What Is a Person That Studies Different Types of Flowers?
Plants and flowers are among the living organisms studied by biological scientists. A botanist can specialize in flowering plants and conduct research regarding their structure, interaction with other organisms in the environment and function. Some level of postsecondary education is needed to become a botanist, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes. The amount of training will vary depending on the role sought by an aspiring botanist. Does this Spark an idea?
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Educational Requirements
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A bachelor's degree in botany or plant science is the minimum requirement for employment in the field. As with other biological science careers, a graduate degree is necessary for independent research and college faculty positions. The University of Maine states that high school students who want to major in botany should take courses in laboratory science -- such as physics, chemistry or biology -- along with geometry and algebra. Undergraduate studies in fields such as botany and plant science are adequate preparation for admission to a master's or Ph.D. program.
Training
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At the undergraduate level, botany majors take courses in natural and physical science as well as mathematics and general education courses. Students who plan on applying to graduate programs are advised to take research courses or participate in study abroad. Among the topics covered in a bachelor's degree program in botany are soil science, plant physiology and ecology. Graduate botany students conduct extensive research in specialty areas such as root biology, cell biology and plant pathology. At Pennsylvania State University, botany graduate students submit a thesis in addition to taking required and elective courses and earn credit for teaching undergraduate courses.
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Significance
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The Botanical Society of America observes that pursuing a career in plant science is one way to help solve environmental problems, particularly those related to air and water pollution. The society notes that plants and flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but perform important functions such as helping to clean the air. A person who enjoys working with flowers may wish to specialize in a subfield of botany such as plant structure or horticulture, according to the society.
Potential
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that through 2018, the demand for biological scientists will be "faster than the average." However, competition for employment as a botanist will be keen because it is such a small subfield of biological science. This is especially true for those seeking jobs in academia. The BLS cites a 2009 National Association of Colleges survey that notes that students who earned bachelor's degrees in biological science received starting salary offers of $33,254 on average. Botanists working in the federal government earned an average of $72,792 per year as of March 2009, according to the BLS.
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References
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