Program Overview

Department of Botany & Plant Sciences

The Department of Botany & Plant Sciences offers a Ph.D. program in Plant Biology with various areas of emphasis.

PhD in Plant Biology – Areas of Emphasis

The Plant Biology Program offers a flexible program to accommodate a student's academic interests and research needs. To this end, a student can choose a PhD degree with one of three concentrations, which require a prescribed set of classes, or a degree in Plant Biology with no concentration and a self-selected curriculum.

• Incoming graduate students do three 7-week laboratory rotations to find a home laboratory and major professor.
• All Plant Biology PhD students enroll in:
  • BPSC 200A-B (the Plant Biology Core classes focused on academic and professional development topics)
  • one BPSC 240 seminar (2-unit in-depth study of a topic in Plant Biology related to the degree concentration)
  • the BPSC 250 seminar each quarter in the program (student and invited speaker seminars)

Graduate Program

The Graduate Program in the Department of Botany & Plant Sciences includes:

Overview

The program provides students with a comprehensive education in plant biology, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Program Structure

• The program includes coursework, laboratory rotations, and original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Students can choose from various areas of emphasis, including:
  • Plant Biology with a concentration in one of three areas
  • Plant Biology with no concentration and a self-selected curriculum

Graduate Student Life

• Graduate students are expected to participate in seminars, workshops, and other academic activities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
• The department provides various resources and support to help graduate students succeed in their studies and research.

Undergraduate Program

The Undergraduate Program in the Department of Botany & Plant Sciences includes:

Overview

The program provides students with a comprehensive education in plant biology, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Program Structure

• The program includes coursework, laboratory experiences, and original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Students can choose from various areas of emphasis, including:
  • Plant Biology with a concentration in one of several areas
  • Plant Biology with no concentration and a self-selected curriculum

Undergraduate Student Life

• Undergraduate students are expected to participate in seminars, workshops, and other academic activities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
• The department provides various resources and support to help undergraduate students succeed in their studies and research.