Plant Sciences, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to grow and develop food, landscapes, and natural ecosystems. With a blended education of hands-on learning, research, and innovative coursework, this program provides a basis for careers in agriculture and beyond.
Program Overview
From horticulture to turfgrass science and management, students gain a unique educational experience through generalized plant sciences coursework and specialized concentration courses. With developed programs in research, coursework, and Extension, the Department of Plant Sciences is making an impact across Tennessee and international agriculture.
Concentrations
There are six plant sciences concentrations: horticulture science and production, public horticulture, organic production, sustainable landscape design, turfgrass science and management, and plant genetics and biotechnology.
Why study Plant Sciences?
Hands-On Learning
The Department of Plant Sciences is known for its premier hands-on learning experiences and educational opportunities across the state. Students get their hands in the soil by participating in labs on campus and at state-of-the-art research facilities across Tennessee with trained plant scientists and industry professionals.
Groundbreaking Research
Core plant sciences research topics include: controlled environment agriculture, forage crop production, horticultural crop production, plant genetics and biotechnology, row crop production, specialty crops, turfgrass science, and weed science. Each research pathway includes expert faculty and staff members, making valuable experiences easily accessible for students.
Bringing Turfgrass Research to the World Stage
The turfgrass research team is leading an innovative, first-of-its-kind research project in collaboration with Michigan State University to grow, install, and manage pitches for the FIFA World Cup 26. With matches being played at 16 venues across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, students working on this project receive the opportunity of a lifetime—perfecting pitches for the largest FIFA World Cup ever.
UT Gardens, Knoxville
The UT Gardens, Knoxville, is one of the three sites of the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee and is located right on the UT Institute of Agriculture campus. This outdoor learning laboratory is not only open to the public year-round, but provides an abundance of opportunities for plant sciences students to get involved through volunteer work, paid positions, course credit, and more.
Accelerated Degree Program
Through the five-year BS/MS accelerated degree program, students obtain a Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences and a Master of Science in Plant Sciences.
What can you do with a degree in Plant Sciences?
Across our diverse concentrations, there is a wide range of careers available in plant sciences and agriculture across the state. Students can pursue careers in crop production, agricultural consulting, Extension, plant biology, biotechnology, urban horticulture, turfgrass management, and many more. Graduates are also well prepared for graduate degree programs.
Featured Courses
PLSC 210 – Horticulture: Principles and Practices
An introduction to the biology and technology underlying the use and production of horticultural crops and landscape plants. Structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants from a practical and scientific approach. Environmental effects, basic principles of propagation, and greenhouse and outdoor production. Nutrition, pruning and chemical control of growth. Pest control and branches of horticulture.
PLSC 240 – Turfgrass Management
Practical turfgrass management. Cultivar selection, identification, and establishment. Basic fertility programs, mowing, irrigation practices, and thatch removal and compaction control. Pest identification and basic controls.
PLSC 250 – World Food and Fiber Plant Production
Introduction to important world crops and production systems. Emphasis on plant terminology, origin, distribution and use, world agro-ecosystems, environmental and economic sustainability, and current technology in crop production.
PLSC 333 – Plant Physiology and Nutrition
Physiological principles as they relate to landscape design and construction, residential plant management, commercial plant production, agronomic production, and public horticulture: photosynthesis and transpiration, respiration, water and hormonal relations, mineral nutrition, plant development and response to the environment. Focus on how production practices influence plant productivity and quality.
PLSC 421 – Native Plants in the Landscape
Native plants and plant communities as a basis for landscaping and environmental restoration. Weekly lecture coupled with either an outing or service practicum of invasive exotic plant removals or planting of natives. Study and work sites will primarily be demonstration projects of the University of Tennessee Environmental Landscape Design Lab. They include local schoolyard habitats, greenways, wetlands, streambanks, and shorelines.
PLSC 452 – Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
Genetic principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement.
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.