1286
Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution
Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution The field of plant biology spans from molecules to ecosystems. The importance of plants to the ecosystem and to humanity can’t be underestimated. They regulate global processes and form complex relationships with other organisms, and have intriguing patterns of development and diversity. Plants provide medicinal compounds, shelter, fuel, food and oxygen, and support the existence of life on Earth. As human populations increase, the need for more and better supplies of food, fiber and biofuels also increases. The study of plant biology underlies the applied sciences such as agronomy, forestry, natural resource management, horticulture and plant pathology. To major in plant biology a student should have a strong interest in life sciences with a good background in chemistry and mathematics. Majors with a BS degree may choose to specialize by taking Degree Options in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Law and Environmental Policy. Graduates with the first option are qualified to hold positions in federal and state agencies in areas such as conservation biology, habitat restoration, environmental biology and plant inspection, with the second option are qualified for various research positions in private industry, such as plant biotechnology and drug development, with the third option with all the courses required for Pharmacy School, and with the fourth option with the required courses for Law School. All majors are required to do at least one credit hour of research and faculty actively encourage undergraduate research in their labs. Several of the undergraduate courses, including Introduction to Plant Biology (PBIO 1404) have extensive in-class student-led research projects and presentation opportunities. Facilities used in undergraduate teaching include well-equipped plant physiology and ecology laboratories, environmental chambers, the 160- acre McPherson Preserve and a herbarium with over 150,000 plant specimens. Faculty members teach and do research in their specialty areas of plant biology including ecology, population biology, biodiversity, climate change, evolution, physiology, biochemistry, biophysics, taxonomy and systematics, genetics and development, genomics, and cell and molecular biology. Undergraduate Programs • Plant Biology, BS (p. 1289) • Plant Biology: Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, BS (p. 1291) • Plant Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BS (p. 1293) • Plant Biology: Pre-Law Environmental Policy, BS (p. 1295) • Plant Biology: Pre-Pharmacy, BS (p. 1297)
to submit scores for the Aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination. Prerequisites for graduate degrees include successful completion of courses in the two broad areas of:
1. ecology and evolution, and 2. cell and molecular biology.
Students with an undergraduate major in biology or plant science will have completed a substantial portion of these courses; those with a less closely related major may be required to take some background courses. Final authority for each student’s plan of study resides with the student’s advisory committee. Degree Requirements Demonstrated research competence through submission and acceptance of a thesis or dissertation is required for all plant biology graduate degrees. A minimum of one semester teaching experience is required of all MS and PhD candidates. This requirement may also be satisfied by enrollment in a college teaching practicum course (GRAD 5990 Special Problems in Graduate Education). All graduate students are expected to attend and participate in all departmental seminars. The Master of Science Degree Plans of study must include 30 credit hours including six credit hours of thesis and two credit hours of seminar. At least 21 semester credit hours numbered 5000 or above are required. A minimum of three graduate courses must be taken. The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Plant Science The Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution is one of seven departments participating in the multidisciplinary PhD plant science program. Students in this program have great flexibility in research and coursework. The student who chooses Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution as a home department has a faculty adviser from within the department and will take PBIO 6000-level research hours in the department. To receive the PhD in plant science, students must enroll in a total of 90 credit hours beyond the BS or 60 credit hours beyond the MS. No fewer than 36 or more than 60 hours of PBIO 6000-level are allowed in the plan of study. Two hours of seminar (PBIO 5850) must also be included in the plan of study. Students may choose as a specialization area from either cellular and molecular organismal, or ecological plant science. After a PhD candidate has completed most of the coursework, qualifying examinations are scheduled that cover major areas of the student’s plan of study and relevant subdisciplines of plant science. Faculty Andrew Doust, PhD—Professor and Head Regents Professor: Michael W. Palmer, PhD (emeritus); David W. Meinke, PhD (emeritus) Professors: Mark Fishbein, PhD; Keith Garbutt, PhD; William J. Henley, PhD; Gerald Schoenknecht, PhD; Ronald J. Tyrl, PhD (emeritus); Linda Watson, PhD
• Plant Biology (PLB), Minor (p. 1288) Graduate Programs
Programs of research and study leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Plant Biology and Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science. Prerequisites Applicants for admission must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and should have had 40 semester hours (or equivalent) in upper-division courses in the biological and physical sciences. A grade-point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or above is required for unconditional admission. All applicants are required
Associate Professors: Ming Yang, PhD Assistant Professors: Henry Adams, PhD
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