Learning Goals in the Botany Major

The study of botany is important in today’s world that increasingly needs highly skilled scientists to examine changes in ecosystems or habitats, the possible benefits and dangers of genetically modified crops, and the vast potential plants hold for human use. The major prepares students directly for a career in a botanical field or for graduate study. This preparation comes from learning essential concepts, from developing critical thinking and observational skills, and from learning to communicate those skills across disciplines. Students interested in potential careers are encouraged to talk to faculty or to consult the department website.

Concepts

• Plant Structure, Function and Development ― Students who complete the major should understand, through written and visual information, how the plant body develops and works as a unit to regulate its metabolism, to respond to environmental cues, to obtain water, nutrients, carbohydrates, and to reproduce.
• Plant Diversity ― Students who complete the major should understand the diverse groups of organisms traditionally studied by botanists, from protists and fungi to higher vascular plants. This understanding requires students to be able to identify regional plants to species and world plants to families.
• Plant Ecology ― Students who complete the major should understand the complex relationships plants have with other organisms and their environment, and how the environment affects past, present and future plant habitats.
• Plant Uses and Perceptions ― Plants provide medicinal compounds, shelter, fuel, food, ornamentation, and technology for human use and their ecological services. Students have the option of focusing their major on use and management of plants, with particular emphasis on traditional indigenous people.

Methods/Skills

• Written ― Students who complete the major should be able to craft concisely written papers in the style of a botanical research paper. Integral to the paper is a thorough understanding of how to find and read the scientific literature, and a deep understanding of methods to interpret and form graphical, tabular, and pictorial data.
• Oral ― Students in the major should understand how to prepare and present oral information, either of an assigned topical nature or the results of a research project. Practice and experience will be through coursework, participation in the botany seminar series, or presentations at professional meetings.
• Laboratory ― Students should have experience with botanical field and laboratory techniques, such as ecological sampling, plant preservation, data recording, microscopy techniques, and traditional indigenous technology replication. Students will have opportunities to develop deeper skills in selected methods of their choice.