Botany | CALS

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.

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 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.

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/or 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, 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 B.S. in botany and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
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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.
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CALS botany 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. Please visit Undergraduate Research for information regarding course credit. 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 before drop/add. If the window is missed, students should still contact potential research mentors, if only to discuss upcoming opportunities.

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

1. Identify, describe and explain the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies and theories used within the biological sciences.

Critical Thinking

1. Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
2. Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.

Communication

1. 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

Assessment Types

• Major field test for biology
• Bioethics quiz
• Scientific paper

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

• A copy of your transcript for any school you have attended with the grades you have earned
• A list of your high school activities including jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.
• Information about your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as educational background, occupation and employer information

Add UF as a university to receive your application and review our specific application requirements.

Fill in your profile information. Your profile is where you'll enter information that will be sent to all schools to which you apply. The University of Florida requires the following sections:

• Information about who you are and how to contact you, your address, citizenship, high school and family information
• Current-year coursework
• Honors and distinctions
• Activities and experiences

Complete the UF Supplement. This includes a few additional short-answer questions so that we can learn more about you when reviewing your application.

Complete the essay questions. The essay helps our admissions staff get to know you better. Use this space to tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn elsewhere in your application. And remember, the best essay topic for you is going to be the one that you are most excited to write about.

Once you have submitted your application, a link will appear on your status page to create your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR). List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. You must complete the SSAR by December 1 for your application to be complete. If you begin the SSAR separately before submitting your UF application, be sure to link it to your application once your application has been submitted.

Submit your test scores to UF no later than December 15. You may either self-report your SAT and/or ACT scores through your application status page or send official scores from the testing agency. Since accuracy is critical, students who choose to self-report should have a copy of their SAT/ACT score report(s) available to reference when submitting their scores. Because UF superscores both the SAT and ACT, we encourage you to submit scores for all SAT or ACT tests you have taken. If admitted, students who have self-reported their scores in the admissions process will be required to submit official scores from the testing agency to UF by May 1. UF Institutional Codes:

You may request to begin your studies in either the Summer B or Fall term. The term requested DOES NOT affect the consideration of your application. If you are admitted, we will try to offer you the term you requested, but space limitations may mean you receive an offer for a different term.

When you submit your application, pay the $30 nonrefundable fee by credit card unless you qualify for a fee waiver. In both the Common and Coalition applications, you can indicate in the profile section if you qualify for a fee waiver.

You will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting your application with instructions to create your MyAdmissions application status credentials. Once completed, you can log in to the MyAdmissions app status portal to keep track of your application status and the materials that UF has received. This is also where you will find the link to create your SSAR.