About this Program
- College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Specializations: General Botany | Botanical Research
- Credits for Degree: 120
- More Info
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Department Information
The Department of Biology studies life at all levels from molecules to the biosphere to understand the evolution, structure, maintenance and dynamics of biological systems. The department's teaching and research provide the integrative and conceptual foundations of the life sciences.
Website
CONTACT
Email | 352.273.0125 (tel) | 352.392.3704 (fax)
P.O. BOX 118525
220 BARTRAM HALL
GAINESVILLE FL 32611-8525
Map
Curriculum
Small classes are taught by faculty who have a commitment to undergraduate education. Students participate in mentored research, assisting faculty with research projects on campus and abroad. The major prepares students for careers in industry and government agencies, for graduate and professional schools, and for teaching jobs in high schools.
Specializations
General Botany
For students who may not intend to pursue a graduate degree but are interested in a career in plant biology. This specialization provides some flexibility in tailoring the courses needed in order to pursue specific interests. Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor and botany faculty member when deciding on which courses to take.
Botanical Research
For students who intend to pursue a graduate degree, and requires research with a faculty member. This specialization provides the coursework background typically required by botany graduate programs. Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor and biology faculty member when deciding on which courses to take.
Coursework for the Major
Required coursework is dependent upon the specialization. Coursework for each specialization can be found below under Critical Tracking and Model Semester Plan.
Relevant Minors and Certificates
Students majoring in botany can minor in most other disciplines, and this is a good way to organize students' electives around areas of interest. Note that botany majors cannot minor in biology or chemistry, nor can biology majors minor in botany (the curricula for the botany and biology majors are too similar).
UFTeach Program
There is a severe shortage of qualified secondary science teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see a botany advisor or the UFTeach advisor. UFTeach students complete the UFTeach minor in science teaching with their BS in botany and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
More Info
Research
Botany majors are strongly encouraged to participate in research, and research is required for the Botanical Research specialization. Research experience is valuable on many levels: it diversifies the college experience; it teaches students how scientists apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real world questions; it provides the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers who are the best in their field; it introduces students to cutting edge scientific questions and techniques; it can enhance a student's resume/CV when applying to graduate or professional school; and, finally, it is essential in helping students determine if science is a good career choice.
CLAS Biology, Botany, and Zoology majors may participate in research for course credit, as a scholar (e.g., University Scholar, Science for Life Scholar, Beckman Scholar), as a volunteer, or, in rare cases, as a paid research assistant. Students who plan to enroll for course credit must contact potential research mentors, develop a project, and turn in the required application and proposal no later than the week of drop/add. If the window is missed, students should still contact potential research mentors to discuss upcoming opportunities.
More Info
General Botany
This option is intended for students who do not plan to attend graduate or professional school, but are planning a career in government, public service, or secondary education. A student must achieve a minimum grade of C in all required courses for the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Foundation Courses | ||
| Introductory Botany / Biology | ||
| Select one option: | 7-8 | |
Option A (preferred) | ||
| Introductory Botany (preferred) 1 | ||
| Plant Diversity | ||
| OR | ||
Option B | ||
| Integrated Principles of Biology 1 and Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 1 | ||
| Integrated Principles of Biology 2 and Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 2 | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| CHM 2045 & 2045L | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM 2046 & 2046L | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM 2200 & 2200L | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| Math | ||
| MAC 1147 | Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry | 4 |
| or MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | |
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Statistics 1 | ||
| Computer Programming Using JAVA (or equivalent) | ||
| Computer Programming Using C (or equivalent) | ||
| Python Programming for Biology | ||
| Physics | ||
| PHY 2004 & 2004L | Applied Physics 1 and Laboratory for Applied Physics 1 | 4 |
| Required Courses for the General Botany Specialization | ||
