Plant Biology

www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio

Head of the Department: John M. Cheeseman
265 Morrill Hall
505 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3260
Fax: (217) 244-7246
E-mail: plants@life.uiuc.edu

Graduate Degree Programs

The Department of Plant Biology offers graduate programs leading to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees. It also participates in an interdepartmental program leading to a doctoral degree in biology with a specialization in physiological and molecular plant biology.

Areas of specialization available within the department include anatomy, bioenergetics, biophysics, bryology, circadian rhythms, development, ecology, genetics/molecular biology, mycology, paleobotany, paleoecology, photosynthesis, phycology, physiology, phytochemistry, population biology, systematics, and ultrastructure. Graduate students are expected to acquire reasonable breadth in their botanical backgrounds as well as depth in their areas of specialization. A knowledge of the principles of ecology, genetics/molecular biology, morphology, physiology, and systematics is strongly recommended.

A brochure providing additional information about the department, its facilities, and the research interests of its faculty is available from the associate head upon request, or see the department website to access this information.

Admission

All applicants for admission are considered on an individual basis. While departmental requirements do not specify particular courses as prerequisites for admission, applicants should have had some undergraduate training in plant biology or biology and related sciences. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required and students with a GRE score greater than the 75th percentile will be given admissions preference. International students with a Test of English as an Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 or above on the paper-based test, or 250 or above on the computer-based test, will receive admissions preference. Graduate College admission requirements also apply.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Experience in teaching is considered a vital part of the graduate program and is required as part of the academic work of all Ph.D. candidates in this program.

Master of Science

Candidates for the M.S. degree are expected to complete at least 32 graduate hours of coursework and research agreed upon with a faculty adviser. A thesis may be required at the option of the candidate’s adviser. The master’s degree program is normally completed within two years.

Doctor of Philosophy

Candidates for the Ph.D. are expected to complete 32 additional graduate hours of graduate coursework under the supervision of a faculty adviser. A formal evaluation of the student’s academic progress is made prior to the end of the second year of study. Departmental approval must be obtained at this juncture in order to continue in a graduate degree program.

A preliminary examination is taken during the second year (if the student entered with an M.S. degree) or the third year (if the student entered with a B.S. degree). This consists of an oral examination of general knowledge in three of the five areas of specialization in plant biology (defined by the department as ecology; genetics or molecular biology; physiology or biochemistry; anatomy or development; and systematics or evolution), which are chosen by the student, and defense of a written proposal on the thesis research topic prepared by the student.

The final phase of the program consists of preparing a thesis, which is based on original research work and which demonstrates a thorough knowledge of theory and techniques in one area of plant biology.

Research Facilities

Outstanding teaching and research laboratories encompass both molecular and organismal plant biology and are complemented by growth-chamber facilities, environmentally controlled greenhouses, an excellent herbarium, a paleobotanical center for collections, and a diversity of field sites.

Financial Aid

Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships are available for qualified students. Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis.