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Topics for PhD in Botany

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phd topics in biology

LIST OF BOTANY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

CodeProject Topic
BOTA98569SCREENING SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST MOROCCAN WATERMELON MOSAIC VIRUS (MWMV )
BOTA52302NUTRITIONAL AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA BOMBOM (GIANT MILK WEED)
BOTA65361PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTI MICROBIAL SCREENING OF SEED AND COAT OF CITRUS SINENSIS

Ph.D. in Botany is 3-year doctorate degree in Botany. Botany is a branch of biological science that focuses on the study of plants and how they survive and interact with other living and nonliving components of the environment. At undergraduate and graduate levels, the curriculum of the course typically consists of lecture-based lessons, lab sessions, and field research. Doctoral programs however, focus more on research.

Eligible candidates aspiring to pursue the course need to have attained a Masterโ€™s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/PH candidates) or an equivalent grade from a recognized university/institute of higher learning, besides a 5-year teaching/ industry/ administrative/ professional experience at a senior level.

Ph.D. in Botany: Course Highlights

Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.

Course LevelDoctorate
Duration3 years
Examination TypeSemester System
EligibilityPost Graduation
Admission ProcessBased on short-listed candidatesโ€™ performance in the round of interview.
Course FeeINR 2,000 to 8 Lacs
Average Starting SalaryINR 1.5 to 6 lacs per annum
Top Recruiting CompaniesBiotechnology Firms, Seed And Nursery Companies, Plant Resources Laboratory, Educational Institutions, Plant Health, Inspection Services, Oil Industry, Arboretum, Forest Services, Land Management Agencies, National Parks, Chemical Industry, Food Companies, Biological Supply Houses, etc.
Job PositionsMycologist, Administrators, Ecologist, Fruit Growers, Plant Biochemist, Forester, Researchers, and such.

Ph.D. in Botany: What is it about?

The disciplineโ€™s coursework primarily allows students to conduct independent research. Doctorate scholars may also enroll to graduate-level courses focused on more advanced concepts in Botany. The courseโ€™s curriculum typically covers the following components of study:

  • Foundations of medicine
  • Biomedical research
  • Nomenclature
  • Biological conservation

The course is designed for scholars interested in studying on an advanced level about animal behavior, evolutionary trends, species, characteristics, and the structure, functioning, behavior, and evolution of animals, including living beings.

Popular areas of employment for such scholars would include biotechnology firms, seed and nursery companies, plant resource laboratories, educational institutions, plant health inspection services, oil industry, arboretum, forest services, land management agencies, national parks, chemical industry, food companies, biological supply houses, etc.

They may also choose to work as teachers/ lecturers in schools and colleges, often upon qualifying the NET.

Ph.D. in Botany: Who should opt?

Ideal candidates for the course would possess:

  • data-handling skills such as recording, collating, and analyzing data using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • written communication skills
  • presentation and oral communication skills such as to present research findings and make presentations in a clear, succinct way.
  • project management skills, such as organizing and undertaking research projects, experiments, etc. (including budgeting, contingency planning, and time management).
  • good understanding of information technology
  • ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Top Institutes offering Ph.D. in Botany

Listed below are some of the top institutes in India that offer the course.

Name of InstituteCity Average Fees
Loyola College, ChennaiChennaiINR 7,200 (course)
Christ UniversityBangaloreINR 51,667 (course)
Presidency College, ChennaiChennaiINR 2,695 (course)
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, ChennaiChennaiINR 2,205 (course)
Jadavpur University, KolkataKolkataINR 2,388 (course)
Indian Institute of Technology – [IIT], KanpurKanpurINR 28,044 (course)
The Northcap University – [NCU], GurgaonGurgaonINR 72,000 (course)
Shiv Nadar University – [SNU], Greater NoidaGreater NoidaINR 1,23,000 (course)
Birla Institute Of Technology – [Bit Mesra], RanchiRanchiINR 59,000 (course)
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, KanpurKanpurINR 53,000 (course)
Periyar Maniammai University – [PMU], ThanjavurThanjavurINR 18,000 (course)
Central University of Jharkhand – [CUJ], RanchiRanchiINR 24,967 (course)
Cochin University of Science and Technology – [CUSAT], KochiKochiINR 5,538 (course)
Centurion University of Technology and Management – [CUTM], BhubaneswarBhubaneswarINR 73,333 (course)
Manav Rachna International University – [MRIU], FaridabadFaridabadINR 75,000 (course)
IFTM University, MoradabadMoradabadINR 40,000 (course)
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith – [MGKV], VaranasiVaranasiINR 10,100 (course)
GLA University, MathuraMathuraINR 67,500 (course)
Khalsa College, AmritsarAmritsarINR 30,000 (course)
Banaras Hindu University – [BHU], VaranasiVaranasiINR 6,627 (course)
KR Mangalam University, GurgaonGurgaonINR 65,000 (course)
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University – [RTMNU], NagpurNagpurINR 30,833 (course)

