Course Description
B.Sc in Genetics and Plant Breeding is designed to understand the plant breeders and genetics to improve plants for the benefit of society. Plant breeding specialists improve existing plants or develop new plant varieties that can be used for food, environmental remediation, fuel or ornamental purposes. Through scientific research and genetic manipulation, plant breeders cultivate crop and ornamental plants that are resistant to disease, extreme temperatures and other factors that negatively affect plants. This highly specialized field requires a solid understanding of math and science.
Bachelor of Science degree programs are available in plant breeding, plant science and horticulture. Graduate students can earn a Master of Science or Ph.D. in a subfield of plant science, plant genetics or horticulture. Students who wish to become plant breeders take science-related courses, including plant genetics, genetic improvements in plants, plant breeding and plant biotechnology. In addition, programs generally have a significant lab component requiring students to apply plant breeding and science techniques.