The Plant Biology minor at UNH equips you with specialized knowledge in plant physiology, ecology and genetics, crucial for tackling challenges in agriculture, conservation and climate change. It equips you with practical laboratory and field skills, preparing you for advanced studies or careers that require a knowledge of plant sciences and their applications in environmental and biological research.
What is plant biology?
Plant biology is the study the structure, function, classification, diversity, genetics, biotechnology and interactions of plants with the environment. You’ll learn about human use of plants, both historically and in the present; how environmental factors affect growth and development;and how humans produce and improve horticultural crops—fruits, vegetables, flowers and landscape plants. You can focus on physiology, biochemistry, genetics, genetic engineering, biotechnology, marine botany and aquatic plants. This minor can be combined with a major such as business, education, sustainable agriculture or natural resources to prepare you for a wide range of jobs in competitive fields, or for further studies.
Why study plant biology at UNH?
The plant biology minor combines laboratory experience and engaging fieldwork with courses that capture the diversity of plant systems. UNH’s state-of-the-art facilities and location close to the New Hampshire Seacoast, Lakes Region and White Mountain National Forest provide a wide range of dynamic, hands-on research opportunities. UNH is among nation’s highest-performing research universities, and students are strongly encouraged to work closely with faculty in both the classroom and laboratory, and to participate in research projects.
Potential career areas
- Bioenergy research
- Biotechnology research
- Botany
- Conservation management
- Environmental consultation
- Greenhouse management
- Landscape design
- Pharmaceutical research
- Plant biology
- Teaching, outreach and public education
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Curriculum & Requirements
The Minor in Plant Biology is designed to provide a broad introduction to plant biology and why plants are important to humans, while providing a framework for understanding plant diversity, function, and behavior. Electives allow the opportunity to choose a specialized area of plant biology that is of interest.
Five courses are required for completion of the minor, of which no more than two can overlap with major requirements.
The minimum acceptable grade in courses is a C-; the average grade for these courses must be a C or better.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 409 | Green Life: Introducing the Botanical Sciences | 4 |
| BIOL 566 | Systematic Botany | 4 |
| Choose one of the following 400-level courses that focus on plant value to humans: | ||
| BIOL 408 | Plants and Civilization | 4 |
| or SAFS 421 | Introductory Horticulture | |
| Choose two additional plant-based courses at the 500 level or higher: | 8 | |
| BIOL #601 | Biology and Ecology of Plants | 4 |
| BIOL #701 | Plant Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 704 | Plant-Microbe Interactions | 3 |
| BIOL #709 | Plant Stress Physiology | 3 |
| BIOL 720 | Plant-Animal Interactions | 4 |
| BIOL 795 | Independent Investigations in Biology (If taken for 4 credits) | 1-4 |
| GEN 772 | Evolutionary Genetics of Plants | 4 |
| GEN #774 | Techniques in Plant Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology | 4 |
| MEFB #500 | Coastal Habitat Field Research Methods | 4 |
| MEFB 625 | Introduction to Marine Botany | 5 |
| MEFB 747 | Aquatic Plants in Restoration/Management | 4 |
| MEFB 795 | Independent Investigations in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology (If taken for 4 credits) | 1-4 |
| SAFS 651 | Plant Pathology | 4 |
