Plant Sciences, Bachelor of Science College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
The Plant Sciences major is designed for students who are interested in a scientific understanding of how plants grow and develop in managed agricultural ecosystems and how plant products are utilized for food, fiber and environmental enhancement. Advances in science and technology have provided new insights and options for using plants to address the issues associated with providing renewable food, fiber and energy resources for a growing global population while minimizing adverse impacts on the natural environment. Graduates in Plant Sciences are able to apply their skills and knowledge to a diverse range of agricultural and environmental goals or pursue advanced degrees in plant sciences.
The Program
The curriculum provides depth in the biological and physical sciences and a sound understanding of how plants obtain and utilize resources from their environment to sustain their growth and development. The influences of genetics, management systems and environmental inputs on crop development and productivity are emphasized along with the postharvest preservation and marketing of plant products. Students will develop an area of specialization with options in Crop Production, Plant Genetics & Breeding, or Postharvest Biology & Technology. An Individual option is also available to match specific subject matter or career goal interests in the plant sciences. All students gain practical experience through a combination of practical laboratory courses and internships. Students may also pursue an Honors thesis in their senior year.
Advising
Advising for the major is located in 1220 Plant & Environmental Sciences; Plant Sciences Advising. For more information, see Student Advising.
Lead Faculty Advisor
Bárbara Blanco-Ulate
Career Alternatives
Graduates from this program are prepared to pursue a wide range of careers, including various technical and management positions in agricultural & business enterprises, farming, or consulting; public, private & non-profit agencies; Cooperative Extension; international development; teaching; or agricultural & environmental journalism and communication services. Graduates are qualified to pursue graduate studies in the natural and agricultural sciences, such as plant biology, genetics, breeding, horticulture, agronomy, biotechnology, ecology, environmental studies, pest management, education, or business management.
The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Plant Sciences Bachelor of Science is 104.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Subject Matter | ||
| Biological Science | 10 | |
| Introduction to Biology: Essentials of Life on Earth and Introduction to Biology: Principles of Ecology & Evolution | ||
OR | ||
| Introductory Biology: Ecology & Evolution and Introductory Biology Lab: Ecology & Evolution and Introductory Biology: Molecules to Cells and Introductory Biology Lab: Molecules to Cells | ||
| Plant Sciences & Statistics | 12 | |
| Botany & Physiology of Cultivated Plants | ||
| Seminar: Overview of the Plant Sciences Major | ||
| Application of Computers in Technology | ||
or PLS 021V | Application of Computers in Technology | |
| Applied Statistics in Agricultural Sciences | ||
| Chemistry | 16-22 | |
| General Chemistry and General Chemistry | ||
| Choose a series: | ||
| Organic Chemistry: Brief Course and Organic Chemistry: Brief Course | ||
| OR | ||
| Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences and Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences and Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences | ||
| Physics | 4-8 | |
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
OR | ||
| Principles of Physics and Principles of Physics | ||
OR | ||
| Introductory Plant Biophysics | ||
| Mathematics | 8 | |
| Calculus for Biology & Medicine and Calculus for Biology & Medicine | ||
OR | ||
| Calculus for Data-Driven Applications and Calculus for Data-Driven Applications | ||
| Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal | 50-60 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | ||
| Soil Science | 5 | |
| Principles of Soil Science | ||
| Plant Science | 25 | |
| Metabolic Processes of Cultivated Plants | ||
| Growth & Yield of Cultivated Plants | ||
| Environmental Interactions of Cultivated Plants | ||
| Metabolic Processes of Cultivated Plants Laboratory | ||
| Growth & Yield of Cultivated Plants Laboratory | ||
| Environmental Interactions of Cultivated Plants Laboratory | ||
| Agriculture & the Environment | ||
| Plant Genetics | ||
| Internship (Capstone Experience: Internship/Research Report) | ||
or PLS 199 | Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates | |
