Programme Structure
From genome to plate in twelve intensive months — 75 ECTS across 3 trimesters, 8 taught courses and an original Master’s dissertation.
Trimester 1 · Autumn
Foundations
AFB_1.1C
Introduction to Systems Agro-BiologyHolistic view of agricultural systems — plant ecophysiology, soil biology, agro-ecosystem services and climate adaptation.
8ECTS
Compulsory
AFB_1.2C
Modern Techniques of Molecular Biology & BioinformaticsPCR, NGS, metagenomics, BLAST, transcriptomics — with hands-on bioinformatics labs.
8ECTS
Compulsory
AFB_1.3C
Applied Microbial BiotechnologyProbiotics, fermentations, bioremediation and circular bioeconomy for nutrition and the environment.
8ECTS
Compulsory
AFB_1.4C
Research Methodology & AI in Science and BiotechnologyExperimental design, statistics in R/Python, FAIR data, AI for biological data analysis.
6ECTS
Compulsory
Trimester 2 · Spring
Specialisation
AFB_2.1C
One HealthZoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and the agri-food–environment–public-health nexus.
9ECTS
Compulsory
AFB_2.2S
Advanced Crop GenomicsPacBio/Nanopore sequencing, GWAS, genomic selection, CRISPR, NGTs and rhizosphere genomics.
7ECTS
Elective
AFB_2.3S
Food Quality & Safety BiotechnologyMolecular detection of pathogens, allergens, mycotoxins, GMOs — biosensors, biopreservation, AMR.
7ECTS
Elective
AFB_2.4S
Novel & Functional FoodsAlternative proteins (insects, microalgae, cultured meat), bioactive compounds, health claims, regulation.
7ECTS
Elective
AFB_2.5S
Environmental Biotechnology for Sustainable AgricultureBioremediation, biosensors, biogas, biofuels, carbon sequestration and waste valorisation.
7ECTS
Elective
AFB_2.6S
Advanced Food Preservation & Packaging TechnologiesBacterial cellulose, PLA, PHB, chitosan, pullulan, melanin and nano-biotech for active & smart packaging.
7ECTS
Elective
Summer term
Master’s Dissertation
AFB_3.1C
Postgraduate Diploma ProjectOriginal research in molecular biology, microbiology, food chemistry, bioinformatics or environmental biotechnology — supervised by a three-member committee, written in IMRaD structure, defended orally and deposited in the University’s Nemertes institutional repository.
15ECTS
Thesis
Programme rules
- Successful completion of 8 courses + the dissertation is required for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.
- Each semester has at least 13 weeks of teaching, with a minimum of 39 contact hours per compulsory course.
- The thesis may be undertaken once the student has passed 6 of the 8 taught courses.
- Asynchronous teaching does not exceed 25% of total ECTS; the rest is delivered synchronously online or in person in the laboratory.
- Maximum study duration: 3 academic semesters (full-time) or 4 semesters (part-time, on approval).
See full course outlines
Each course has a detailed page with learning outcomes, weekly topics, assessment and bibliography.
Browse the course catalogue →