Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-01-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD) program at the University of British Columbia is designed to provide students with advanced research training in the field of botany. The program is offered by the Department of Botany, which is one of the largest and strongest plant-focused departments in North America.
Program Description
The program focuses on the study of the structure, evolution, properties, and biochemical processes of all forms of plant life, including algae, fungi, ferns, and trees. The departmental community consists of over 260 members, including 40 full-time faculty members, several part-time faculty or associates, about 100 graduate students, numerous post-doctoral fellows and research associates, laboratory technicians, and a support staff.
Research Areas
Research in the Department of Botany extends from genomics, molecular genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of plants and eukaryotic microorganisms to systematics, ecology, and phytogeography. The broad areas of research possible within the program include:
- Cell biology and biochemistry
- Genomics and genetics
- Plant molecular biology
- Plant and algal physiology
- Terrestrial and marine ecology
- Biosystematics and evolution
- Development and ultrastructure
- Protistology
- Mycology
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the PhD program in Botany, applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, which typically includes a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The program may have additional requirements, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination, such as TOEFL or IELTS, taken within the last 24 months.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps, including:
- Checking eligibility
- Meeting deadlines
- Preparing the application
- Submitting transcripts and letters of reference
- Applying online
Tuition and Financial Support
The tuition fees for the PhD program in Botany are as follows:
- Canadian citizens: $5,626.02 per year
- International students: $9,883.98 per year The program offers a funding package of at least $31,600 for each of the first four years of study, which may consist of a combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the PhD program in Botany have gone on to pursue careers in academia, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations. The program provides students with advanced research training and prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities.
Enrolment and Completion Rates
The program has a graduation rate of 88% based on 60 students admitted between 2011 and 2014. The minimum time to completion is 3.97 years, and the maximum time is 7.17 years, with an average of 5.77 years of study.
Research Supervisors
The program has a list of faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with the program. Applicants are encouraged to browse faculty profiles and indicate their interest in working with specific supervisors in their application.
Sample Thesis Submissions
The program provides a list of sample thesis submissions, which include topics such as:
- Bioactive lipid transport and cellulose nanomaterial isolation
- Regulation of salicylic acid signaling
- Evolutionary consequences of conflict and competition during the haploid phase
- The cellular distribution and regulatory components of the crucifer "glucosinolate-myrosinase" defense system
Related Programs
The program is related to the Master of Science in Botany (MSc) program, which is also offered by the Department of Botany.
Further Information
For more information about the PhD program in Botany, please refer to the program website or contact the department directly. The program is classified under the Natural Sciences category, with a focus on Biological Sciences, Ecology, and Plant Biology.