MAJOR: PLANT BIOLOGY
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The Plant Biology option within the Bachelor of Science in Biology provides students with an education in all aspects of plant biology including evolution, physiology, ecology, molecular biology, genomics and development. The Plant Biology option prepares students for a variety of career paths including graduate school, medicine, business, biotechnology, museum work, work with resource management or other public agencies, or law. Careful selection of plant biology courses and electives will prepare students in one or more sub-disciplines of their choice. For example, training in plant biochemistry and molecular biology can be useful in pharmacology/drug discovery and design, as well as in preparation for graduate study. Similarly, training in ecology and evolution is excellent preparation for a career in conservation biology or graduate study in either of those fields. Most Plant Biology undergraduates work directly with faculty to perform independent field or laboratory research for credit. A student takes at least 24 semester hours of upper-division courses in plant biology, including extensive

Declare This Major

Current students interested in changing to the Plant Biology major should complete the following instructions:

  1. Complete the entry-level courses (Calculus 1, CH301/302, and BIO311C/D) with at least a C- or higher
  2. View the online information session.
  3. Complete the questionnaire at the end of the session and bring it your advising appointment.
  4. Schedule an appointment with the Biological Sciences Advising Center.

Current students who have not yet completed the entry-level requirements should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in WCH 1.106. Contact the appropriate College of Natural Sciences Advising Center to schedule an appointment and change majors to Biological Sciences entry-level.

Prospective University of Texas at Austin students should visit to learn about the application process and how to declare a major. You can also contact the Biological Sciences Advising Center.

Required Courses

For information on required courses, students can view the Plant Biology degree plan. For additional information, view Biological Sciences course descriptions by major options, course syllabi, and Frequently Asked Questions related to the School of Biological Sciences.

Specializations

Plant Biology is one option within the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree, view all options within Biology.

Personality

To gain a perspective on students in the School of Biological Sciences, read personal stories from Biology students and view related student organizations.