Program Overview

Overview of the Plant Biology Program

The Plant Biology Specialization is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the nature of plants, from their cellular structure to their role in the ecosystem. This program examines the structure and development of plants in the context of their function as primary producers on earth. Students will learn about the physiology and biochemistry of plants, including the basics of photosynthesis and the production of chemical compounds used for defense against herbivores, pests, and pathogens.

Program Details

• The program helps students develop skills in plant identification, plant propagation, and molecular methods for studying plants and fungi.
• Most courses offer laboratory portions that expand on the lecture material, introducing students to the latest techniques in plant biology.
• Laboratory exercises utilize the excellent research and field facilities at the Morgan Arboretum, McGill Herbarium, Lods Centre, the Horticultural Centre, and the Plant Science greenhouses, as well as McGill field stations.
• Students can undertake a research project under the guidance of a member of the Plant Science Department as part of their studies.

Careers

Career paths for graduates of the Plant Biology program can include:

• Field biologist
• Research technician
• Environmental biologist
• Botanist
• Manager, educator, or researcher in a botanical garden
• Horticulturalist

Courses

As a Plant Biology student, you can take courses like:

• PLNT 353: Plant Structure and Function
• PLNT 358: Flowering Plant Diversity
• PLNT 426: Plant Ecophysiology
• PLNT 305: Plant Pathology

Related Majors

Discover these related majors:

• Environmental Biology
• Life Sciences (Agricultural & Agricultural)
• Biology
• Food Science
• Agro-Environmental Sciences

Program Requirements

This specialization must be combined with a major in the BSc(AgEnvSc). The recommended majors are Environmental Biology or Life Sciences (Biological & Agricultural).