Bachelor of Genetics and Plant Biology at University of California, Berkeley

Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology's (PMB) undergraduate major program in Genetics and Plant Biology has been developed as a broadly based program emphasizing the study of plants from the molecular and genetic to organismal levels. Lower division courses are intended to produce a foundation in biological and physical sciences as preparation for advanced study at the upper division level. Coursework from the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, which can be used as a foundation for medical school application, is interesting and varied. The small department provides a rich and supportive environment for learning.

Plant biology emphasizes the study of plants from genetics to the organism. From oxygen to food to shelter to energy to shade, plants provide humans with virtually everything needed to survive and thrive. There is important work for those who want to unravel the mystery of genes, teach the next generation of biologists to devise ways to feed the world.

Admission to the Major

Advice on admission for freshmen and transfer students can be found on the Rausser College of Natural Resources Admissions Guide page or the college's Prospective Student website. Freshman students may apply directly to the major, or they may select the Rausser College of Natural Resource's undeclared option and declare the major by the end of their fourth semester. Transfer students may apply directly to the major through the UC application.

Information for current Berkeley students who would like to declare the major after admission, including information on a change of major or change of college, please see chapter 6 of the Rausser College of Natural Resources Undergraduate Student Handbook.

Research Opportunities

In addition to the Berkeley campus Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP), Rausser College students can also apply for the college's Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) program. For more information, please see the college's website.

Honors Program

Students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher may enroll in the Rausser College of Natural Resources honors program (H196) once they have reached upper division standing. To fulfill the program requirements, students design, conduct, and report on an individual research project working with a faculty sponsor. For further information about registration for the honors symposium and the honors requirements, please see the college's website.

Other Major Offered by the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

Microbial Biology (Major only)

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1. Training in the basic sciences (i.e,. math, physics, chemistry, biology, and statistics).
2. Training in the fundamental aspects of plant morphology, plant molecular genetics, plant cell biology, and the physiology and biochemistry of plants.
3. Training in a wider variety of plant and microbial courses, which may be selected by the student to enhance their knowledge in areas of their specific interest.
4. Training in the essential laboratory techniques associated with genetics and plant biology.
5. Training students to read and evaluate primary literature in the field of plant biology.
6. Training students to have a high level of competency in both oral and written presentation of scientific material.
7. Training students to carry out research projects independently (this includes critical thinking and the development of a hypothesis to test, designing experiments to specifically test their hypothesis, and other aspects of the scientific method including data analysis and interpretation, as well as oral and written presentation of their research).
8. Training students to appreciate the relationship of their major to the community at large.