Plant Science

BSc (C200) & MBiolSci (C209)

Entry Requirements: BSc: AAB, MBiolSci: AAA
 

Plants are integral to life on earth. They influence the climate, provide our food and energy, and have shaped evolution. Plant Science covers all aspects of plant biology, and addresses questions such as:

• How will we provide enough food to feed the world's population?
  
• Can plants provide a renewable energy source to replace oil?
  
• How will ecosystems respond to climate change?
  
• What role can plant biotechnology play in solving environmental problems?

Our Plant Science course (BSc or MBiolSci) covers the full spectrum of topics in plant biology, from the molecular to the whole planet, providing an understanding of how plants function and how they influence our lives. Understanding the process of photosynthesis lies at the heart of plant biology, and from it you will develop insights into how plants evolved, their distribution and conservation, their role in world ecosystems, their interactions with other organisms and their potential to provide pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial products.

You will participate in the exciting ongoing developments in plant sciences and learn an excellent range of modern biological skills and knowledge. The course is taught by experts on a wide range of plants and plant communities who study a range of topics including molecular biology, disease, global climate change, photosynthesis, and pollution impacts on plant communities.

Why should I choose Plant Science?

The Plant Science degree is focused on developing your understanding of how plants work, at all scales from molecular physiology to global ecology.  This will expose you to a wide range of techniques and ideas which are central to modern biology.  Because plants are so fundamental to life on Earth, studying plant science also brings you face to face with many of the issues where biology touches on issues of ethics, economics and environmental management.  By focusing on plants, but studying all aspects of their biology you get an excellent integrative view of modern biology.

Why Plant Science at Sheffield?

The Department of Animal & Plant Sciences is a leading and internationally recognized centre of excellence in teaching and research in plant sciences. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a major set of growth chambers capable of simulating any terrestrial climate, current or historical. Our teaching is linked to our research expertise, a key element being training in methods, techniques and core skills of observation, testing of ideas, data collection, analysis and critical interpretation that are central to scientific investigation.

During the first and second years some modules may be selected from those run by the other two biology departments (Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences), providing opportunities to gain access to an exceptional breadth of expertise in most of the major areas of modern biology, including genetics and biochemistry.

This training provides excellent preparation for level three project work where students apply these skills to their own research, under the guidance of an experienced researcher, in fields such as plant biodiversity, global change, parasitic plants, plant ecology, plant biotechnology, plant genomics, and palaeobotany. 

• Download course leaflet (pdf)

What does the Plant Science MBiolSci involve?

The 4 year MBiolSci is designed for students who wish to gain a more in depth experience of research.  Years 1 to 3 are the same as the BSc but year 4 is devoted to an extensive individual research project and advanced courses in research and communication skills.

Examples of recent Level 4 research projects in plant sciences include: Climate effects and ecological indicators of change in the British flora, The function of Arabadopsis trichomes, Salt budgets in halophytic plants, Drought responses of C4 grasses.

• More about the MBiolSci course option

What do Plant Science graduates do?

Plant Science provides a solid understanding of ideas and techniques that are in extensive demand, particularly in agriculture, biotechnology, crop protection, environmental management.  Plant Science graduates are relatively scarce, so opportunities for people with a good degree in Plant Science should be very good.  Like all our degrees, the course also provides training in transferable skills, such as data analysis, project planning, critical thinking and written and spoken communication, which are useful in whatever career direction you choose.