Eligibility for Ph.D. in Botany

As a minimum criterion of eligibility, aspiring candidates need to meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

  • Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, completed from a recognized institute/university.
  • A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50 % for SC/ST candidates) or equivalent grade at the level of post-graduation.
  • At least 5 years of teaching/ industry/ administrative/ professional experience at a senior level.

 Ph.D. in Botany: Admission Process

Admission to the course in India is made on the basis of the candidateโ€™s performance in a relevant written test and/or a round of Personal Interview and/or performance in a relevant qualifying examination. Candidates are shortlisted based on both academic record and performance in a relevant nation-wide screening test, such as:

  • CSIR NET- which is conducted twice a year. Qualifying candidates can apply for government-funded scholarship to pursue the course.
  • DBT- which is a national-level entrance examination conducted for supporting shortlisted candidates in pursuing advanced research work in the discipline.
  • UGC NET- also conducted for supporting shortlisted candidates in pursuing advanced research work in the discipline.

Latest Ph.D. (Botany) Admission Alert

  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Admission 2021: Entrance Exam, Admission Form, Last Date 
  • Lovely Professional University (LPU) Admission 2021: Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Process, Application Form
  • AIIMS Delhi Admission 2021: Dates, Courses, Cutoff, Fees, Eligibility, Application form
  • SRM University Delhi NCR Sonepat Admission 2021: Courses, Eligibility, Application form, Last Date
  • SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus (SRM University) Chennai Admission 2021: Eligibility, B.Tech, Application form
  • Kalinga University Admission 2021: Courses, Fees, Registration, Eligibility Scholarship

Ph.D. in Botany: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester-wise breakup of the courseโ€™s syllabus is tabulated here.

Semester ISemester II
Research MethodologyTaxonomy, Biodiversity & Conservation
Research ProposalRecent advances in Ecology
Recent advances in Plant PhysiologyTrends in Biotechnology
Recent advances in Mycology and Plant Pathology

Ph.D. in Botany: Career Prospects

For successful Botanies, careers opportunities abound in the discipline, in capacities such as Soil and Plant Scientist, Biophysicist and Biochemist, Biological Technician, Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Mycologist, Plant Breeder, and Horticulturist.

Botany involves observation and also management of fossils, living plants, and their relationship with nature. Specializations in the discipline include Taxonomy, Physiology, and anatomy of plants and their life processes.

Some of the popular professional avenues open to such postgraduates are listed below with the corresponding job descriptions and salaries offered for the respective positions.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Botany

Job PositionJob DescriptionAverage Annual Pay Scale in INR
TaxonomistTaxonomists research about, and sub-divide types of plants into classifications, subsequent to observing their species and grouping them based on similitudes.4,80,000
AgronomistAgronomist are soil and plant researchers who work to enhance the yield of field crops like grain and cotton. They develop techniques that help farmers in creating more yield and avoiding harvest-failures.6,45,000
EcologistEcologists observe and research on plantsโ€™ relationship and behavior with the soil and with other living beings. They research on the biological categories of plants with the objective of explaining their life phenomena.6,70,000
MycologistCustomarily, Mycologists consider growth patterns and how harming living beings harms vegetation. Mycologists are a kind of Microbiologists that observe and analyze microscopic organisms and green growth in relation to microorganisms.6,60,000
Plant BreederPlant Breeders apply customary hybridizing and crossbreeding methods, instead of hereditary building, to enhance plants for human use, with focus on natureโ€™s conservation. Plant Breeders are a type of Plant Geneticists, and Geneticists work directly in the science of plant genomes.5,50,000

what can you do with a phd in botany

There are many careers you can purse with a major in botany; when you enter the workforce, you could be performing tasks that range from researching plant genes, to lobbying government for more stringent pollution controls.

