The Plant Biology Track focuses on fundamental aspects of how plants function as organisms and interact with their environment. A wide variety of scientific disciplines are integrated within the track, including physiology, taxonomy, reproduction, and ecology.
A degree in biology with an emphasis in plant biology serves as an excellent launching point for a wide range of career options, including domestic and international opportunities in business, research, and teaching. The program is excellent preparation for students wishing to enter graduate or other professional schools. Plant biologists can work in the laboratory or field, forestry, botanical gardens and nurseries, agricultural companies, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy and chemical industries, or environmental protection.
12 upper-level guided elective hours out of the required 13- 15 hours of guided electives must be completed from the courses listed below. Of those 12 hours, a maximum of 3 hours can be independent research (BIO 394 /BIO 395 /BIO 397 ). The remaining 1-3 credit hours may come from the list of approved electives for the general biology track, which may include an additional 3 hours of independent research (BIO 394 /BIO 395 /BIO 397 ). A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent research can be counted toward the Biology degree. Of the 13-15 hours of total upper-level electives required, 9 credit hours must have a BIO prefix.