Program Overview

Plant Sciences

Overview

The Plant Sciences program at the University of Arizona offers a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of plant biology, with a focus on the structure, function, and diversity of plants. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the biological sciences, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in plant-related fields.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Plant Sciences program, students will be able to:

• Explain the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and their organization in the whole plant.
• Describe the mechanistic basis of plant growth and development and physiological responses to biotic and abiotic factors.
• Describe the diversity of plant form and function.
• Describe the expression and inheritance of traits.
• Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating information from multiple perspectives, drawing reasonable conclusions, and defending them rationally.
• Communicate the importance of plant science in addressing major challenges facing society, including examples of how plant scientists have "solved" such problems.

Program Details

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge: This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency: Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sci

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Plant Sciences

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
  • ENGL 101 - First Year Composition 1
  • Foundation Mathematics
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • PLS 240 - Plant Biology
  • PLS 195A - Colloquium
• 2nd Semester
  • ENGL 102 - First Year Composition 2
  • CHEM 151 - General Chemistry I
  • MATH 263 - Intro to Statistics and Biostatistics
  • ECOL 182R - Introductory Biology II Lecture
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • CHEM 152 - General Chemistry II
  • MCB 181 - Introductory Biology I Lecture
  • PLP 305 - Introductory Plant Pathology
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Emphasis Elective
• 4th Semester
  • CHEM 241A - Organic Chemistry I Lecture
  • CHEM 243A - Organic Chemistry I Lab
  • PLS 312 - Animal and Plant Genetics
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • PLS 307 - Origins of Food Plants

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • PLS 359 - Plant Cell Structure and Function
  • PLS 340 - Intro to Biotechnology
  • BIOC 384 - Biochemistry
  • Second Language (Semester 1)
  • Science Communication
• 6th Semester
  • PLS 360 - Plant Growth and Physiology
  • PLS 361 - Plant Growth and Physiology Lab
  • Second Language (Semester 2)
  • PHYS 102 - Introductory Physics I
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • PLS 448A - Plant Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Emphasis Elective
  • Emphasis Elective
  • Emphasis Elective
• 8th Semester
  • PLS 498 - Senior Capstone
  • PLS 415 - Plant Breeding and Genetics
  • Emphasis Elective
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

Mapped Coursework

• 0 Maps to One Requirement
• 0 Can Map in Multiple Ways
• 0 Ask an Advisor

Pathways

• See the pathway agreement in place between Arizona in-state community colleges and The University of Arizona.

About the Transfer Mapping Categories

• Maps to One Requirement: A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to one requirement for this major.
• Can Map in Multiple Ways: A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to more than one requirement for this major.
• Ask an Advisor: A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that has not yet been mapped to a requirement for this major, or it means that the transfer course was input incorrectly.