Minor
About this minor
Plants are essential to the existence of humans and other animals on our planet. They are the source of many of the things we depend on - the oxygen we breathe, food we eat, fibre for clothing and shelter and chemicals for pharmaceuticals and industry. Plants are a fundamental part of all ecosystems, helping to provide clean water, healthy soils and habitat for wildlife. Studying plant sciences helps us understand how plants survive in their environment and provide these benefits for us.
Plant Science includes fundamental biology, plant biochemistry, plant physiology and development, genetics, ecology, mycology, crop production and protection, and environmental and food chemistry. In addition, there are related topics such as soil science, postharvest technology, agronomy and cellular biology in associated teaching programs offered by the Faculty of Science.
For detailed information on the minor structure and suggested units of study, please view the Science Undergraduate Handbook.
Graduate opportunities
The careers available to students with a plant sciences minor are plentiful. Much of the Australian economy and the economies of our regional neighbours depends on agricultural and plant breeding industries.
Plant scientists may find themselves working with farmers as consultants, managing properties or working in laboratories to develop more robust crops. They also work on crop modelling and climate change.
You might find yourself as a plant physiologist investigating the mechanisms of plant growth, or as a plant geneticist, studying the action of plant genes and breeding new varieties of crop and ornamental plants.
You might become an ecologist examining the dynamics of diverse populations of plants, or a taxonomist, tracing the evolution of plants. In a career as an agricultural or horticultural scientist, you could work to develop better and sustainable ways to manage plants for production of food, pastures and ornamental purposes.
Courses that offer this minor
Units of study in this major
The course information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.
To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.
