Undergraduate Program
Contact the current PCMB Undergraduate AdvisorDr. David Somers
or
phone: 614-292-2551
Description of PCMB Major [PDF]
Overview
Plant biology has traditionally focused on the study of plant life to understand how plants survive, grow, develop and flourish as well as the functions they perform, how they reproduce and have evolved, where they fit in the ecosystem, and the many ways that humans use them, such as for food, fiber, fuel, and medicines. As human population growth places increasing demands on agriculture and plant products, the need for basic knowledge of plant processes and the genetic manipulation of those processes has increased. One of the many challenges for our future is to deepen our knowledge and exploit new technologies to create and enhance plant products to be used by humans in an environmentally compatible way.
Plant
biology at The Ohio State University has responded to these and other
challenges to become a leadinges player in the modern revolution
in molecular biology. To this end, our Department and undergraduate
major were renamed to Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology (PCMB)
in 2004. Undergraduate students are invited to work with our faculty
to study plants from the molecular level to the cellular and whole
plant level, including development and physiology. PCMB faculty at
Ohio State teach and carry out research in many areas, including
the regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis, signal transduction
and development, genomics, cell biology, metabolism and bioenergetics,
molecular responses to biotic and abiotic stress, circadian rhythms,
and plant biotechnology.
Pursuing Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology at Ohio State
PCMB majors should have a background in English,
Math, Chemistry, and Physics as well as Biology when they enter Ohio
State. Students should have reasonable skill in writing as well as
computer literacy.
Many plant biologists were first attracted to their research specialty by their experience in science fairs and similar competitive events. High school students should watch for opportunities to attend workshops at colleges and universities, or to assist professors with their research.
PCMB Requirements
Freshmen should begin planning their course of study with an adviser in the department as soon as they enter the university. Most begin by completing at least 50 credit hours of prerequisites, including general biology, general and organic chemistry, calculus and two quarters of physics. In most cases there are honors sections of these courses for qualifying students. The exact number of credits and specific prerequisites will depend in part on the quality of high school preparation. As a result of testing, a student might be placed into math or science courses at higher levels and thus move more rapidly into the PCMB courses.
Having completed the required supportive courses, students, in consultation with their faculty advisers, plan a major tailored to their particular background and interests. The Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology major is composed of a minimum of 40 credit hours in biological sciences at the 200 level or above. A core curriculum is required, consisting of General Plant Biology, Introductory Biochemistry and General Genetics. The major also requires laboratory experience. Additional electives should total at least 25 credit hours in PCMB courses as well as 15 other credits chosen from electives in approved courses from other departments. Choose electives that you are interested in. Talk to other students, the undergraduate adviser and to PCMB faculty to find out which courses are for you as well as those that are recommended for your particular goals. A student planning to enter graduate school to study plant molecular biology would probably select a different set of courses than a student planning to work in a biotechnology laboratory. Majors are urged to consult Department advisers often as they move through the program to clarify their objectives and refine their course selections and research plans.
Get your hands “dirty” – check out lab research
No
other learning experience can match the value of a “hands-on” research
project. PCMB students are encouraged to take advantage of meaningful
research opportunities tailored to undergraduates. Lab-based work
can stimulate curiosity and analytic skills, provide experiential
learning that enhances understanding of course-based material, and
offer direct experience that helps in deciding on future paths. To
learn more about different opportunities and research programs, consult
with the undergraduate adviser and with the PCMB faculty.
Honors and Scholars Programs
The Honors Program in the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences offers opportunities to pursue challenging and stimulating academic programs. Honors students in Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology are especially encouraged to meet with their faculty adviser on a regular basis to develop an enhanced curriculum that includes honors courses and seminars, upper-division courses, and a collaborative research experience.
The Ohio State Scholars Programs feature residential communities for students who share academic interests and career goals. The Biological Sciences Scholars Program emphasizes hands-on research whereas the Health Sciences Scholars Program prepares students for careers in health sciences and health care.
Career Prospects in Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology
Students with a bachelor's degree in PCMB may find job opportunities as laboratory technicians in industrial laboratories and academic environments. Potential employers include academic institutions, government agencies, and pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology companies.
An undergraduate major in Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology provides excellent preparation for graduate study in biology and agriculture. An MS or a PhD can lead to attractive positions in industry and academia. Many plant biologists teach and conduct research at colleges and universities after obtaining a PhD degree. Most PhD students, as part of their training, serve as research and teaching assistants and thereby earn a large part of their living and educational expenses while they are in graduate school.
A
BS in PCMB combined with other courses can provide additional career
options such as in journalism, scientific writing, pharmaceuticals,
medicine, health care, biotechnology law, and education.
Careers based in business or industry often yield higher salaries
than in educational or governmental institutions. Chemical and biotechnology
companies are a major source of employment for those with a background
in plant cellular and molecular biology.
For more information about careers, call or write
the Arts and Sciences Career Services Office:
48 Townshend Hall | 1885 Neil Avenue | Columbus, Ohio 43210
| 614.292.7055
Additional career information is available from the American Society of Plant Biologist’s web site.
