commercial applied plant breeder
• research scientist
• agronomist
• agricultural adviser
• further study leading toward a PhD.

The programme is particularly relevant to employment in:

• seed companies
• agricultural research
• crop improvement
• plant-breeding programmes
• agronomy
• agricultural advisory services
• farming and primary industries
• plant-science research.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current qualification regulations list Plant Breeding as an active PGDipScTech endorsement.

Important programme-specific points include:

• Not all listed course options are offered every year.
• Course prerequisites and restrictions must be satisfied.
• The qualification does not include the research project undertaken in the MSc.
• Successful PGDipSc graduates may progress to the MSc in Plant Breeding.
• To progress from the PGDipSc to the MSc, Massey’s MSc entry requirements include a B grade average over contributing PGDipSc courses and a B grade in an approved research-methods course.

International Student Visa Requirements

Because Plant Breeding is an on-campus programme at Massey’s Manawat? campus, an international student travelling to New Zealand for the qualification will generally need an appropriate New Zealand student visa.

The principal route for a self-funded international student is the Fee Paying Student Visa. Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants need:

• an offer of place from an approved education provider
• sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of a scholarship
• sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor
• acceptable medical and travel insurance
• evidence of good health and character where applicable
• a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand
• evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.