For undergraduate curriculum in liberal arts and sciences, major in botany, see Liberal Arts and Sciences . The Botany department offers broad opportunity for the study of many basic and applied aspects of plant biology. The botany and biology majors and other undergraduate programs in which the department participates prepare students for a wide range of science-related occupations, including biotechnology, biology teaching, medicine and pharmacology, conservation and outdoor recreation activities, and research and development. The botany and biology majors offer excellent preparation for graduate study in biological sciences, or in such applied disciplines as agronomy, forestry, horticulture, and plant pathology. Graduates of the Botany major understand the basic principles of plant structure, function, ecology, and evolution, and are able to communicate effectively about plant biology.
Botany is one of the basic biological sciences.
Botany faculty are involved in both the organization and teaching of Biology courses, thus Biology and Botany are integrated for the benefit of the student. A list of approved coursed is available in 353 Bessey Hall. The department recommends one or more courses in Zoology, Animal Ecology, or Microbiology. Courses at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory , the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, or other field laboratories are also recommended. In addition to the courses listed above, students in consultation with their advisers choose electives that address their individual interests and needs.