A Bachelorโ€™s degree in Botany is the minimum requirement for many relevant careers in this field. With it, you can pursue positions such as Environmental Technician and Conservation Officer.

But youโ€™re not just limited to careers in the field either. Because of the transferable skills youโ€™ll gain, such as excellent observational and analytical skills, youโ€™ll make a competent employee in almost any industry!

Pursuing a Graduate Degree

With a graduate degree in botany, even more career options open up, such as becoming a Cell Biologist or a University Professor. Most college and university research and teaching positions in botany require a doctoral degree.

Fortunately, a bachelorโ€™s degree in Botany is a great pre-requisite for graduate school in botany, as well as a wide variety of other fields, such as biology, medicine, law, business administration, pharmacy and dentistry. This makes botany an excellent option if youโ€™re considering a career in any of these areas.

This careers guide was written to show you that with a degree in botany, there are virtual no limits on the type of career you can pursue! So, read on below to find out more about what your options are, and what you’ll need to pursue them!

Why Botany is Important

The research conducted by academics and professionals in this field has contributed greatly to our understanding of various plants, their processes, the ecosystems they exist within, and their relationship with humans and animals.

For example, the application of what we learn from studying botany can be applied for purposes such as:

โ€ข Preserving our natural resources

โ€ข Producing antibiotics for animals and humans from plants

โ€ข Utilizing plants as a fuel source

โ€ข Increasing our air and water quality

โ€ข Furthering knowledge relating to the balancing of ecosystems

โ€ข Increasing our knowledge of the impact of climate change

Careers Relevant to a Botany Degree

A degree in botany serves as an excellent foundation for careers both in and out of science. It can however, be of particular benefit to you if youโ€™re interested in pursuing any of the following careers:

โ€ข Agricultural Chemist

โ€ข Agricultural Consultant

โ€ข Agrologist

โ€ข Biologist

โ€ข Biostatistician

โ€ข Blogger

โ€ข Botanical Field Technician

โ€ข Botanist

โ€ข Cell Biologist

โ€ข Conservation Officer

โ€ข Entrepreneur

โ€ข Environmental Analyst

โ€ข Environmental Education Assistant

โ€ข Environmental Education Officer

โ€ข Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist

โ€ข Environmental Lawyer

โ€ข Environmental Policy Officer

โ€ข Environmental Technician

โ€ข Florist

โ€ข Forest Manager

โ€ข Forest Technician

โ€ข Forestry Consultant

โ€ข Global Warming Advocate

โ€ข Greenhouse Operator

โ€ข Horticulturalist

โ€ข International Aid Worker

โ€ข Laboratory Manager

โ€ข Land Manager

โ€ข Market Gardener

โ€ข Museum Curator

โ€ข Mycologist

โ€ข Natural Resources Manager

โ€ข Natural Resources Planner

โ€ข Naturalist

โ€ข Nursery Operator

โ€ข Plant Geneticist

โ€ข Range Manager

โ€ข Research Assistant

โ€ข Soil Conservationist

โ€ข Soil Scientist

โ€ข University Professor

โ€ข Wildlife Manager

Please Note: Some of the above listed careers require additional education, training and/or experience. Click on careers that are of interest to you to find out more about the qualifications youโ€™ll need.

Types of Employers in the Field

There are many employers, representing many different sectors of industry that are interested in the skills and knowledge of botany majors. Below is an example of the types of employers with which you can find jobs that are directly related to your degree:

โ€ข Agricultural research agencies/firms

โ€ข Biological photography companies

โ€ข Biological supply companies

โ€ข Biotechnology firms

โ€ข Botanical gardens and arboretums

โ€ข Colleges, universities, and plant research centers

โ€ข Ecological consulting companies

โ€ข Environmental and biotechnical regulatory agencies

โ€ข Environmental impact research and assessment organizations

โ€ข Federal biological/botanical agencies

โ€ข Federal department of agriculture

โ€ข Fruit Growers

โ€ข Greenhouses

โ€ข Landscape management and design companies

โ€ข Marine/freshwater biological organizations

โ€ข Museums and conservatories

โ€ข National, state/provincial parks

โ€ข Petrochemical, chemical, and lumber and paper companies

โ€ข Pharmaceutical firms

โ€ข Schools (teacher)

โ€ข Science journals

Perks of Careers in Botany

Like many fields, a career related to the field of botany has its own unique set of perks and selling points. These are the kind of points that can be the difference between dreading your alarm clock and hating your working life, to truly enjoying what you do and looking forward to work:

โ€ข A career in this field may take you to foreign lands, and perhaps even lands few people have explored.

