Botany is the scientific study of plants; today, botany covers a wide spectrum of plant study and consequently the study of botany can be divided into many areas of specialization. In order to train to be a botanist, it is necessary to establish which area of botany is of interest.
After a number of years of study, training and experience in the botany field, it is possible to potentially earn a reasonable salary and enjoy a varied and fulfilling career; however, knowing what a botanist does, in a particular field of study, is helpful in taking the first step to choosing a particular area of botany to study.
The Different Areas of Specialization in Botany
Briefly, botany can be divided into the following areas of specialization:
- ethnobotany – the study of how different cultures use plants
- plant anatomy - the study of plant tissue and cells
- plant ecology – the study of the relationship between the plant and its surrounding environment and the various plant ecology systems around the world
- plant genetics – the study of the function of genes in a plant and gene variations
- phytochemistry – the study of chemical components of plants and interactions
- systematics – the study of the history and relationship of plants (including plant classification)
- physiology – study of the functions of plants, for example photosynthesis
- paleobotany – the study of fossil plants
- microbiology – the study of microorganisms
- morphology – the study of plant life cycles and plant form
- molecular biology – the study of the function and make-up of plant molecules.
Botany is a complex area of study; however, there are many reasons to choose a career in botany including:
- a botanist has the opportunity to work outdoors and, in some instances, travel to many interesting places abroad to study and research plants
- environmental problems, impacted by human actions, are affecting plants and how they are used; understanding plants, the role they play and determining their uses can be vital to lessening further environmental damage
- the wide areas of specialization in botany allow for a diverse and interesting career.
The Basic Requirements Needed to be a Botanist
Training to be a botanist takes a lot of study, hard work and dedication; an interest in the sciences is useful. It is essential to obtain a Bachelor's degree in botany to take a job in botany; summer internships and summer jobs in a botanical setting add invaluable experience to gaining a job in botany on graduation. However, competition is fierce for places and it is advisable to apply well in advance for positions. Flagstaff Arboretum in Arizona is one such place which has limited opportunities for summer internships.
Further Study in Botany
After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in botany, it is possible to apply for a job such as a technical assistant or a laboratory technician; these jobs are usually found in government, education and industrial organizations and also in botanical gardens and museums. To continue a career in botany and progress into teaching and research positions, it is necessary to obtain a Master's or Doctor's degree.
Choosing to Become a Botanist
Choosing a career in botany will result in an interesting and varied career; there are a wide variety of choices and opportunities available to a botanist, after completing the required study. Botany is the ideal career choice for those with a fascination for plants and the sciences; however, there are many more careers related to plant study and use, in addition to botany, including those in the medicinal plant field.
For Further Information:
Contact The Botanical Society of America
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