| Restricted electives; choose at least two from two different categories: | 7-10 | |
| Plant Diversity/Evolution/Taxonomy | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Plants | ||
| Introduction to Evolution | ||
| Systematics of Vascular Plants | ||
or PLB 127 | Systematics of Vascular Plants | |
or PLS 127 | Systematics of Vascular Plants | |
| Evolution of Crop Plants | ||
| Plant Morphology & Evolution | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Restoration Ecology and Restoration Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Management of Grazed Ecosystems | ||
| California Plant Communities and California Plant Communities Field Study | ||
| Sustainability & Agroecosystem Management | ||
| Pest Management | ||
| Arthropod Pest Management | ||
| Introduction to Nematode Parasites | ||
| Population Biology of Invasive Plants & Weeds | ||
| Introduction to Plant Pathology | ||
| Concepts in Pest Management | ||
| Introduction to Weed Science | ||
| Depth Subject Matter Subtotal | 37-40 | |
| Areas of Specialization; choose one: | 17-34 | |
In consultation with an advisor, a student may complete requirements for more than one specialization, which can be noted on the student’s transcript. | ||
| Total Units | 104-134 | |
Areas of Specialization
Applied Plant Ecology Option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Major Electives (not included in AOS unit count): | ||
| Systematics of Vascular Plants | ||
or PLB 127 | Systematics of Vascular Plants | |
or PLS 127 | Systematics of Vascular Plants | |
| Plant & Ecosystem Ecology; choose at least four: | 12-17 | |
| Urban Forests are Nature-Based Solutions | ||
| Management of Container Media | ||
| Woody Plants in the Landscape: Growth, Ecology & Management | ||
| Restoration Ecology and Restoration Ecology Laboratory 1 | ||
| Role of Fire in Natural Ecosystems | ||
| Plant Ecology 1 | ||
| Population Biology of Invasive Plants & Weeds | ||
| Grassland Ecology | ||
| Management of Grazed Ecosystems | ||
| Trees & Forests | ||
| California Plant Communities and California Plant Communities Field Study 1 | ||
| Field Course: Flora of Northern California's Mountains | ||
| Sustainability & Agroecosystem Management | ||
| Urban Ecology | ||
| Ecosystem & Landscape Ecology | ||
| Environmental Analysis, Monitoring, Policy, and Outreach; choose at least one: | 3-5 | |
| Introduction to Environmental Education | ||
| Environmental Monitoring | ||
| Aerial Photo Interpretation & Remote Sensing | ||
| Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| The Policy Process | ||
| Public Lands Management | ||
| Environmental Impact Assessment | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Proximal & Remote Sensing of Plants | ||
| Internship: | 2 | |
| Internship | ||
| Total Units | 17-24 | |
- 1
Suggest selecting one of these to meet the major’s Ecology depth requirement.
- **
Course(s) discontinued; see your advisor for course options.
Crop Production & Agroecology Option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Major Electives; not included in AOS unit count: | ||
| Sustainability & Agroecosystem Management | ||
| Required courses: | 8 | |
| Plant-Water-Soil Relationships | ||
| Mineral Nutrition of Plants | ||
| Production; choose two: | 4-9 | |
| Management of Container Media | ||
| Greenhouse & Protected Cultivation Systems | ||
| Just Coffee: The Biology, Ecology & Socioeconomic Impacts of the World’s Favorite Drink | ||
or PLS 007V | Just Coffee: The Biology, Ecology & Socioeconomic Impacts of the World's Favorite Drink | |
| Chocolate, Covered: The Past, Present, & Future of Cacao | ||
| Organic Crop Production Practices | ||
| Crop Management Systems for Vegetable Production | ||
| Principles of Crop Production | ||
| Forage Crop Production | ||
| Biological Applications in Fruit Tree Management | ||
| Biological Applications in Fruit Production | ||
| Trees & Forests | ||
| Agroforestry: Global & Local Perspectives | ||
| Fruit & Nut Cropping Systems | ||
| Fruit & Nut Cropping Systems | ||
| Principles & Practices of Plant Propagation | ||
| Advanced Soil Science; choose one: | 3-4 | |
| Soil Microbiology | ||
| Environmental Soil Chemistry | ||
| Soil Ecology | ||
| Sustainable Nutrient Management | ||
| Global Food Systems; choose one: | 4 | |
| Population, Environment & World Agriculture | ||
| Food Systems | ||
| Introduction to International Agricultural Development | ||
| Pest Management; choose one in addition to core: | 3-5 | |
| Arthropod Pest Management | ||
| Introduction to Nematode Parasites | ||
| Population Biology of Invasive Plants & Weeds | ||
| Introduction to Plant Pathology | ||
| Concepts in Pest Management | ||
