Plant Sciences

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http://plantsciences.utk.edu/

Robert M. Augé, Head

Academic programs in the Department of Plant Sciences span the art, science and technology of plant use in society. Students receive preparation for careers in plant science within six concentrations – landscape design and construction; biotechnology; horticulture science and production; bioenergy; public horticulture; and turfgrass science and management. With increasing emphasis placed on plants in urban areas, extensive training is offered in landscape horticulture (planning, implementation and management for landscapes, turf and gardens).

Upon entering the department, each student is assigned a faculty advisor for guidance in selection of career specialties and elective courses. The curriculum builds upon the University General Education Requirement with critical courses in botany, soils, and business and adds a set of required departmental courses specific to each concentration. Students are able to customize their program by selecting electives. Students in all concentrations are trained to work knowledgeably in general plant culture. Students are encouraged to earn a minor in a supportive field to further enhance their academic training and professional competitiveness. While firmly grounding students in the knowledge and skills of the plant sciences and arts, our curricula emphasize critical thinking and creative activity. Our students also gain the theoretical education necessary for continuing on for advanced degrees in plant-related fields.

Students should declare a concentration early in their undergraduate program and strictly follow the curriculum described for the concentration. Students who transfer into plant sciences from other colleges or programs must meet the same requirements as those entering the department as freshman. A minimum grade point average of 2.25 is required for all plant sciences courses taken in the major.

Internship or undergraduate research participation is required for each concentration. Full-time summer internships are available at selected local, regional, and national companies or institutions. Part-time summer or semester internships and research experiences are available from the Department of Plant Sciences, other university departments and laboratories, and local commercial firms.

Our graduates find employment in a wide variety of professions, working for others or within their own businesses. Graduates of the landscape design and construction concentration design residential and commercial landscapes, select proper woody and herbaceous plant materials for specific sites, restore native landscapes, specify specialty components for landscapes construction (irrigation, lighting, water features), prepare materials lists and cost estimates for landscape installations, and manage landscape crews. Biotechnology majors are well-suited to directly enter the biotechnology research industry or enter graduate school. Students gain a firm understanding of the importance of plants in the world as well as the knowledge and tools to manipulate their genetics and biology. Our horticulture science and production students choose a variety of careers including production horticulturist, nursery and greenhouse managers, consultants, sales representatives, vegetable growers, orchardists, teachers, winery owners, research or Extension agents. Bioenergy is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in biofuels and bioenergy. Bioenergy is a dynamic and emerging field that seeks to convert energy from the sun into fuels via plants. These graduates are well-suited to enter the biofuels industry in any number of different careers including biofuel processing, crop consultant, laboratory work or sales. The public horticulture concentration prepares students for careers in botanic gardens, zoos and national parks; professional writing, television and radio; urban forestry; teaching; and municipal and university horticulture. These students graduate with an acute understanding of people-plant interactions and the important role plants play in society. The turf program combines the study of grasses, soils, water and pests. Graduates have career opportunities in the industries involved with lawn management, athletic fields, golf courses, sales, park and grounds maintenance.

Specialty Areas

Specialty electives are grouped into specialty areas. Students must complete one specialty area, consisting of three courses (9-11 credit hours). Students wishing to expand on a specialty or complete more than one specialty area are welcome to do so, using Technical Electives for this purpose. A course may be counted in one specialty area only and may not be used to fulfill any other elective requirement. Check the Undergraduate Catalog for any prerequisites required for these courses.

Agronomy

PLSC 457 ; and select 6 hours from Environmental and Soil Sciences 300-level and above.

Biosystems Engineering

BSE 231 ; BSET 326 , BSET 432 , BSET 434 , BSET 462 .

Biotechnology

BIOL 240 ; PLSC 454  or BCMB 404 ; BCMB 401  or MICR 210 .

Business

ACCT 200 ; AGEC 355 , AGEC 470 ; BUAD 201 , MARK 300 ; STAT 201 .

Chemistry

CHEM 230  or CHEM 310 ; CHEM 350 , CHEM 360 , CHEM 369 ; FDST 410 , FDST 419 .

Forestry and Wildlife

200-level and above from Forestry; 200-level and above from Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Microbiology

MICR 210  and above; FDST 420 , FDST 429 .

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