BSc in Botany - Ecology in Orono United States | University of Maine

Botany explores every facet of plant biology. Those pursuing botanical studies will discover: Plant functionality across cellular, tissue, organ, and whole-organism levels. The evolutionary history of plants and their role in biodiversity. How plant interactions shape their surrounding environment. Botanical research seeks to deepen our understanding of flora to address challenges in agriculture, ecology, and horticulture. While both B.S. and B.A. degrees offer comprehensive botanical training, the B.S. program demands more rigorous coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, making it the preferred choice for most students. The B.S. track equips learners for advanced botanical studies or technical careers, whereas the B.A. emphasizes social sciences and humanities, ideal for double majors or globally-minded students. Both degree paths offer an Ecology concentration option.

The curriculum builds upon fundamental sciences (general biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics) essential for interpreting modern plant biology research. Upper-level courses provide flexibility, enabling students to customize their studies according to specific botanical interests. Students select from advanced courses led by renowned faculty who are both skilled educators and active researchers. These offerings include classes from biology and related fields like biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, plant science, and marine science. With guidance from faculty advisors, each student designs a personalized academic plan that aligns with their aspirations, whether for broad exploration or focused specialization.