Plant Biology
Undergraduate Major
basc.ucdavis.edu/plb
Cultivate
an expert understanding on
the significance of plants
Plants are the primary source of food on the planet. This scientific
field offers the opportunity to address the global challenges of food
shortages, climate change, biodiversity conservation and more to
improve the health of people and the planet.
Plant biology is the study of plants as organisms. This major consists
of core courses in applied biology, anatomy, physiology and ecology
as well as biochemistry, cell biology and genetics. You’ll explore plants
from the molecular and whole organismal perspectives, and also their ecological relationship to other plant and animal species
within their environments.
Preparing a new generation
of leaders for the future
The Plant Biology undergraduate
major prepares you for many careers
in the life sciences, especially:
Biomedical and Biotech – Bring the
processes of biology to medicine and
industry to develop technologies and
products that help improve our lives
and the health of our planet.
Health Sciences – This major prepares
a student for entrance into medical,
veterinary or pharmacy school and other
careers helping humans and animals
achieve healthy lives.
“My most memorable experience
at UC Davis was the time I spent
doing research in a professor’s
lab. I gained practical knowledge,
saw the newest discoveries in
my field, made friends, found
mentors and learned as much
about myself as I did about plant
pathology.”
– Jesus Banderas, ’16 B.S.
Agricultural Sciences – Apply your
knowledge to a variety of industrial fields to
conduct research related to food production
for crops and animals.
Foundational Research in Biology – Use the latest methods
and technology to expand the frontiers of knowledge by
studying plants and their relationships with their ecosystems.
Botanical Conservatory Director
Ernesto Sandoval, ’96 B.S., displays
giant pelican flowers from a local
collection of nearly 4,000 species.