Careers in botany
The Department of Botany at La Trobe University offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate training and experience in plant ecology, plant pathology, mycology, the ecological physiology of plants, plant biochemistry, plant molecular biology, genetic engineering of plants, the taxonomy, evolution and biogeography of flowering plants, and the taxonomy and ecology of marine algae.
In addition to basic knowledge, students obtain training and experience in the principles of project design, data collection, data analysis and the preparation of reports, all of which are useful in almost any professional position in science and the business world.
Botany graduates are employed worldwide.
Career paths, some of which require additional qualifications, include:
- Researcher in government, university and private sector industries
- Marketing of scientific equipment and other biological products
- Science journalism
- Environmental consultant or scientist
- Government service in authorities such as the Department of Natural Resources and Environment
- Plant disease control
- Marine biology
- Conservation management
- Teaching in secondary education
- University academic
- Landscape design
- Nursery management
- Marketing of agricultural products
- Technical Consultant for scientific product manufacturers
- Science management in government and private enterprise
- Plant biochemistry
- Plant molecular biology
- Cell biologist
- Plant genetic engineering
- Crop breeder
- Plant pathology
- Forensic science
- Ecotourism consultant
- Horticulturalist and plant breeder
- Plant physiology Plant taxonomist in the government service
- Plant ecology
- Cell biology
- Biotechnology researcher
- Pharmaceutical researcher
- Quality control technician for food companies
- Technical Assistants and Research Officers in Science
- Interior plant consultant
- Greenhouse manager or technician
- Park naturalist
- Researcher or scientist within research institutions such as CSIRO or Agriculture Victoria
- Environmental impact consultant
- Environmental adviser within national or state government departments
- Science administration
Plant biologists may be employed by a wide variety of industries including drug companies, the chemical industry, the limber and paper industry, food producing industries, biotechnology firms, and the wine and brewing industries. Graduates also move into or take up management and administrative positions in government and private enterprise.
More information about careers in botany can be found by searching the web using the phrases "botany careers" and "careers in botany"