The Department of Biology of the School of Sciences and Engineering of the University of Crete organizes and operates a Postgraduate Program of Studies (M.Sc.) entitled “GREEN BIOLOGY – Biology of Plant Organisms from the Molecule to the Environment” (formerly “Molecular and Applied Plant Biology – Green Biotechnology”) (Government Gazette No. 1842/26-03-2024, Series B).

The subject of the M.Sc. program is the advancement of knowledge and research in cutting-edge fields of Plant Biology Structure and Function, such as Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Molecular Genetics, Plant Biochemistry, Bioenergetics, Plant Developmental Biology, Plant Molecular Physiology, and Molecular Plant Pathology, as well as their biotechnological and environmental applications.

The aim of the M.Sc. program is to train highly qualified scientists with knowledge of current scientific and technological advances (cutting-edge), modern research techniques and approaches, and the ability to conduct research on critical contemporary issues related to the structure and function of plant biology. The program also aims to prepare capable and well-trained scientists who will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to invest in excellence and innovation and to staff academic and research institutions as well as modern productive sectors.

More specifically, the Postgraduate Program of Studies includes:

Enhancement of the theoretical knowledge level of postgraduate students through attendance of a compulsory cycle of advanced postgraduate courses.

Training in laboratory techniques and introduction of postgraduate students to the research process through a two-month laboratory–research training period (rotation) in research laboratories.

Specialization of postgraduate students in modern fields of research and applications.

Training in the writing of high-quality scientific essays.

Monitoring of contemporary scientific literature using the available and continuously developing methods and capabilities offered by information technology at the University of Crete and collaborating institutions.

Preparation and presentation of seminars by the students.

Conduct of research on cutting-edge topics and publication of results in reputable international scientific journals.

Dissemination of research results through participation of postgraduate students in national and international conferences.

Implementation of an internship in Greece or abroad for the acquisition of professional experience.

The duration of studies for the award of the Master’s Degree (M.Sc.) is defined as two (2) academic semesters.

The M.Sc. program “GREEN BIOLOGY – Biology of Plant Organisms from the Molecule to the Environment” has no tuition fees.

The expenses for conducting research within the framework of the Master’s Thesis are covered by the regular budget and by competitive Research and Technology programs that are sought and implemented by faculty members and researchers participating in the M.Sc. program.

During the preparation of the Master’s Thesis, postgraduate students may receive financial support from funded Research & Technology programs in which they participate.

The M.Sc. program encourages postgraduate students to secure external funding for their studies from various scholarship-awarding foundations as well as from collaborating research institutes.