| AGR 3303 | Genetics | 3-4 |
| or PCB 3063 | Genetics | |
| PCB 4674 | Evolution | 4 |
| BOT 2710C | Practical Plant Taxonomy | 3 |
| BOT 3503 & 3503L | Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants and Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants Laboratory | 5 |
| BSC 4936 | Critical Analysis of Biological Research | 2 |
| Ecology and Florida Biodiversity | ||
| Select two: | 6-8 | |
| General Ecology | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Local Flora of North Florida | ||
| Climate Change Biology | ||
| Cells and Tissues | ||
| BOT 4935/5225C | Special Topics (Plant Anatomy) | 3-4 |
| or PCB 3023 | Essential Cell Biology | |
| Biodiversity Breadth | ||
| Select one: | 3-4 | |
| Plant Diversity 1 | ||
| Plant Symbiosis | ||
| Biodiversity and Ecology Field Immersion | ||
| Invertebrate Biodiversity | ||
| Vertebrate Biodiversity | ||
| Avian Biology | ||
| Special Topics in Zoology (Mammalogy) | ||
| Principles of Entomology and Principles of Entomology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (Mammalogy) | ||
| Fundamentals of Plant Pathology | ||
| Basic Fungal Biology | ||
| Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Basic Biology of Microorganisms and Laboratory for Basic Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Botany Electives | ||
| Select two additional courses from the above Ecology, Cells and Tissues, or Biodiversity categories, or from the list of approved electives | 4-8 | |
| Total Credits | 63-73 | |
- 1
Students who select BOT 2011C to fulfill the foundation requirements may not use BOT 2011C to fulfill the biodiversity breadth requirements for the major.
Recommended and Approved Electives
Some courses may have prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AGG 3501 | Environment, Food and Society | 3 |
| AGR 4304 | Plant Chromosomes and Genomes | 3 |
| AGR 4320 | Plant Breeding | 3 |
| AGR 4512 | Physiology and Ecology of Crops | 3 |
| ALS 4163 | Challenges in Plant Resource Protection | 3 |
| BCH 3023 | Elementary Organic and Biological Chemistry (online) | 3 |
| BCH 5045 | Graduate Survey of Biochemistry (online) | 4 |
| BOT 2800C | Plants in Human Affairs | 3 |
| BOT 4053 | Practical Experience in Teaching Botany | 2 |
| BOT 4851C | Medical and Forensic Plant Biology | 3 |
| BOT 4935 | Special Topics | 2-4 |
| BOT 4935/5305 | Special Topics (Paleobotany) | 3 |
| BSC 2862 | Global Change Ecology and Sustainability | 3 |
| BSC 3402 | Theory and Practice in the Biological Sciences | 2 |
| BSC 4434C | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| ENY 4161 | Insect Classification | 3 |
| FNR 3131C | Dendrology/Forest Plants | 3 |
| FOR 2662 | Forests for the Future | 3 |
| FOR 3004 | Forests, Conservation and People | 3 |
| FOR 3153C | Forest Ecology | 3 |
| FOR 3342C | Tree Biology | 3 |
| FOR 4060 | Global Forests | 3 |
| HOS 3305 | Introduction to Plant Molecular Biology | 3 |
| HOS 4304 | Horticultural Physiology | 3 |
| HOS 4313C | Laboratory Methods in Plant Molecular Biology | 2 |
| HOS 4341 | Advanced Horticultural Physiology | 3 |
| MCB 4304 | Genetics of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MCB 4320C | The Microbiome | 3 |
| MCB 4503 | General Virology | 3 |
| MCB 4652 | Environmental Microbiology | 3 |
| ORH 3513C | Environmental Plant Identification and Use | 3 |
| ORH 3773 | Public Gardens | 2 |
| ORH 3815C | Florida Native Landscaping | 3 |
| PCB 4553 | Population Genetics | 4 |
| PCB 5338 | Principles of Ecosystem Ecology | 3 |
| PLP 2060 | Fungus among Us: Mushrooms, Molds and Civilization | 3 |
| PLP 3230 | Survey of Plant Pathogens | 3 |
| PLS 2003C | Plants That Feed the World | 3 |
| PLS 3223 & 3223L | Plant Propagation and Plant Propagation Laboratory | 3 |
| PLS 4601C | Principles of Weed Science | 3 |
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
- Complete 1 of 5 critical-tracking courses, including lab: BSC 2010/BSC 2010L or BOT 2010C, BSC 2011/BSC 2011L or BOT 2011C, CHM 2045/CHM 2045L, CHM 2046/CHM 2046L, MAC 1147 or MAC 2311 or STA 2023
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 2
- Complete 1 additional critical-tracking course, including labs
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete 1 additional critical-tracking course, including labs, with a 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete 1 additional critical-tracking course, including labs, with 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete all critical-tracking courses, including labs, with 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 6
- Complete at least 2 required courses for this specialization
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 7
- Complete one of the remaining Required Foundation courses: CHM 2200/CHM 2200L, PHY 2004/PHY 2004L, MAC 1147/MAC 2311, or STA 2023/COP 2800/COP 3275/BSC 2891
- Complete at least 2 additional (4 total) required courses for this specialization
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 8
- Complete all remaining major course requirements
- 2.0 UF GPA required
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Students are expected to complete the Writing Requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the General Education International (GE-N) and Diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another General Education requirement (typically, GE-C, H, or S).
