Master's degree in biology, agricultural sciences

Plant Experimentation Management

The vast majority of plant-based foods are produced through intensive agriculture. This form of agriculture was introduced in France after World War II. It perfectly met the socio-economic demands of the time by enabling the production of food in large quantities and at low cost. The development of intensive agriculture was only possible thanks to fundamental research in various fields such as plant biology and physiology, genetics, and agronomy. It is now widely accepted that half of the progress made in crop yields is due to agronomy and half to genetics. This past experience suggests that a multidisciplinary approach based on intensive scientific research is necessary to develop a new type of agriculture.

Intensive agriculture does not only have positive qualities. It relies on the massive use of inputs (fertilizers and plant protection products), which is a source of environmental pollution and causes health problems. It therefore seems important to radically change agricultural practices in order to limit the use of inputs and move towards a model of sustainable agriculture. This shift in agricultural practices began some 20 years ago, but has been accelerated by the ECOPHYTO plan, which aims to reduce the use of plant protection products by 50% in 2018. This agricultural reform must also be carried out under the pressure of an additional challenge: climate change.  In order to develop more environmentally friendly agriculturein the context of climate change, it is necessary to adopt multidisciplinary approaches combining genetics(development of varieties that make better use of nitrogen and water, are resistant to existing diseases, etc.),agronomy/physiology/ecology (adapting crop management practices, introducing microorganisms, natural defense stimulators, etc.), and phytopathology ( development of biocontrol, etc.).Plant experimentation, which drives changes in agricultural practices, therefore requires managers capable of drafting, implementing, and evaluating projects.

While the challenges of developing sustainable agriculture are important for developed countries,they are crucial for many countries in the South, which cannot afford fertilizers or plant protection products anyway. CIRAD and IRD have developed partnerships with research centers in Southern countries. Seed and production companies (e.g., sugar) in the South need high-quality senior managers.

This master's program has been designed to be taken on a work-study basis. A number of students will have the opportunity to obtain a double master's degree: MEV (offered by the Faculty of Sciences) and management (offered by the IAE).

The MEV training program presented by students

Student testimonials and contacts

Objectives

The aim of the MEV program is therefore to train project management specialists with a wide range of scientific knowledge (plant breeding, plant pathology, physiology, and agronomy) to become versatile executives capable of working in private organizations or seed companies, plant protection companies, or companies specializing in biocontrol/biostimulation.The MEV program aims to provide the knowledge, know-how, and skills necessary to work as a manager in plant experimentation in various sectors of activity. The seven-month periods spent in companies for work-study students and the TU are opportunities to put the knowledge learned at the university into practice in the field.

Training content

The MEV program schedule has been designed to make this course accessible to both students in initial training and work-study students(professional contract, apprenticeship). The MEV program schedule also allows some students to earn a master's degree in management from the IAE in addition to the MEV master's degree, provided they complete and pass four TU spread out over the Christmas break in the first and second years of the master's program.

List of Teaching Units

M1, first semester

M1, second semester

Master's degree, first semester

Master's degree, second semester