International Master of Science in Agro- and Environmental Nematology

Nematodes or roundworms are everywhere. They are amongst the most harmful organisms to crops, especially in the tropics. As natural antagonists of certain pest insects they are at the same time very promising for use in bio-control programmes. Their omnipresence, overwhelming densities and diversity (sometimes compared to insects) make the free-living nematodes an ideal tool for biodiversity studies. They are used as bio-indicators of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. The International Master of Science in Agro- and Environmental Nematology is unique and attracts students from all over the world. It deals with fundamental as well as applied aspects of nematology and concerns all groups of nematodes in all possible environments: natural soils, agricultural soils, aquatic sediments of freshwater, brackish or marine habitats. It caters to an international need for training highly qualified nematologists with a multidisciplinary knowledge in the diverse fields of nematology and related sciences. This international multicultural English-taught study programme is multidisciplinary in its approach both within the field of biology and agro-engineering.

The programme consists of 60 ECTS-credits worth of mandatory course units in the first year, all with a focus on nematology. In the course of the second year (third term), students can broaden their expertise by a choice of electives offered at Ghent University and foreign (partner) universities. 

Students choose one of three tracks (30 ECTS-credits):

• UGent track
• Kenya track - International Capacity Building & Sustainability. The programme at IITA-ICIPE Nairobi (Kenya) includes a Basic Nematology Crash Course (BNCC) for local students and a mobility track for the MSc Nematology students. As part of their curriculum, the latter will be able to undertake professional work placement in Kenya and the wider region, take a course unit with a focus on specific developmental needs and will be involved in training local students during the BNCC.
• International Mobility track, an opportunity for Erasmus+ applications.

In the fourth term students will make a Master’s dissertation at 30 ECTS-credits.

International students are expected to participate in the NemaPrep, which starts on 1 September. This is a preparation programme especially for international students who wish to enrol in the IMaNema programme. It includes info sessions on life in Ghent, university administration, the IMaNema programme, lab safety, a campus tour and, most importantly, crucial refresher courses on ecology, statistics (including the use of R) and chemistry.

The International Master of Science in Agro- and Environmental Nematology prepares students for a career in highly diverse fields and environments. The sectors of employment range from teaching and (lab) research in universities, governmental institutions and industry, to taking up advisory positions vis-à-vis the general public, farmers or policy makers. Our multidisciplinary approach allows nematologists to be active in the field of biology and agro-engineering as well as medicine, be able to work in the most sophisticated laboratories (advanced molecular and genetic research) as well as in suboptimal conditions with hardly any basic equipment at all, as is the case in some developing countries.
Main trumps are: in-depth and broad scientific knowledge, capacity to analyse and solve problems, write research proposals, good communication skills and contacts with national and international nematologists and centres of nematological research and application, or related fields.