Program Information

Chair: M. L. Wayne
Graduate Coordinator: J. (Gordon) Burleigh

The Department of Biology offers graduate work in Botany leading to the degrees of Master of Science, Master of Science in Teaching, and Doctor of Philosophy.

The Department offers studies in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, ecology, systematics, and evolution. Specific areas of specialization include anatomy/morphology with emphasis on extant and fossil vascular plants; ecology and environmental studies including ecosystem ecology, conservation biology and genetics, fire ecology, exotic invasive species, and tropical botany and ecology; cell biology with emphasis on the cytoskeleton and cell morphogenesis; physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology with emphasis on photosynthesis, growth and development of angiosperms, protein phosphorylation and signal transduction, global analysis of spatial patterns of gene expression; plant secondary metabolism and proteomics; systematics with emphasis on DNA- and morphology-based phylogenetic analyses, phylogeographic studies, molecular evolution/development, and monographic and floristic studies. To be considered for admission to graduate studies, students should have:

• The equivalent of an undergraduate degree in botany or biology with basic course work in their area of interest
• Acceptable GRE scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing)
• Letters of recommendation
• International students must submit an acceptable score on one of the following: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language: computer=213, paper=550, web=80), IELTS (International English Language Testing System: 6), MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery: 77), or successful completion of the UF English Language Institute program. The program of graduate study for each student will be determined by a supervisory committee, and deficiencies in background coursework will be made up early in the graduate program. No more than 9 credits of BOT 6905 Individual Studies in Botany (1-3 cr.) may be used to satisfy the credit requirements for a master’s degree.

Degrees Offered with a Major in Botany

• Doctor of Philosophy
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences
• Master of Science
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences
• Master of Science in Teaching
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Botany Courses

Biology Departmental Courses

Botany (PHD)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will identify, define, and describe basic fundamentals of biology and a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of botany

SLO 2     Skills     
Students will design a research project, collect data, analyze and interpret the results. They will be able to present the results of original research in oral and written form

SLO 3     Skills     
Students design a research project, collect data, analyze and interpret the results. They will be able to present the results of original research in oral and written form

SLO 4     Professional Behavior   
Students will practice ethical behaviors and professional conduct

SLO 5     Professional Behavior   
Students will be able to interact and communicate with professionals at scientific conferences

Botany (MS)     

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will identify, define, and describe the basic fundamentals of biology and botany

SLO 2     Skills     
Students will design a research project, collect data, analyze and interpret the results and present this in written and oral form

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Students will practice ethical behaviors and professional conduct

SLO 4     Professional Behavior   
Students will interact and communicate with professionals at scientific conferences, and practice ethical behaviors and professional conduct

Botany (MST)    

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will identify, define, and describe the basic fundamentals of botany and pedagogy.

SLO 2     Skills     
Students will teach botany and biology classroom sessions

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Students will interact and communicate with professionals at scientific conferences, and practice ethical behaviors and professional conduct