Curriculum
The Graduate Program in Plant Biology
Overview of the Department and its Programs
The Department of Plant Biology has a strong and diversified research presence, with programs in two areas basic to plant science: 1) ecology, evolution, and systematics, and 2) biochemistry and cell, molecular, and developmental biology. Information on specific faculty research programs may be found on the the Plant Biology Department's web page.
The Department offers two graduate degree programs:
- M.S. - Field Naturalist option
- Ph.D. in Plant Biology
Master of Science, Field Naturalist Option
Program Description:
The Field Naturalist Program is a multidisciplinary non-thesis program leading to the degree of Master of Science, Field Naturalist Option. The program is designed to provide students with (1) a solid grounding in field-related sciences; (2) the ability to integrate scientific disciplines into a coherent whole at the landscape level; (3) the ability to evaluate sites from a number of perspectives and/or criteria; (4) the ability to translate scientific insights into ecologically sound decisions; and (5) the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences. Additional information can be found on the program's web page.
Requirements for Admission:
- A background in science;
- A demonstrated commitment to field sciences (e.g., research, field work, participation in environmental or conservation organizations)
Recent college graduates are encouraged to pursue interests outside academe before application to the Field Naturalist Program.
Minimum Degree Requirements:
All students must successfully complete a total of 30 credit hours that includes enrollment in the Field Naturalist Practicum (PBIO 311) and Professional Writing (PBIO 333/334) each semester and at least two courses in each of three core areas: (1) life science (2) earth science, and (3) ecology (course selection to be determined by the student's studies committee). In addition, satisfactory completion of an oral comprehensive examination is required. A Field Naturalist student’s degree culminates in satisfactory completion of a field project for a sponsoring organization that includes a professional report, a focused literature review, a written academic reflection, an oral presentation, and a journal publication or article in the popular mass media.
Doctor of Philosophy
Program Description:
The research-oriented program provides training in basic scientific research in diverse aspects of plant biology. Broadly, these include developmental genetics, molecular regulation of gene expression, cell biology, plant-microbe interactions, ecological genomics, systematics and biogeography, and ecology of plant population and community dynamics.
The Plant Biology Department unites faculty with a broad array of research specialties. At the molecular level, researchers explore the biochemistry, molecular physiology, and development of plants. At the cell and organ levels, faculty are engaged in understanding the physiology of plant processes with special attention to their chemistry and biophysics. At the organismal, community, and landscape levels, department members develop insights into the diversity and interactions both between plants and their abiotic environment and between plants and other members of their communities.
The Department maintains such diversity in approaches to basic plant biology because integration of plant-centered scientists into a single community brings together an extraordinary array of perceptions of plants. This breadth of insight provides a deep understanding of the plant world that is simply not possible when plant biologists are isolated in units with research agendas driven by specialty disciplines. Most students in the Plant Biology graduate program earn a Ph.D., though exceptional candidates seeking a M.S. are also accepted. Students in this program conduct original research with the guidance of a faculty mentor, and the program culminates with a written dissertation or thesis and both public and private oral defenses.
Requirements for Admission:
- The equivalent of a UVM major in a natural or physical science;
- Evidence of previous research experience
Minimum Degree Requirements:
All students must successfully complete a total of 75 credits, including a minimum of 30 credits of program-related course work and 20 credits of dissertation research. First-year students participate in at least two rotations in research laboratories before committing to one laboratory for completion of dissertation research. Satisfactory completion of the written and oral components of a comprehensive examination are required for advancement to candidacy. A student’s Ph.D. degree is culminated by satisfactory completion of a dissertation, a public seminar, and a private defense with their studies committee. In addition to research, all students must participate in a minimum of two courses of supervised teaching.
For more details regarding our department, programs, and getting started - check out our Department of Biology Graduate Student Handbook!