Plant physiology is the study of the vital processes of plant life. Students interested in this field can pursue an undergraduate degree in botany and masters and Ph.D. degrees in plant physiology. Read on to learn more.
Plant physiology is a division of biology pertaining to plant life, along with their processes and functions. It is an experimental, laboratory-based field of science that requires knowledge of physics and chemistry. Plant physiologists study a wide range of processes and functions that plants use to live and survive, including respiration, metabolism, transpiration, plant hormones, environmental response, and transport processes.
Undergraduate degree programs in plant physiology are generally not available, but students may pursue a degree in botany with courses in plant physiology, chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and botany. Other degree options include a bachelor's in soil and plant sciences concentrating in agronomic science or plant biology concentrating in botany. Students in a bachelor's degree program need to acquire a broad range of knowledge rather than specializing. Bachelor's degree programs offer classes that take place in the laboratory, as well as in the field. Possible courses for undergraduates in a plant biology degree program include plant anatomy, biochemistry and plant pathology. While entry-level positions in the field generally only require a bachelor's degree in botany or plant science, higher positions may require a graduate degree.
Graduate degree options include a master's or Ph.D. in plant physiology. Students may also take a graduate degree in crop physiology, plant pathology, horticulture, biological sciences or oceanography concentrating in plant physiology. Courses may include the environmental response of plants, seed physiology, plant diseases and methods to breed plants. Masters-level programs in this field normally focus on an original thesis project, although a school may offer a course-based degree program. Graduates may find positions in research institutions either in academia or in the private or public sector. The list of articles shown below provides more information about relevant degree programs.
