The plant biology major provides flexible entry for undergraduate students that have an interest in the plant sciences. Once enrolled in the program, students will take a core of classes that will allow them to continue in the plant biology major or allow them to easily transfer to other Life Sciences programs. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the faculty of the Center for Plant Science Innovation as well as the above departments and schools for advising and research opportunities.
Studying plant biology will allow students to explore their knowledge of plants at the:
- molecular (biotechnology option),
- cellular and organismal (biological, biochemical/chemical sciences),
- whole plant/applied physiological (horticulture and agronomy courses), and
- ecological levels (ecology and management option).
Students may select a Bachelor of Science track through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources or a Bachelor of Science or Arts track through the College of Arts and Sciences. Every major must complete a set of core courses that provide breadth in basic sciences. Introduction to Plant Biology should be taken during the first semester in the program. Majors also must complete an emphasis to provide depth in one of the following options: Ecology and Management or Biotechnology.
The plant biology program includes a career experience/internship course (AGRO/ RNGE 295/ HORT 395/ NRES 497/ BIOS 395) which provides the opportunity to gain work experience in an off-campus setting related to a student’s academic and career objectives.
A research project initiated by the beginning of the junior year is required. Presentation of this work will be part of the Introduction to Plant Biology course.
Pass/ No Pass:
Students majoring in Plant Biology may not take any of the core or option courses required for the major Pass/No Pass except for the Introduction to Plant Biology and Career Experience courses.
Students interested in majoring in plant biology through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources are advised to make an initial appointment with the Chief Academic Advisor who will then assign them to a faculty member in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Program Assessment:
To gauge the effectiveness of this program, students will be required to start and maintain an experiential portfolio throughout their program, culminating with a presentation of their research in the Introduction to Plant Biology course.