CHM 2211, CHM 2211L, PHY 2054, PHY 2054L, PHY 2049, and PHY 2049L may count towards 3000 level or above electives outside of the major.
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Quest 1 (Gen Ed Humanities) | 3 | |
| BSC 1920 | First Year Introduction: Biology at UF (recommended elective) | 1 |
| Select one: | 4 | |
| Integrated Principles of Biology 1 and Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 1 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Biological Sciences) |
||
| Introductory Botany (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Biological Sciences) | ||
| Select one: | 4 | |
| Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry (Critical Tracking; State Core Gen Ed Mathematics) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (Critical Tracking; State Core Gen Ed Mathematics) | ||
| State Core Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| Select one: | 4 | |
| Integrated Principles of Biology 2 and Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 2 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Biological Sciences) |
||
| Plant Diversity (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Biological Sciences) | ||
| CHM 2045 & 2045L |
General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (Critical Tracking; State Core Gen Ed Biological and Physical Sciences) |
4 |
| Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement | 3 | |
| State Core Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Semester Three | ||
| CHM 2046 & 2046L |
General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Physical Sciences) |
4 |
| State Core Gen Ed Humanities | 3 | |
| Quest 2 (Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences or Gen Ed Physical or Biological Sciences) | 3 | |
| Foreign language | 5 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Four | ||
| PHY 2004 & 2004L |
Applied Physics 1 and Laboratory for Applied Physics 1 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences) |
4 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Statistics 1 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Mathematics) | ||
| Computer Programming Using JAVA (or equivalent; Critical Tracking) | ||
| Computer Programming Using C (or equivalent; Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Mathematics) | ||
| Python Programming for Biology (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences or Gen Ed Physical or Biological Science - Option not taken in Quest 2 above) | 3 | |
| Foreign language | 5 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Five | ||
| CHM 2200 & 2200L |
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory (Critical Tracking) |
4 |
| Select one: | 3-4 | |
| General Ecology (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Plant Ecology (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Local Flora of North Florida (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Climate Change Biology (Critical Tracking) | ||
| PCB 4674 | Evolution (Critical Tracking) | 4 |
| Gen Ed Humanities | 3 | |
| Credits | 14-15 | |
| Semester Six | ||
| AGR 3303 or PCB 3063 |
Genetics (Critical Tracking) or Genetics |
3-4 |
| BOT 2710C | Practical Plant Taxonomy (Critical Tracking) | 3 |
| BOT 4935/5225C or PCB 3023 |
Special Topics (Plant Anatomy; Critical Tracking) or Essential Cell Biology |
3-4 |
| Gen Ed Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15-17 | |
| Semester Seven | ||
| BOT 3503 & 3503L |
Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants and Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants Laboratory (Critical Tracking) |
5 |
| Select one: | 3-4 | |
| General Ecology (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Plant Ecology (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Local Flora of North Florida (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Climate Change Biology (Critical Tracking) | ||
| Approved botany electives | 4 | |
| Electives | 4 | |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Semester Eight | ||
