Botany (CALS & CLAS)

The botany major is offered by both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. This major provides a foundation in the life sciences with emphasis on plant systems. Students will learn the diversity of life, the structure of organisms and ecosystems and how they function (i.e., the acquisition, flow, organization and uses of information, energy and nutrients in living systems). Students will learn the scientific method and how it facilitates the discovery of new knowledge in botany and biology, including how to critically evaluate hypotheses and conclusions.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Achieve acceptable performance in all required botany courses.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Skills Students will Acquire in the Major (SLOs)

1. Identify, describe and explain the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies and theories used within the biological sciences.
2. Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
3. Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.
4. Communicate knowledge, ideas and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or oral forms appropriate to the biological sciences.

Curriculum Map

Assessment Types

• Major field test for biology
• Bioethics quiz
• Scientific paper