Majors and Minors

Our majors and minors provide versatile academic pathways in plant biology, giving students a strong foundation in molecular biology, physiology, development, ecology, and evolution. Through challenging coursework and hands-on experience in labs, greenhouses, and research environments, students gain the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to thoroughly explore plant biology and prepare for advanced studies and a variety of careers.

Majors

Plant Biology

Explore plants from molecular to whole organism levels and their ecological relationships with other species in the environment. Plant biology is the study of plants as living organisms. It encompasses cellular and molecular plant biology as well as traditional areas of botany, such as anatomy, morphology, systematics, physiology, mycology, phycology, ecology, and evolution, including newer fields like cellular and molecular plant biology. The plant biology major includes core courses in applied plant biology, plant anatomy, plant physiology, and plant ecology, along with biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics. Opportunities for independent research in plant biology are also available.

Major Requirements - B.S.

Major Requirements - B.A.

B.S.

B.A.

Systems and Synthetic Biology

Systems Biology seeks to understand how complex properties and structures of organisms emerge from simple components and interactions, as well as to identify common design principles across various types of biological regulation. Synthetic Biology concentrates on modifying (or ultimately building from scratch) organisms to create specific pathways and processes. Learn how these two related, interdisciplinary fields enable integrative, computational, and quantitative approaches to solving biological problems and creating new biological functions.

Major Requirements - B.S.

Sample 4-Year Plan

B.S.

Minors

Plant Biology

This minor explores plants and their dynamic means of interacting with the environment. The Plant Biology minor has an 18-unit minimum requirement. Three areas of specialization are offered – (i) Anatomy and Morphology, Physiology and Development, (ii) Evolution and Ecology, and (iii) Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics – with a small, strategic course selection per area. Students majoring in Plant Biology cannot pursue the Plant Biology minor.

Minor Requirements

Undergraduate Advising

Deciding between a B.S. and a B.A.?

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree typically emphasizes a deeper focus on science and math, with more specialized coursework in technical or research areas. In contrast, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree allows for greater flexibility, often incorporating a broader range of liberal arts courses, making it ideal for students who want to combine scientific study with other disciplines or pursue diverse career paths. Both degrees provide valuable foundations but cater to different academic and professional goals.

Majors and Course Policies

PTA (Permission to Add):
No course will be enrolled above the enrollment cap as determined by the department and registrar. All large enrollment courses with a waiting list will be enrolled as the seats open within the 10-day drop window and before the last day to add on the 12th day of instruction. Do not contact your instructor for a PTA. It is department policy NOT to give out PTAs for courses with a wait list or to add after the 12th day of instruction.
Drop deadlines:
Upper division courses will have a 10-day drop deadline. We encourage students to evaluate course sections based on their schedule, graduation plans (Please consult with your BASC advisor).
PTD (Permission to Drop)
Students should review the relevant policies and guidelines and work with their advisors in BASC to submit a PTD through OASIS.

Full PTA Policies