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    Dec 26, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Botany

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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A C or higher is required in BIO 100 and BIO 200.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all courses in Biological Sciences Areas I-V, affiliated science, and math courses combined.

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience:  BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 402 or BIO 431 or BIO 438 or BIO 450 or BIO 463 or HON 499* or both BIO 480 and 483. See concentration curricula for specific requirements.

*The thesis topic must be in Biology and the thesis advisor should be in the School of Biology and Ecology.

Contact Information:  Ann Dieffenbacher-Krall, Undergraduate Coordinator, 100 Murray Hall, (207)581-2540, annd@maine.edu

Plants are of critical importance to the world and in human society. They are sources of useful materials, such as human and animal foods, fibers, building materials, medicines, and horticultural specimens. They are major primary produces, the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, and an essential matrix for other organisms in forests, savannas, marshes, and many other habitats. Tremendous advances in biotechnology, environmental studies, and related areas make botany an important and fascinating field of study. Graduates of our Botany program pursue various careers, depending on their interest, level of educational attainment, and subsequent professional education. Among the more typical career areas are environmental monitoring and regulation at state and federal levels, scientific research and development, education at the high-school and college levels, and private design and consulting.

Botany offers students many choices and allows them to tailor their programs to their interests. Students can choose from a wide range of courses covering all major areas of botany including cells and molecules, genetics and development, physiology, anatomy, evolution and biodiversity, and ecology. Each student works with an academic adviser in the faculty to develop a curriculum that best meets the student’s goals and allows for exploration or specialization as desired. Students in their third or fourth years of study, and who intend to pursue post-baccalaureate studies leading to advanced degrees, are strongly encouraged to include independent research under the guidance of a faculty member in their programs.

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts

The School of Biology and Ecology offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees in Botany.  Both degrees provide a strong background in biological sciences.  They have the same requirements in biological sciences and differ only in the level of chemistry, mathematics, and physics required. The B.S. requires more in depth study of chemistry, math, and physics while the B.A. requires more social sciences and humanities. The B.S. provides preparation for the health professions and graduate study while the B.A. ensures a broad liberal arts education and allows more flexibility for minors and double majors.

Botany B.S.

Botany B.A.

Botany B.S.

The B.S. degree in Botany is offered by the School of Biology and Ecology.  For information about areas of research and for an overview of our facilities, cooperative programs, and list of faculty in the School of Biology and Ecology, see our web site www.sbe.umaine.edu/

Students choosing Botany as a second major must complete the second major by selecting courses in Areas I-V that are not being used to satisfy the requirements of their first major.

Students majoring in Botany are not eligible for a minor or second major in Biology or Zoology because of extensive overlap in the requirements for these degrees.

Students majoring in Botany must complete an assessment exit exam in their last semester prior to graduating.

Students majoring in Botany must earn a score of 4 or 5 in order to receive advanced placement credit for BIO 100.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits originating from the University of Maine in Biological Sciences Areas I-V.

Students wishing to transfer from other institutions or from another program within the University of Maine must have completed BIO 100: Basic Biology with a grade of C or better or have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

Biology Club

Students majoring in Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Medical Laboratory Sciences (Medical Technology) are encouraged to join the Biology Club, a student organization that promotes an interest in the biological sciences and in biological research with invited speakers, panel discussions, debates, trips, social functions, and service projects. The club also supports a local chapter of the national honor society, Beta Beta Beta.

Concentration in the BS Degree in Botany

An optional concentration is available in:
• Ecology-This concentration is described in detail following the suggested sequence of courses for the BS in Botany.

Combined B.S. and M.S. degrees in Botany, Entomology, or Zoology

These Four Plus programs allow highly dedicated students to earn both the B.S. and the M.S. degrees in five to six years. This allows the student to save time and reduces the cost of the M.S. degree. See our web site for details, https://sbe.umaine.edu/.

Basic Biological Sciences for the B.S. in Botany

Biological Sciences Areas I-V

The following are minimum requirements for these 5 areas: 24 credits, 3 credits/area, 4 laboratory (L) courses, and at least 3 plant (P) courses from areas III - V. 

If BIO 438, BIO 450, BIO 463, or BIO 480 and 483 is taken as a capstone, it can satisfy the area in which it is listed and can count as a laboratory course (if labeled L) but cannot count towards the 24 credits required in Areas I-V.

If BIO 387 or 391 are taken, up to 3 credits can be used towards the 24 total credits required, but not in a specified area.

I. Cell and Molecular Biology

If only one course is selected from this area, it must be BMB 280 or BIO 480.

II. Genetics

 

III. Physiology

 

IV. Biodiversity and Evolution

 

V. Ecology and Behavior

If only one course is selected from this area, it must be BIO 319, SMS 300, or WLE 200, only one of which may be taken for degree credit.

Affiliated Sciences and Math

To complete your B.S. in Botany you must take courses in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Below we have outlined your options for completing each requirement.