โ€ข Botany careers may allow you to work, and possibly even live, outdoors.

โ€ข Many people with a true passion for plants and horticulture find a career in botany immensely enjoyable.

โ€ข It can be quite fulfilling to work in a career that is enjoyable and does good for society.

โ€ข Many professionals in this field get to work with some of the most advanced technology available.

โ€ข There are a number of different specialties and career opportunities from which you can choose, based on your interests and skills.

Transferrable Skills You Can Gain as a Student

As a botany graduate, your career options arenโ€™t just limited to scientific professions. Because of the transferable skills you can gain, youโ€™ll make a competent employee in almost any industry, and in virtually any profession. For example, you could end up working as anything from a realtor to a marketing manager or even an accountant.

The transferable skills you can gain as a student of botany include:

โ€ข Analytical skills

โ€ข Numeracy and math

โ€ข Preparing reports

โ€ข Presentation skills

โ€ข Time management

โ€ข Problem solving and logical thinking

โ€ข Skills with various computer applications and technology

โ€ข Planning skills

โ€ข Strong observational skills

So, if youโ€™re considering a job outside of science, a botany degree may not โ€˜get you a jobโ€™ per se, but it does provide you with a skill set that makes you a valuable asset for any organization.

Success Tip: Be aware that in a cover letter or an interview, you should be prepared to explain that, by outlining how your skills are a great fit for the organization.

Average Salary Level of Graduates

The average salary you could earn with a botany degree varies based on a wide variety of factors, such as:

โ€ข The type, size, and budget of your employer

โ€ข The discretion of your employer

โ€ข Your level of education and experience

โ€ข Your level of certification (if applicable)

โ€ข The region in which you work 

โ€ข How much overtime you are able to work (if applicable)

โ€ข The amount of responsibility inherent in your position

โ€ข Your level of experience (people with several years worth of experience can often earn substantially in their profession more than whatโ€™s listed below)

The salary you could earn is also highly dependent on the career field you enter into. Below is an overview of the average earnings of people in a few career fields that are relevant to a degree in botany. 

Please Note: The salary information listed below is meant only to serve as a guideline. In many cases, workers in these fields can earn a much lower, or much higher, salary than is stated below. 

Agricultural Chemist

Canada: $52,195 (indeed – โ€œChemistsโ€)

United States: $62,652 (indeed โ€œAgricultural Chemists)

Agrologist

Canada: $65,334 (PayScale)

United States: $62,910 (BLS)

Biologist

Canada: $63,381 (indeed)

United States: $69,960 (BLS)

Biostatistician

Canada: $69,308 (PayScale)

United States: $89,472 (indeed)

Botanical Field Technician

Canada: $59,480 (indeed)

United States: $43,800 (BLS)

Botanist

(See โ€œBiologistโ€)

Cell Biologist

Canada: N/A

United States: $69,960 (BLS)

Conservation Officer

Canada: $51,049 (PayScale)

United States: $58,570 (BLS)

Environmental Analyst

Canada: $60,000 (PayScale)

United States: $50,909 (PayScale)

Environmental Education Assistant

Canada: $40,100 (PayScale)

United States: $25,040 (indeed)

Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist

Canada: $58,910 (PayScale)

United States: $56,399 (indeed)

Environmental Lawyer

Canada: N/A

United States: $122,531 (indeed)

Environmental Policy Officer

Canada: $57,033 (PayScale)

United States: $61,700 (BLS)

Environmental Technician

Canada: $40,620 (indeed)

United States: $41,097 (indeed)

Florist

Canada: $30,160 (PayScale)

United States: $26,350 (BLS)

Forest Manager

Canada: $80,000 (PayScale)

United States: $60,120 (BLS)

Forest Technician

Canada: $42,000 (PayScale)

United States: $50,000 (PayScale)

Horticulturalist

Canada: $33,734 (Glassdoor)

United States: $38,480 (Glassdoor)

