Plant Biology (BSc.)
Programme Overview
The Plant Biology programme examines selected aspects of plant sciences through practical and theoretical studies across the displines of plant physiology, ecology, genetics and molecular biology. The degree explores the application of plant science in the agricultural, biotechnology and food industries. Students pursuing this programme are required to take a minimum of thirty-nine (39) advanced credits.
Programme Objectives
The BSc. programme in Plant Biology aims to:
- Introduce the anatomical, morphological, developmental and evolutionary features of plants.
- Explain the physiology of plant growth and development, and how plants are adapted to a variety of tropical ecosystems.
- Show the application of the principles of population genetics, molecular biology, plant propagation and cultivation to traditional and novel uses of plants for food and health and for plant conservation.
- Examine important biological process in tropical forests and the effects of changing environmental factors on forest and soil ecosystems.
- Develop skills in field and laboratory techniques, observation, data collection and analysis, and evaluation of information in the study of plant sciences.
Admission Requirements
In order to read for the BSc. Plant Biology, candidates must satisfy the requirements for entrance to the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Either:
- Satisfy the University requirements for Normal Matriculation.
- Have obtained passes in two subjects at CAPE (both comprising passes in Units 1 & 2) or at GCE A-Level (or equivalent). One of the CAPE or equivalent passes must be an approved science subject preferably Biology.
Or:
- Satisfy the University requirements for Lower Level Matriculation.
- Have obtained passes at CSEC Secondary Education General Proficiency level with grades I, II, or since 1998 grade III (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two approved science subjects (one of which should be Biology or equivalent).
Programme Structure
Year 1: A minimum of twenty-four (24) credits from Level 1; eighteen (18) of which must be Faculty courses and include the Biology courses:
Semester I
BIOL1017: Cell Biology
BIOL1018: Molecular Biology & Genetics
Semester II
BIOL1262: Living Organisms I
BIOL1263: Living Organisms II
Year 2: Eighteen (18) credits as follows:
Semester I
BIOL2401: Research Skills & Practices in Biology
BIOL2402: Fundamentals of Biometry
BIOL2404: Molecular & Population Genetics
BOTN2401: Plant Form & Systematics
Semester II
BIOL2403: Principles of Ecology
BOTN2402: Physiology of Plants
Year 3: Fifteen (15) credits as follows:
Semester I
BIOL3403: The Biology of Soil
BOTN3402: Introduction to Plant Breeding
BOTN3405: Plant Ecophysiology
BOTN3406: Tropical Forest Ecology
Semester II
BOTN3404: Economic Botany
Plus six (6) credits from the following:
Semester I
BOTN3403: Fundamentals of Horticulture
Semester II
BIOL3403: Virology
BIOL3405: Pest Ecology & Management
BOTN3401: Principles of Plant Biotechnology
Careers after Graduation
Career opportunities in Plant Biotechnology and Micropropagation (tissue culture), Plant Breeding, Plant Production, Plant Protection/Quarantine, Medicinal Botany, Forestry, Plant Taxonomy, Environmental Assessment and Management, Forensic Botany, Extension Services, Education and Research fields.