Introduction to Courses and Careers in Botany
Plants are much important in our day-to-day life. Everybody knows without plants we can’t live in this earth. They provide food, medicine, maintain the balance of oxygen through photosynthesis, shelter, materials for making furniture, etc. So the importance of botany as a study of plants is much important in one’s life. This field is suitable for those who have interest in nature and plants. The person who study botany is called a Botanist. Here we discuss about different available courses and careers in botany.
What is Botany?
Botany is a branch of biology science deals with the study of plants. Study of plants includes the study of small bacteria to large plants that we see in forest. There are more than three hundred thousand species of plants in this earth. It includes the study of their growth, reproduction, development, diseases, evolutionary changes etc.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Botanist
The work role of botanists vary as per the work they are involving. A botanist can work in various roles in agriculture, environmental studies, teaching, forestry, soil and crop science, horticulture, medicines, etc. The role also includes various researches in the fields of plants.
Educational Qualification Required
One can become a botanist by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in botany (B.Sc. Botany). He / she can further get a post-graduate in botany or in specific areas followed by M Phil. and / or Ph.D. in Botany. Further study is possible at various specified areas of botany and different courses and studies includes plants. A botany student can choose a specialization according to the area of interest which includes all the areas of plant study and its applications.
Skills and Knowledge Required
The basic need of a botanist is the interest in nature and plants. He / she must be close to love with plants, soil, and nature as whole. They must have observation skills, communication and presentation skills, interpersonal skills, computer skills, curiosity, etc. The knowledge should be updated regularly.
How to become a Botanist?
To become a botanist one should opt science stream in 10 + 2 with PCB or PCBM as options which includes biology as one of the optional subject. After 12th they can get admission into B.Sc. Botany and further go for M.Sc. Botany or specified areas and for M. Phil. and Ph.D.
Different Courses / Specializations in Botany
Botany
Plant Pathology (study of plant diseases)
Ethno Botany (study of relationship between plants and people)
Plant Morphology (study of plant structure and organs)
Mycology (study of fungi)
Plant Genetics (study of heredity in plants)
Paleo Botany (study of plant fossils)
Plant Ecology (study of relationship between plants and their environment)
Palynology (study of plant fossils)
Plant Cytology (study of plant cells)
Plant Physiology (study of the life process of plants)
Weed Science (study of weeds)
Plant Taxonomy (classification of plants)
Where do I get the Job?
Job opportunity is there in all fields of work where plants become a part. This includes teaching, scientific research includes plants, forestry, agriculture, organic fruits and vegetables, medicine, various industries like drug, food and beverage, cotton, rubber, paper, silk, vegetable oils, etc. The job is available in government, semi-government, non-government organizations and departments. Various related industries also offers good challenging offers to a botanists.
A botanist can do research in the fields of various plant species, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant fossils, mycology, soil and crop development, organic fruits and vegetables, etc.
A botanist can become agricultural specialists, ethno botanists, mycologist, paleo botanists, palynologist, pathologists, plant cytologists, plant ecologists, plant geneticists, plant morphologist, plant physiologist, plant scientists, plant taxonomists, weed scientists, etc. as per their specialization in the study.