Biotechnology Program at Montana State University - Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology

Plants provide the food, fuel and fiber we need to survive. Rapid changes in the biotechnology industry have accelerated the ways that we improve plants. This includes developing plants for more sustainable production and resilience against changing environments and novel diseases.

Students working in plant biotechnology emphasize both molecular and cellular concepts and associated techniques to address problems facing plant systems. A strong foundation is developed in chemistry, physics, statistics, biology, microbiology and genetics. Students also complete an independent research project in an MSU laboratory. Graduates are prepared for continued study, or positions in private industry or federal agencies.

Students will learn to:

Examine gene sequence and expression
Design and work with DNA vectors
Select appropriate techniques for plant modification including RNAi, CRISPR-Cas9, random insertion, etc.
Propagate plants containing modifications

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