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    Oct 11, 2024  
2022-2023 UMaine Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 UMaine 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, affiliated science, and math courses combined.

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience:  BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 402 or BIO 428 or BIO 463 or HON 498 & HON 499* or both BIO 480 and 483. For specific requirements see the curricula for individual concentrations.

*The thesis topic must be in Botany 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.

The Botany major 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 biology including cells and molecules, genetics, evolution, physiology, anatomy, evolution and biodiversity, and ecology. Students enrolled in the Honors College will find the program complementary to their degree studies. Each student works with an academic advisor to develop a curriculum that best meets the student’s goals and allows for exploration or specialization as desired. Students in their third and fourth years of study, 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. Students wishing to spend a semester studying abroad are advised to discuss this option with their advisor early in their program.

The B.S. and B.A. degrees in Botany are 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 are not required to complete a Botany capstone provided the student completes a capstone for 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 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, have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, and a grade of C or better in MAT 111 or no grade record in MAT 111 and a score 30 or higher on the Math Placement Exam.

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, physics, and social sciences required. The B.S. requires more in-depth study of chemistry, math, and physics while the B.A. requires a minor or more social sciences and humanities. The B.S. provides preparation for laboratory or field scientists while the B.A. ensures a broad liberal arts education and allows more flexibility for minors and double majors, allowing students to build career-enhancing skills.

Expertise in Botany is essential to insure that sound science is the foundation for public policy, laws, regulations, business decisions, natural resource management, and communication about scientific ideas and issues.  Educators, artists, writers, lawyers, economists, public policy makers and politicians, and business people in green industries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agribusiness greatly benefit from a strong background in science.  Pairing a BA with a second major or minor builds strength for careers in education, communication, policy, law, or business.  In addition, the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills gained through humanities and social sciences courses can significantly contribute to a career in science.

BA students are required to declare a minor or 2nd major in an approved subject outside of botany or biology or zoology, or complete additional General Education requirements as noted below.  BA students are encouraged to explore career options through the University of Maine Career Center and with their academic advisor to select a minor or 2nd major that adds breadth to the academic program by developing skills and knowledge outside of the primary major.

Concentrations in the B.S and B.A. Degree in Botany

The Ecology Concentration is open to students in either the B.S. or B.A. degree program.  This concentration is intended for students interested in exposure to ecological principles within the context of a rigorous biological sciences curriculum.

The Entomology Concentration is open to students in either the B.S. or the B.A. degree program.  The concentration is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of the form and function of insects, their interactions with people and society, the study of insect conservation, and management in natural and human-derived systems.

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.

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

“Double Up” 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/, or the Graduate School webpage, https://umaine.edu/graduate/.

Bachelor of Science Core Requirements


1. Basic Biology:

  and   (Minimum grade of C required in each.) 

2. General Chemistry

   , and    

3. Organic Chemistry I

  and  ; or   and     

4. Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry

  and  ; or BMB 322  and     

5. Physics I: 

  or    

6. Physics II: 

  or    

7. Calculus

   or    or    

8. Statistics

  or   or PSY 241   

9. Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 27 credits including 3 credits each from areas I, III, IV, and V, and 6 credits from area II.  At least four lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO Area courses, and at least three plant courses (P), and at least 3 credits of capstone (C).  A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at University of Maine. Students
for whom this is a second major are not required to take a BIO capstone and need only take 24 credits within the Biological Sciences Areas.

10. Required Course: 

   

11. Minimum average GPA 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-9 above and capstone. 

Bachelor of Arts Core Requirements


1. Basic Biology:

  and   (Minimum grade of C required in each.) 

2. General Chemistry

  and  ,or BMB 207  and BMB 209   

3. Earth, Chemical, and Physical Systems:

Choose 2 of the following courses, 6-8 cr

4. Mathematics:

5. Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 27 credits including 3 credits each from areas I, III, IV, and V, and 6 credits from area II.  At least four lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO Area courses, and at least three plant courses (P), and at least 3 credits of capstone (C).   A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at University of Maine. Students for whom this is a second major are not required to take a BIO capstone and need only take 24 credits within the Biological Sciences Areas.

