Botanists face difficult challenges as the world population grows, increasing the need for better food output, as environmental concerns such as soil and water pollution problems adversely affect crop production, and as the destruction of the forests decreases biological diversity, which limits important medical discoveries. The loss of wild foodstuff species such as potatoes, rice, and com raise serious concerns about the safety of our genetically engineered domestic food plants. It is the work of botanists to identify new plant species, test chemical properties of plants for human use, and protect the natural biological diversity of our plant life.
There are many interrelated specialty areas within the field of botany. The diversity of interests provide many career concentrations for people with differing backgrounds and aptitudes. Those interested in outdoor activities may be suited for a career as an ecologist or taxonomist, who travel the world identifying new plant species. For mathematical types, the study of systems ecology, genetics, and biophysics are exciting quantitative fields. Chemistry affectionados might find an exciting career in plant physiology, plant biochemistry, chemotaxonomistry, or molecular biology. For those with global food concerns, careers in plant pathology (plant diseases) and plant breeding will satisfy their need to help the world's undernourished. Those enamored with microscopic organisms often choose to study microbiology, phycology (the study of algae), or mycology (the study of fungi).
RELATED PROFESSIONS
- Agronomist
- Horticulturist
- Forester
- Range Scientist
- Entomologist
- Chemist
- Agricultural Economist
- Soil Scientist
A four-year bachelor of science degree is the minimal requirement for a career in botany. At this level, positions are available as laboratory, garden, and park technicians and academic research assistants. More advanced degrees are required for a professional career in botany. Because the majority of botanists work in colleges and universities, the minimum of a master's degree and preferably a Ph.D. degree is required.
Botany students are required to take a host of biological science courses. Therefore, students should have completed high school courses in chemistry, biology, earth science, and advanced mathematics. A typical college curriculum includes science classes in chemistry, zoology, biochemistry, physics, and several specialized courses in botany. Because the career tract is heavily oriented toward college teaching, students are encouraged to take additional courses in English, communication, the arts, and the social sciences. A number of U.S. schools offer majors specifically in botany or a combination of botany and zoology. Each state maintains a public land grant university that concentrates in the agricultural sciences, and a good number of these offer a degree program in botany.
For career development, students can participate in research and internship programs. Students are often encouraged or required to conduct an undergraduate research project. Working with a professor in a specialty area gives students insights on the area or areas of botany of greatest interest to them. There are opportunities for summer internships in government agencies, private companies, agricultural experiment stations, and college and university research laboratories, which are a wonderful source of field training and can lead to a future job offer.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
There are no special certifications or licensing requirements for this occupation.
The setting in which most botanists work is heavily dependent upon their area of specialization. In general, most botanists either work for colleges and universities or are affiliated with such institutions. Botanists conduct research in laboratories, greenhouses, agricultural areas, and open forests around the world. They spend many hours analyzing plant specimens and conducting experiments that can go on continuously for several days. There-fore, botanists should enjoy delicate work with their hands and have an appreciation for the outdoors. Botanists also spend part of their time teaching and conducting other routine academic duties.
