Major in Biological Science, Botany Concentration

Program Overview

The Botany concentration within Biological Sciences explores plants and plant-like organisms, from microscopic algae to giant redwoods. Graduates gain a comprehensive understanding of plant biology, preparing them for careers in plant ecology, taxonomy, forestry, and other plant science fields. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, ensuring students are well-equipped for research, education, government, and industry roles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Botany concentration within the Biological Science major focuses on the study of plants and plant-like organisms, encompassing a wide range of topics from microscopic algae to giant redwoods, fungi to flowering angiosperms.
The program delves into plant anatomy, growth and development, survival strategies, and interactions within their environments.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of plant biology, equipping them with knowledge and skills in areas such as plant systematics, anatomy, ecology, biochemistry, and earth sciences.
It also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through liberal arts and communication courses.
• Description: The Botany concentration offers a diverse range of career paths, including plant ecology, taxonomy, forestry, plant anatomy, developmental biology, plant biochemistry, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, plant pathology, and systems ecology.
The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in mathematics, biological sciences, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, evolution, and genetics.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Plant anatomy
• Plant growth and development
• Plant survival strategies
• Plant interactions within their environments
• Plant systematics
• Plant ecology
• Plant biochemistry
• Earth sciences
• Structure: The program is structured across four years, with specific courses required for each year.
The curriculum includes a mix of core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, as well as specialized botany courses.
• Freshman Year:
• Semester 1: CO 150, LIFE 102, MATH 155/160, Arts and Humanities
• Semester 2: CHEM 111, CHEM 112, LIFE 103, Arts and Humanities, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Sophomore Year:
• Semester 3: BZ 220, CHEM 113, CHEM 114, Historical Perspectives, Electives
• Semester 4: CHEM 245, CHEM 246, STAT 301/307, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Elective
• Junior Year:
• Semester 5: BC 351/401, BZ 331, PH 121/141, Upper Division Botany Concentration Elective
• Semester 6: BC 403, BZ 325, BZ 440, BZ 441, PH 122/142
• Senior Year:
• Semester 7: BZ 310, Advanced Writing, Upper Division Botany Concentration Electives, Elective
• Semester 8: BZ 350, BZ 450, Upper Division Botany Concentration Electives, Elective
• Individual Modules: The program includes a list of upper division Botany Concentration Electives, providing students with a range of specialized courses to choose from.
These electives cover topics such as:
• Introduction to Weather and Climate
• Ecology and Management of Weeds
• Elements of Plant Pathology
• Integrated Tree Health Management
• Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction
• Introductory Mycology
• Exploring Range Shifts in a Changing World
• Bioinformatics and Genomics
• Marine Biology
• Genome Evolution
• Genetics of Model Organisms
• Genome Editing Laboratory
• Translocation in Plants
• Molecular Aspects of Plant Development
• Phytoremediation
• Forest and Rangeland Ecogeography
• Forest Ecology
• Dendrology
• Fire Effects and Adaptations
• Ecophysiology of Trees
• Biogeography
• Medicinal and Value-Added Uses of Plants
• Environmental Plant Stress Physiology
• Wildland Plants and Plant Communities
• Wildland Ecosystems in a Changing World
• Disturbance Ecology
• Grass Taxonomy

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Plant ecologist
• Taxonomist
• Forester
• Plant anatomist
• Plant developmental biologist
• Plant biochemist
• Molecular biologist
• Plant biotechnologist
• Plant pathologist
• Systems ecologist
• Opportunities: The program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in research, education, government, and industry.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the Botany concentration are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in plant science, conservation, and environmental management.

Other:

• Distinctive Requirements:
• Students must have a minimum grade of C- in all biological, physical science, and mathematical courses used to meet major requirements.
• The minimum GPA for graduation is 2.000.
• The curriculum assumes students enter college prepared to take calculus.
• Students who are not prepared for calculus will need to fulfill pre-calculus requirements in the first semester.
• It is recommended that students do not take BZ 310 and BZ 350 together.
• Program Total Credits: 120
• Upper Division Credits: At least 42 credits must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).