| BSC 4936 | Critical Analysis of Biological Research | 2 |
| Biodiversity breadth courses | 4 | |
| Electives | 10 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Recommended and Approved Electives
Some courses may have prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AGG 3501 | Environment, Food and Society | 3 |
| AGR 4304 | Plant Chromosomes and Genomes | 3 |
| AGR 4320 | Plant Breeding | 3 |
| AGR 4512 | Physiology and Ecology of Crops | 3 |
| ALS 4163 | Challenges in Plant Resource Protection | 3 |
| BCH 3023 | Elementary Organic and Biological Chemistry (online) | 3 |
| BCH 5045 | Graduate Survey of Biochemistry (online) | 4 |
| BOT 2800C | Plants in Human Affairs | 3 |
| BOT 4053 | Practical Experience in Teaching Botany | 2 |
| BOT 4851C | Medical and Forensic Plant Biology | 3 |
| BOT 4935 | Special Topics | 2-4 |
| BOT 4935/5305 | Special Topics (Paleobotany) | 3 |
| BSC 2862 | Global Change Ecology and Sustainability | 3 |
| BSC 3402 | Theory and Practice in the Biological Sciences | 2 |
| BSC 4434C | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| ENY 4161 | Insect Classification | 3 |
| FNR 3131C | Dendrology/Forest Plants | 3 |
| FOR 2662 | Forests for the Future | 3 |
| FOR 3004 | Forests, Conservation and People | 3 |
| FOR 3153C | Forest Ecology | 3 |
| FOR 3342C | Tree Biology | 3 |
| FOR 4060 | Global Forests | 3 |
| HOS 3305 | Introduction to Plant Molecular Biology | 3 |
| HOS 4304 | Horticultural Physiology | 3 |
| HOS 4313C | Laboratory Methods in Plant Molecular Biology | 2 |
| HOS 4341 | Advanced Horticultural Physiology | 3 |
| MCB 4304 | Genetics of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MCB 4320C | The Microbiome | 3 |
| MCB 4503 | General Virology | 3 |
| MCB 4652 | Environmental Microbiology | 3 |
| ORH 3513C | Environmental Plant Identification and Use | 3 |
| ORH 3773 | Public Gardens | 2 |
| ORH 3815C | Florida Native Landscaping | 3 |
| PCB 4553 | Population Genetics | 4 |
| PCB 5338 | Principles of Ecosystem Ecology | 3 |
| PLP 2060 | Fungus among Us: Mushrooms, Molds and Civilization | 3 |
| PLP 3230 | Survey of Plant Pathogens | 3 |
| PLS 2003C | Plants That Feed the World | 3 |
| PLS 3223 & 3223L | Plant Propagation and Plant Propagation Laboratory | 3 |
| PLS 4601C | Principles of Weed Science | 3 |
The Botany major is offered by both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. This major provides a foundation in the life sciences with emphasis on plant systems. Students will learn the diversity of life, the structure of organisms and ecosystems and how they function (i.e., the acquisition, flow, organization and uses of information, energy and nutrients in living systems). Students will learn the scientific method and how it facilitates the discovery of new knowledge in botany and biology, including how to critically evaluate hypotheses and conclusions.
Before Graduating Students Must
- Achieve acceptable performance in all required botany courses.
- Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.
Students in the Major Will Learn to
Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs
Content
- Identify, describe, and explain the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies, and theories used within the biological sciences.
Critical Thinking
- Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
- Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.
Communication
- Communicate knowledge, ideas, and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or oral forms appropriate to the biological sciences.
Curriculum Map
I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed
| Courses | SLO 1 | SLO 2 | SLO 3 | SLO 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOT 2011C | R | R | I | |
| BOT 2710 | R | R | R | |
| BOT 3503 and BOT 3503L | R/A | R/A | R/A | |
| BSC 2010 | I | I | I | |
| BSC 2011 | I | I | ||
| PCB 3601C | R/A | R/A | R/A | R/A |
| PCB 4043C | R/A | R/A | R/A | R/A |
Assessment Types
- Major field test for biology
- Bioethics quiz
- Scientific paper