Required Courses

Organic Chemistry Option 1
Organic Chemistry Option 2
Organic Chemistry Option 3
Mathematics
Physics Option 1
Physics Option 2

Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Botany

First Year - First Semester

 

First Year - Second Semester

 

Second Year - First Semester

 

Second Year - Second Semester

 

Third Year - First Semester

 

  • Credits: 4 (See Footnote 4)
  • General Education Requirement or Elective Credits: 6
  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits: 5-7 (See Footnote 2)

Third Year - Second Semester

 

  • Credits: 4
  • General Education Requirement or Elective Credits: 6-9
  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits: 3-4 (See Footnote 2)

Fourth Year - First Semester

  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits: 4 (See Footnote 2)
  • Capstone or Elective Credits: 3 (See Footnote 5)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 6-9

Fourth Year - Second Semester

  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits: 4-9 (See Footnote 2)
  • Elective or Capstone Credits: 3 (See Footnote 5)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 6-9

Footnotes

1 See the General Education requirements for all students at the University. If BIO 400 (Biological Sciences Writing Intensive) is used to satisfy the General Education Writing Intensive in the major requirement, then it must be taken in conjunction with a selected upper-level BIO course (see listings in Schedule of Classes), usually during the third or fourth year.
2 See above lists of courses in the five Biological Sciences Areas and follow requirements for total number of credits, number of credits per area, number of courses with laboratories (L), and number of plant (P) courses in areas III-V.
3 Alternatively, students may take BMB 221/222 and BMB 322/323 or CHY 251/253 and BMB 322/323.
4 Alternatively, students may take PHY 121/122.
5 The General Education capstone experience requirement may be completed with BIO 388, 392, 402, 431, 438, 450, 463, or HON 499 or both BIO 480 and 483.
 

Concentration in Ecology

This concentration is intended for students interested in exposure to ecological principles within the context of a rigorous biological sciences curriculum. Students in this concentration must meet all of the requirements for the Botany B.S. degree. The concentration also includes WLE 220 Introduction to Statistical Ecology and a requirement for a course on environmental influences. A total of 29-35 credits are required to complete the concentration depending on the selections made for each of the requirements.

Specific requirements:
 

1. Affiliated Sciences and Math

 

2. Area I. Cell and Molecular Biology

  • Free choice among Area I courses in the Botany curriculum Credits: 3-4

3. Area II. Genetics

  • Free choice among Area II courses in the Botany curriculum Credits: 3-5

4. Area III. Physiology

  • Free choice among Area III courses in the Botany curriculum Credits: 3

5. Area IV. Biodiversity

  • Credits: 3
  • Plus 3 additional credits chosen from the courses in the Botany curriculum Credits: 6-7

6. Area V. Ecology and Behavior

7. Primary and Secondary Producers

Choose at least one course labeled A and one labeled P from Areas I-V in the Botany curriculum. These courses can also satisfy requirements in Areas I-V for the basic Botany major and so do not add to the number of credits needed beyond the basic Botany major.

8. Area VI. Environmental Influences

Three credits are required. Choose from these courses:

9. Field Experience

Choose at least one course from this list. This course can also satisfy one of the areas above.

10. Capstone

Choose one of these courses*:

11. Writing requirement (students in Honors Program are exempt)

One course required. Choose from the following courses*:

Botany B.A.

The B.A. degree in Botany is offered by the School of Biology and Ecology. For information about areas of research and for an overview of our facilities, cooperative programs, and list of faculty in the School of Biology and Ecology, see our web site www.sbe.umaine.edu/

Students choosing Botany as a second major must complete the second major by selecting courses in Areas I-V that are not being used to satisfy the requirements of their first major.

Students majoring in Botany are not eligible for a minor or second major in Biology or Zoology because of extensive overlap in the requirements for these degrees.

Students majoring in Botany must complete an assessment exit exam in their last semester prior to graduating.

Students majoring in Botany must earn a score of 4 or 5 in order to receive advanced placement credit for BIO 100.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits originating from the University of Maine in Biological Sciences Areas I-V.

Students wishing to transfer from other institutions or from another program within the University of Maine must have completed BIO 100: Basic Biology with a grade of C or better or have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

Biology Club

Students majoring in Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Medical Laboratory Sciences (Medical Technology) are encouraged to join the Biology Club, a student organization that promotes an interest in the biological sciences and in biological research with invited speakers, panel discussions, debates, trips, social functions, and service projects. The club also supports a local chapter of the national honor society, Beta Beta Beta.

Optional Concentration in the BA Degree in Botany

Students may complete the basic B.A. in Botany or they may add the optional Ecology Concentration. This concentration is described in detail following the suggested sequence of courses for the B.A. in Botany.

Basic Biological Sciences for the B.A. in Botany

Note: BIO 208, Anatomy and Physiology, BIO 222 Biology: The Living Science, and BIO 223 Biology the Living Science Laboratory will not count towards the major for students majoring in Botany.

