PLANT BIOLOGY

The Plant Biology concentration provides undergraduates with training in those areas of science that are essential to an understanding of modern plant sciences. Like the Biology concentration, this concentration deals with all of the major levels of biological organization (molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary), but differs from the Biology concentration by its greater emphasis on the biology of plants. This program is well suited for those who wish to study biology as part of a liberal education, or to prepare for a teaching career in secondary schools. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in basic and applied areas of the plant sciences and related fields, such as ecology, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry.

Prerequisites to Concentration. BIO (171, 172/174 and 173); or BIO (195 and 173); or BIO (162 or 163 or AP credit for BIO 162); CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216; MATH 115 and 116; PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/141 and 235/241; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

Concentration Program. A minimum of 33 credits for students who elected BIO (162 or 163 or has AP credit for BIO 162).A minimum of 30 credits* for student who elected BIO (171, 172/174 and 173), or BIO (195 and 173) distributed as follows:
*Pending the College Curriculum Committee approval winter 2008

1. Required Core Courses. Choose at least three of the following four courses (* indicates lab courses):

(a) BIOLOGY 305

(b) BIO 310, 311 or Biolchem 415, or CHEM 451 and 452

(c) BIOLOGY 390

(d) BIO 281 or EEB 381*

2. Required Plant Biology Courses: Choose at least three of the following four courses (* indicates lab courses):

(a) BIO 230

(b) BIO 255* or BIO 355*

(c) MCDB 321

Plant Elective Courses: Choose at least two plant biology elective courses from the specialized course list (EEB 355*, 401, 420, 459*, 463*, 472, 489*; MCDB 322*, 406, 413*, 430, 401); at least one of these must be a lab course (indicated by *). Three credits of EEB 300/400 or MCDB 300/400 can be included as one of these elective courses, and will count for laboratory credit as well, as long as the research is conducted in a plant biology research lab and three credits are taken in a single term. Only three credits (total) of independent research credits may count toward the concentration. "Library research" and introductory biology laboratories do not qualify.

4. Additional Electives. Take additional BIO, EEB, or MCDB courses at the 200-level or above (except BIOLOGY 200, BIOLOGY 262, EEB 302, MCDB 302, and MCDB 412) to bring the concentration total to at least 30 credits (33 credits for students who took BIOLOGY 162 or 163, or have AP credit for BIOLOGY 162-see above) ). One cognate course may be used here (e.g., advanced math, chemistry, physics courses; STATS 400; BIOSTAT 503) with advisor approval. You are strongly encouraged to elect at least two credits of independent research and to enroll for a summer session at the Biological Station. The fourth course, from the required general courses listed in the first category (above) may also be taken and will count as an elective in this category.

Exclusions: Students who elect a concentration in Plant Biology may not double concentrate in Biology, General Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology; Neuroscience or Biochemistry, nor elect a minor in Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology, Global Change or Environmental Sciences.

Plant Biology Concentration Checksheet

Download the Plant Biology concentration form.