Plant Biology B.S.

Plant biologists study all aspects of biology as they pertain to plants or fungi and make important contributions to analyzing and preserving biodiversity worldwide. They work to enhance the nutritional value of crops as well as their resistance to disease, pests, and drought while working to reduce the need for pesticides, fertilizer, and irrigation.

Current faculty research interests include genomics, gene expression, chromosome structure, plant growth substances, signal transduction, plant responses to stress, the plant cytoskeleton and cell morphogenesis, metabolic activities during development, cellular structure and ultrastructure of vascular and nonvascular plants, aquatic biology, lichenology, molecular evolution and systematics, fungal/plant interactions, biological rhythms, and fungal diversity.

Plant biology majors follow one of two tracks. One track fits the need of students who are primarily interested in environmental biology, evolution, or other aspects of whole organisms; the other track is appropriate for students interested in molecular, cellular, and development biology. All plant biology majors are guaranteed experience in a research laboratory as long as they show satisfactory progress toward their degree and make arrangements by the middle of their junior year.

Admission Requirements

A GPA above 2.00 is preferred for the following:
   2.5 for students transferring from outside the University.

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the   Office of Admissions Web site.

General Requirements

Program Requirements

Program Sub-plans

A sub-plan is not required for this program.

This is an honors sub-plan.

CBS offers a freshman-sophomore honors program and a junior-senior honors program. Students apply to the freshman-sophomore honors program at the same time they apply to the University. Admission is based on high school grades, coursework, standardized test scores, an essay, extracurricular involvement, evidence of leadership, and a letter of recommendation.

Admission to the junior-senior honors program is based on grades earned during the first two years of college and does not require participation in the freshman-sophomore honors program. In order to graduate with Latin honors, students must participate in the junior-senior honors program.    In addition to the requirements for graduation, candidates for graduation with honors must complete two semesters (6 credits) of directed research; two semesters of BIOL 3960; one additional honors opportunity; at least 60 credits at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and submit an approved honors thesis. For more information, visit the CBS Honors Web site at www.cbs.umn.edu/studentservices/honors.