6. Required Course: 

   

7. Minimum average GPA 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-6 above and the capstone. 

8. Satisfy General Education requirements

9. Complete the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry & Agriculture Graduation Requiremenets to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree which can be found here: NSFA BA Graduation Requirements    

Ecology Concentration Requirements


1.  Satisfy the core requirements of either the B.S. or B.A. degree program.

2.  Statistics requirement: Take the following course to satisfy the requirement: 

   Note for B.A. students,   requires either   , or   as a prerequisite.

3. For BIO Area V: Take the following courses: 

   or    and at least 3 additional credits chosen from  BIO 309 ,  , BIO 411 BIO 429 ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , or  

4. Primary and Secondary Producers: Choose at least one animal course from this list: BIO 326 , BIO 329 , BIO 353 BIO 411 , BIO 429 , or BIO 430  

5. Environmental Influences: At least one of the following courses:

  ,  ,  , or   

6. Field Experience: At least one of the following courses:

 ,  , BIO 430 ,  , BIO 463 ,  , WLE 201 , or  . This course can also satisfy one of the BIO areas for the basic Botany major.

7. General Education requirement: To fill the general education capstone requirement (3 Biological Sciences credits labeled (C)), students in the Ecology Concentration must take one of the following:

 ,     or  .

8. Writing Intensive:  ENG 201 , ENG 315  or ENG 317 . The requirement is satisfied for students who complete the Honors Civilization Sequence (HON 111 , HON 112 , HON 211 , HON 212 )

Entomology Concentration Requirements


1. Satisfy the core requirements of either the B.S. or the B.A. degree program.

2. Biological Science AREAS 1-5: Students may take any courses they want in any areas in accordance with degree requirements.  However, to fill the requirements of the Entomology Concentration, course choices must include the following:

  • For BIO area 4:  Take BIO 326  
  • For BIO area 5:  Take two of the following courses:

BIO 205 BIO 319 BIO 354 BIO 411 BIO 429 BIO 431 BIO 455 BIO 463 EES 140 PSE 457  

  • Insect specific courses:  Among the Biological Sciences Area courses, include at least three of the following courses, which can overlap with requirements listed above: 

BIO 326 BIO 411 ,BIO 429 , BIO 430  

  • Plant course:  Include at least one plant focused (labeled “P”), which can overlap with requirements listed above, from this list:

BIO 310 , BIO 429 , BIO 432 , BIO 452 , BIO 464 PSE 457 SFR 439  

3.  General Education requirement:  Students are strongly encouraged to complete their capstone requirement (3 Biological Sciences credits labeled (C)) through independent research, BIO 388  or HON 499  

 

Biological Sciences Areas for the B.S. or B.A.


I. Cell and Molecular Biology


Students must take BMB 280 or BIO 480 or 6 total credits from the area.

II. Genetics and Evolution


Both courses are required.

III. Physiology


BIO 452 is required.  BIO 453 is optional,  but is recommended and will count as one of the four required Biological Sciences Areas labs if taken.

IV. Biodiversity


Students must take 3 credits from the area

V. Ecology and Behavior


Students must take BIO 319 or 6 total credits from the area. 

Alternate Area


Courses within the Alternate Area can be included in the 27 total area minimum credits, but do not count toward any specific area except by prior arrangement with the program coordinator.

Required 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


Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3 
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 12

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., area I, if not previously filled, with lab)
  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3 
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 8

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


The BA sequence is intentionally flexible to allow students to pursue a minor or second major.  The sequence here outlined is only one of many possibilities.  Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor to develop a customized sequence to meet their academic goals.

 

 

First Year - First Semester


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


  • Credits: 3
  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., BIO 310, or other course wtih lab, plant)
  • CHY or ERS or PHY Credits: 4
  • General Education Requirement Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 2

Third Year - First Semester


  • CHY or ERS or PHY Credits: 4
  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., BIO 452 and BIO 453 or area III with lab, plant)
  • General Education Requirement Credits: 3
  • Course for minor Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 1

Third Year - Second Semester


  • BIO Area Credits: 3 (e.g., BIO 319 or SMS 300 taken in fall semester, area V)
  • Writing Intensive Credits: 3
  • Course for minor Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirement or course toward minor Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Capstone Credits: 3
  • Ethics Credits: 3
  • Course for minor Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 6

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • BIO Area Credits with lab: 4
  • Capstone or elective Credits: 3 (Acceptable spring capstone courses include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 428, BIO 431, BIO 438, BIO 450, BIO 480 & 483, or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements or courses toward minor or Electives Credits: 8

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