Biological Sciences Areas I-V

The following are minimum requirements for these 5 areas: 24 credits, 3 credits/area, 4 laboratory (L) courses, and at least 3 plant (P) courses from areas III - V. 

If BIO 438, BIO 450, BIO 463, or BIO 480 and 483 is taken as a capstone, it can satisfy the area in which it is listed and can count as a laboratory course (if labeled L) but cannot count towards the 24 credits required in Areas I-V.

If BIO 387 or 391 are taken, up to 3 credits can be used towards the 24 total credits required, but not in a specified area.

I. Cell and Molecular Biology

If only one course is selected from this area, it must be BMB 280 or BIO 480.

II. Genetics
III. Physiology
IV. Biodiversity and Evolution
V. Ecology and Behavior

If only one course is selected from this area, it must be BIO 319, SMS 300, or WLE 200, only one of which may be taken for degree credit.

Affiliated Sciences and Math

Organic Chemistry Option 1

Organic Chemistry Option 2

Organic Chemistry Option 3

Mathematics

Physics Option 1

Physics Option 2

Other Requirements for the B.A. in Botany

Students are required to develop an enriched international perspective. This may be done by (1) establishing proficiency in a foreign language at the intermediate level, (2) completing at least one semester in a University of Maine approved foreign exchange program, or (3) completing nine credits in General Education courses in Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives. In addition, the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture requires 27 credits of General Education course in human Values and Social Context for the B.A. and at least 12 credits must be at the 200 level or above.

Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.A. in Botany

First Year - First Semester

 

First Year - Second Semester

 

Second Year - First Semester

 

Second Year - Second Semester

  • Biological Sciences Area Choice1 Credits 3-5 (See Footnote 1)
  • International perspective5 Credits: 3 (See Footnote 5)
  • General Education Requirement or Elective Credits 6-9

Third Year - First Semester

 

  • Credits: 4 (See Footnote 6)
  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits: 2-4 (See Footnote 2)
  • International Perspective Credits: 3 (See Footnote 5)
  •  General Education Requirement or Elective Credits: 3

Third Year - Second Semester

  • General Education Requirement or Elective Credits: 3-12
  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits: 3-4 (See Footnote 2)

Fourth Year - First Semester

  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits: 3-4 (See Footnote 2)
  • Capstone Credits: 3 (See Footnote 7)
  • General Education Requirements or Elective Credits: 7-10

Fourth Year - Second Semester

  • Biological Sciences Area Choice Credits 3-10 (See Footnote 2)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 4-12

Footnotes

1 See the General Education requirements for all students at the University. If BIO 400 (Biological Sciences Writing Intensive) is used to satisfy the General Education Writing Intensive in the major requirement, then it must be taken in conjunction with a selected upper-level BIO course (see listings in Schedule of Classes), usually during the third or fourth year.
2 See above lists of courses in the five Biological Sciences Areas and follow requirements for total number of credits, number of credits per area, number of courses with laboratories (L), and number of plant (P) courses in areas III-V.
3 Alternatively, students may take  CHY251/253 and BMB 322/323 or CHY 251/253 and 252/254.
4 Alternatively, students may take MAT 126.
5 See Other Requirements for the B.A. degree above for ways to satisfy this requirement for the B.A. degree.
6 Alternatively, students may take PHY 111 and 112.
7 The General Education capstone experience may be completed with BIO 388, 392, 402, 431, 438, 450, 463, or HON 499 or both BIO 480 and 483.

Concentration in Ecology

This concentration is intended for students interested in exposure to ecological principles within the context of a rigorous biological sciences curriculum. Students in this concentration must meet all of the requirements for the Botany B.A. degree. The concentration also includes WLE 220 Introduction to Statistical Ecology and a requirement for a course on environmental influences. A total of 29-35 credits are required to complete the concentration depending on the selections made for each of the requirements.

Specific requirements:

1. Affiliated Sciences and Math

2. Area I. Cell and Molecular Biology

  • Free choice among Area I courses in the Botany curriculum Credits: 3-4

3. Area II. Genetics

  • Free choice among Area II courses in the Botany curriculum Credits: 3-5

4. Area III. Physiology

  • Free choice among Area III courses in the Botany curriculum Credits: 3

5. Area IV. Biodiversity

  • Credits: 3
  • Plus 3 additional credits chosen from the courses in Area IV in the Botany curriculum  Credits 6-7

6. Area V. Ecology and Behavior

7. Primary and Secondary Producers

Choose at least one course labeled A and one labeled P from Areas I-V in the Botany curriculum. These courses can also satisfy requirements in Areas I-V for the basic Botany major and so do not add to the number of credits needed beyond the basic Botany major.

8. Area VI. Environmental Influences

Three credits are required. Choose from these courses:

9. Field Experience

Choose at least one course from this list. This course can also satisfy one of the areas above.

10. Capstone

Choose one of these courses*:

11. Writing requirement (students in the Honors program are exempt)

One course required. Choose from the following courses*:

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