Objectives

The Master’s Degree in Plant Health and Integrated Crop Protection aims to train highly qualified professionals in the integrated management of pests, diseases, and weeds in agricultural systems. It also promotes the use of practices that respect human health and the environment in order to optimize crop performance. The program provides a solid scientific foundation that facilitates both entry into professional practice and continuation in a research career, as well as access to doctoral studies. Finally, it prepares graduates to organize, lead, or participate in projects, companies, and institutions related to the field of plant health

Competences

Upon completion of the Master’s Degree in Plant Health and Integrated Crop Protection, students will be able to:

• Diagnose and identify relevant pests, diseases, and weeds in major crops.
  Analyze the agroecosystem and understand the biology and dynamics of harmful organisms.
  Design, implement, and evaluate effective, sustainable, and economically viable integrated management strategies.
• Select and use appropriate management methods, assessing their ecological, social, and regulatory impact.
• Conduct sampling, interpret data, and apply digital tools specific to plant health.

Career opportunities

• Advisor in the management of pests, diseases and weeds on farms.
• Technician in plant defence groups, agricultural cooperatives and companies related to the agri-food sector.
• Technician in phytosanitary product companies: carrying out efficacy tests, managing commercial networks and official registers of phytosanitary products, and providing advice on plant health to farms and urban green spaces.
• Technician in companies of biological products for the control of pests, diseases and weeds.
• Plant health services technician at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food or equivalent departments in other autonomous communities.
• Plant health manager in municipalities and local authorities.
• Researcher in public and private research centres in departments or research groups related to plant health such as agricultural entomology, plant pathology and malherbology.