Program Overview

Introduction to the Plant Science Program

The University of British Columbia's graduate programs in Plant Science offer students the opportunity to advance their studies and conduct applied research in plant production, protection, biotechnology, physiology, and biochemistry, as well as in plant-environment interaction. The program places high value on an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to collaborate with faculty in other graduate programs.

Program Overview

The Plant Science graduate program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to tailor their studies to their particular professional goals and research interests. In consultation with their research supervisor, students can develop their research program through an interdisciplinary approach involving other departments and faculty on campus.

Degree Requirements

The program offers degrees in fundamental and applied topics related to plant production, plant protection, biotechnology, plant physiology, and biochemistry, and plant-environment interactions. Specific areas of specialization include:

• plant-microbe interaction, bacterial and fungal diseases, plant virology, biological control of pests and diseases, insect physiology, natural insecticides, insect ecology and behaviour, and weed biology, ecology and control;
• seed physiology, plant nutrition, plant growth analysis, plant-plant interaction, biotic and abiotic stressor resistance, and environmental plant physiology;
• vegetable culture, ornamental horticulture, plant breeding, and post-harvest physiology;
• plant biochemistry, tissue culture, genetic engineering, and plant, fungal, and viral molecular genetics;
• rangeland ecology and wildlife habitat studies.

MSc Program Requirements

The MSc program requirements are as follows:

• Completion of the MSc program requires a thesis (12 or 18 credits) plus coursework, for a total of 30 credits.
• With a 12-credit thesis, students can include a maximum of 6 credits of senior undergraduate courses.
• With an 18-credit thesis, students can include a maximum of 3 credits of senior undergraduate courses and a maximum of 3 credits of directed study.

PhD Program Requirements

The PhD program requirements are as follows:

• Appropriate coursework will be selected in consultation with the candidate’s committee.
• All candidates are required to take a comprehensive examination.
• The major requirement for the PhD is completion of a research thesis demonstrating the ability to conduct significant and original scientific research.

Faculty Members

The program has a diverse range of faculty members with expertise in various areas of plant science, including:

• Juli Carrillo, Associate Professor, Applied Biology
• Simone Castellarin, Associate Dean, Research, Professor, Applied Biology, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Viticulture, Associate Director, Wine Research Centre
• Eduardo Jovel, Associate Professor, Applied Biology
• Thorsten Knipfer, Assistant Professor, Applied Biology (Plant Physiology)
• Andrew Riseman, Associate Professor, Applied Biology and Plant Breeding
• Mark Paul Rivarez, Assistant Professor, Applied Biology
• Risa Sargent, Associate Professor, Applied Biology
• Zelalem Taye, Assistant Professor, Applied Biology, Soil and Plant Science (appointed jointly with UBC Forestry)
• Marco Todesco, Associate Member, Plant Science and Applied Biology

Collaborations

The program is enriched through collaboration with colleagues in other UBC graduate programs, such as Food Science, Soil Science, Botany, and Zoology, as well as with agencies such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Land.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Plant Science MSc and PhD programs have developed careers in various fields, including:

• universities or colleges
• consulting
• biotechnology and greenhouse industries
• research or management positions with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Land.