Laboratory Manager

Canada: $63,590 (PayScale)

United States: $60,174 (indeed)

Land Manager

Canada: N/A

United States: $84,469 (indeed)

Museum Curator

Canada: $72,973 (Glassdoor)

United States: $56,659 (Glassdoor)

Mycologist

Canada: $80,695 (indeed)

United States: $69,960 (BLS)

Natural Resources Manager

Canada: $65,875 (indeed)

United States: $79,500 (PayScale)

Naturalist

Canada: $63,381 (indeed)

United States: $69,960 (BLS)

Nursery Operator

Canada: N/A

United States: $45,530 (PayScale)

Plant Geneticist

Canada:$63,000 (PayScale)

United States: $49,397 (PayScale)

Research Assistant

Canada: $32,796 (Glassdoor)

United Sates: $26,560 (BLS)

Soil Conservationist

Canada: $75,000 (PayScale)

United States: $69,170 (BLS)

University Professor

Canada: $157,610 (indeed)

United Sates: $76,000 (BLS)

Wildlife Manager

Canada: N/A

United States: $60,272 (PayScale)

The name in brackets next to the salary data for each region is the sources from which the data was obtained. Please note, the salary data that is sourced from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) represents median salary figures, rather than average salary figures.

Salary Data Reference Information

PayScale: Private organization owned by PayScale Incorporated (payscale.com). For an overview of their salary survey methodology, please visit here.

BLS: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), sponsored by the federal government of the United States of America. For details regarding their salary survey methodology, please visit here.

Glassdoor: indeed is a private organization owned by Glassdoor incorporated (glassdoor.com). For an overview of their salary survey methodology, please visit here.

FIND A SCHOOL >

What Level of Education Should I Pursue?

If youโ€™re interested in working in a career thatโ€™s directly related to this degree, you need to have an awareness of what level of education you will need to pursue certain types of careers. Below is an overview of what type of positions undergraduate and graduate degrees can qualify you for:

โ€ข Bachelor’s Degree: Qualifies you for laboratory or technical assistant positions in education, industry, government, museums, parks, and botanical gardens.

โ€ข Master’s Degree: Qualifies you for many research, consulting, teaching and administrative positions.

โ€ข Ph.D.: Is required for advanced research, consulting, administrative and teaching positions.

High School Preparation for Careers in This Field

If youโ€™re a high school student whoโ€™s interested in a career in botany, it’s highly recommended that you take certain courses, and become involved with certain activities in order to get a head start on developing a well-rounded foundation for your university education and future career.

Coursework: Pursuing coursework such as chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology and English can give you a great head start to developing an academic foundation for university level botany courses. It is also valuable for future botany careers to take course in social sciences, as many professionals working in the field of botany are involved in public affairs, both at the community and national level.

Part Time Jobs and Internships: Getting a part time job or landing an internship position related to botany or biology can also be great experience for botany careers. Working in plant nurseries, laboratories, farms, orchards and greenhouses can give you an introduction of what itโ€™s like to work in career fields related to botany.

Research Universities: Consider contacting schools you may be interested in attending that offer botany degree programs. Ask the Office of Admissions for information that describes entrance requirements, facilities, tuition costs, courses and benefits of attending their school. Also perform research on potential botany and general scholarships and other forms of financial aid you can apply for.

Meet Botanists and Other Botany Professionals: Contact the schools you are interested in attending and ask to meet with some of their faculty botanists. This will give you a chance to discuss your career ambitions, and they may be able to advise you on how best to realize them. The Botanical Society of America may also be able to put you in touch with botanists.

Botany Scholarships

If youโ€™re a botany student looking for help in paying for school, then youโ€™re in luck! Our Botany Scholarships page has scholarships that are specific to this field of study, as well as those that are open to any field of study.

Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any and all scholarships for which you qualify, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships in Canada and the United States that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants.

Professional Associations

To find out more about careers directly related to your degree, consult the following professional association websites. They offer career-related information, and many have opportunities for professional coursework, student membership, as well as job placement and mentoring opportunities.

Canada

Canadian Association for Conservation

Canadian Botanical Association

Canadian Horticulture Council

Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance

Ontario Institute of Agrologists

United States

American Horticultural Society

American Society for Horticultural Science

Botanical Society of America

Natural Resources Defence Council


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