| Introduction to Weed Science | ||
| Grapevine Pests, Diseases & Disorders | ||
| Outreach & Communication; choose one: | 3-4 | |
| Concepts in Agricultural & Environmental Education | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Education | ||
| Total Units | 25-34 | |
Crop Quality & Safety Option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 7 | |
| Biology and Quality of Harvested Crops | ||
| Microbiology & Safety of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables | ||
| Depth; choose 12 units: | 12 | |
| Intermediate Microeconomics: Theory of Production & Consumption | ||
| Principles of Quality Assurance in Food Processing | ||
| Design & Analysis for Sensory Food Science | ||
| Food Packaging | ||
| Flower Power; Art & Science of Flowers & Their Uses | ||
or PLS 006V | Flower Power; Art & Science of Flowers & Their Uses | |
| Just Coffee: The Biology, Ecology & Socioeconomic Impacts of the World’s Favorite Drink | ||
or PLS 007V | Just Coffee: The Biology, Ecology & Socioeconomic Impacts of the World's Favorite Drink | |
| Chocolate, Covered: The Past, Present, & Future of Cacao | ||
| Biological Applications in Fruit Tree Management | ||
| Biological Applications in Fruit Production | ||
| Introduction to Plant & Crop Systems Modeling | ||
| Introduction to Digital Agriculture | ||
| Proximal & Remote Sensing of Plants | ||
| Total Units | 19 | |
Environmental Horticulture & Urban Ecology Option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Major Electives; not included in AOS unit count: | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Plants | ||
| Concepts in Pest Management | ||
| Required Courses: | 7 | |
| Urban Ecology | ||
| Physiology of Environmental Stresses in Plants | ||
| Depth | ||
| Choose at least three of the following: | 9-13 | |
| Urban Forests are Nature-Based Solutions | ||
| Management of Container Media | ||
| Greenhouse & Protected Cultivation Systems | ||
| Woody Plants in the Landscape: Growth, Ecology & Management | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Introduction to Plant & Crop Systems Modeling | ||
| Mineral Nutrition of Plants | ||
| Principles & Practices of Plant Propagation | ||
| Soil Ecology | ||
| Choose one: | 4 | |
| Urban & Regional Planning | ||
| Environmental Impact Assessment | ||
| Total Units | 20-24 | |
- **
Course(s) discontinued; see your advisor for course options.
Individual Option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Choose a minimum of 20 upper division units, with approval from the master advisor, to form a coherent program of study resulting in expertise and competence in a sub-discipline of plant sciences. | 20 | |
| Total Units | 20 | |
Plant Breeding, Genetics, & Genomics Option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | 14 | |
| Principles of Plant Biotechnology | ||
| Plant Genetics & Biotechnology Laboratory | ||
| Professionalism & Ethics in Genomics & Biotechnology | ||
| Introduction to Plant Breeding | ||
| Production; choose one: | 2-5 | |
| Management of Container Media | ||
| Greenhouse & Protected Cultivation Systems | ||
| Just Coffee: The Biology, Ecology & Socioeconomic Impacts of the World’s Favorite Drink | ||
or PLS 007V | Just Coffee: The Biology, Ecology & Socioeconomic Impacts of the World's Favorite Drink | |
| Organic Crop Production Practices | ||
| Crop Management Systems for Vegetable Production | ||
| Principles of Crop Production | ||
| Forage Crop Production | ||
| Biological Applications in Fruit Tree Management | ||
| Biological Applications in Fruit Production | ||
| Trees & Forests | ||
| Agroforestry: Global & Local Perspectives | ||
| Fruit & Nut Cropping Systems | ||
| Fruit & Nut Cropping Systems | ||
| Principles & Practices of Plant Propagation | ||
| Restricted Elective; choose one: | 3-5 | |
| Applied Bioinformatics | ||
Choose one additional course from either Production or Depth Subject Matter. | ||
| Total Units | 19-24 | |
Plant Informatics Option
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | 13 | |
| Applied Bioinformatics | ||
| Introduction to Plant & Crop Systems Modeling | ||
| Introduction to Digital Agriculture | ||
| Proximal & Remote Sensing of Plants | ||
| Depth; choose three: | 11-12 | |
| Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems for Agriculture & Environmental Science | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Plant-Water-Soil Relationships | ||
| Computer Programming for Biologists | ||
| Physiology of Environmental Stresses in Plants | ||
| Mobile Communication & Computing Technologies for Agriculture & the Environment | ||
| Smart Control Systems for Agricultural & Environmental Technologies | ||
| Total Units | 24-25 | |