Bachelor of Science in Botany
The program provides opportunities for study in the ecological, systematic and taxonomic, physiological, morphological, and anatomical aspects of botany, plus fungi and non-plant algae. Where applicable, field work is an important component in courses, including instruction at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus and at the Romberg Tiburon Center.

Botany Advisor 2006-2007:
V. Thomas Parker
Hensill 449

Lower Division Requirements (34-35 units)

Upper Division Requirements (32-33 units)

  • Biol 337 ................. Evolution (3) — fall & spring semesters
  • Biol 355 ................. Genetics (3) — fall & spring semesters, and summer
  • Biol 458 ................. Biometry (4) — fall & spring semesters
  • Biol 525/526 ........... Plant Physiology and Laboratory (3/2) — every spring

    One of the following:
  • Biol 529 ................. Plant Ecology (4) — every fall
  • Biol 534 ................. Wetlands Ecology (4) — every spring

    One of the following:
  • Biol 500 ................. Evolution and Diversity of Plants (4) — fall, odd-numbered years
  • Biol 505 ................. Comparative Anatomy of Vascular Plants (4) — fall, even-numbered years

    One of the following:
  • Biol 502 ................. Biology of the Algae (3) — spring
  • Biol 504 ................. Biology of the Fungi (4) — fall, even-numbered years
  • Biol 514 ................. Plant Taxonomy (5) — every spring
  • Upon advisement, electives from the alternates not used in fulfilling the requirements listed above or any other upper division undergraduate biology courses not specifically excluded for majors credit, or any graduate course in biology: ........................................................................................ 4-5

    Total upper division requirements: ..................................................................... 32-33

Total for major .................................................................................................................. 67
Suggested 4-Year Course Plan
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4
FALL Biol 230
Chem 115
Math 226

Biol 505 Plant Anatomy
Biol 355 Genetics
Physics 111/112

 Biol 529 Plant Ecology
Biol 500 Evolution & Diversity of Plants		 Biol 504 Biol of Fungi, or
Biol 530 Conservation Biol, or
Biol 532 Restoration Ecology
SPRING Biol 240
Chem 130
Math 227		 Biol 514 Plant Taxonomy
Biol 458 Biometry
Physics 121/122		 Biol 525/6 Plant Physiology
& Plant Physiology Lab
Biol 337 Evolution		 Biol 524 Plant Molecular Biology
The above schedule is not rigid; it is a suggested schedule just to give you an idea of how to plan out the course sequence. Please confer with your advisor to assemble your own optimum schedule. A few things need to be kept in mind:
  • Biol 355 Genetics is a prerequisite for Biol 337 Evolution
  • Chem 130 Organic Chemistry is a prerequisite for both Biol 355 Genetics and Biol 525 Plant Physiology
  • While not specifically required, some courses should be considered in particular for this major, such as Plant Molecular Biology, Conservation Biology, Restoration Ecology, Wetlands Ecology, Physical Geology, Soils (Quaternary Geology) and Hard Rock Geology, and graduate courses such as Higher Fungi or Systematic Biology, depending on your emphasis.
  • Senior Botany majors may have an opportunity to undertake independent research projects. Ask your advisor for details.

All Botany majors should meet with a botany advisor early on to determine their optimum schedule.
Additionally, keep in mind that most upper division classes are not taught every semester, and some are taught in alternate years. See this list below:
Classes Taught Only in the Fall
  • Biol 500 — Evolution and Diversity of Plants (odd numbered years only)
  • Biol 504 — Biology of the Fungi (even numbered years only)
  • Biol 505 — Plant Anatomy (odd-numbered years only)
  • Biol 529 — Plant Ecology (every year)
  • Biol 800 — Higher Fungi (odd numbered years only)
Classes Taught Only in the Spring
  • Biol 502 — Biology of the Algae (when an instructor is available)
  • Biol 514 — Plant Taxonomy (every year)
  • Biol 524 — Plant Molecular Biology (every year)
  • Biol 525 — Plant Physiology (every year)
  • Biol 526 — Plant Physiology Laboratory (every year)
Occasionally normally scheduled courses are not offered due to faculty being on sabbatical leave. Below is a list of expected sabbaticals, so plan accordingly:
  • Parker — 2007-08 — Plant Ecology not offered fall 2007