The Bachelor’s Degree in Botany
Botany is the study of all aspects of the biology of plants. Students studying botany will learn:
- How plants function at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels.
- The evolution of plants and how they contribute to biodiversity.
- How interactions with each other impacts their physical environment.
The study of botany aims to expand and increase current knowledge about plants in order to solve problems in many fields including agriculture, ecology, and horticulture.
Students choose between a B.S. or B.A. degree:
Both the B.S. and B.A. degrees provide a strong background in botany, but the B.S. degree requires more math, chemistry, and physics and is pursued by most of our students.
The B.S. program prepares students for graduate study in botany or a career that requires a higher level of technical skill than is provided by the BA degree.
The B.A. degree has a stronger focus on the social sciences and humanities and is particularly well suited for students pursuing a double major or seeking an international perspective.
Students pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in Botany can declare a concentration in Ecology.
Requirements for the B.S. and B.A. degrees in Botany.
The Botany curriculum offers a wide range of choices:
The program is solidly grounded in the basic sciences (general biology, chemistry, math, and physics) needed to understand the latest research in plant biology. It also allows a range of choice in upper level courses permitting students to tailor their degrees to their particular interests within plant biology. Students choose from upper level courses taught by distinguished faculty who are accomplished teachers and have cutting edge research programs. These courses are offered by biology faculty and by faculty in related disciplines (biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, plant science, and marine science). Each student works with an academic adviser in the faculty to develop a curriculum that best meets the student’s goals and allows for exploration or specialization as desired.
Students interested in research have many opportunities to participate in important investigations in faculty research laboratories or in the field. This can be for academic credit or for employment during the academic year or the summer and is an important resume builder. Students in their third and fourth years of study who intend to pursue graduate studies are strongly encouraged to include independent research under the guidance of a member of the biology faculty in their program.
Special opportunities:
The Schoodic Experience for incoming first year students takes place at the Schoodic Institute in Acadia National Park in the week before classes start. Incoming students meet their faculty advisors and each other, are introduced to the academic program, view plants and animals in a variety of habitats, and enjoy recreational time in a beautiful setting.
Contact Information:
um.biology@maine.edu
100 Murray Hall
207.581.2540