Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

The study of plant biology, also known as botany, is the scientific exploration of plant life in all its forms. It encompasses the structure, growth, reproduction, physiology, genetics, ecology, and evolution of plants, including algae, mosses, ferns, flowering plants, and conifers. Botany is a diverse field that includes several subdisciplines such as plant physiology, which focuses on how plants function; plant ecology, which examines interactions between plants and their environments; plant genetics, which studies heredity and gene expression; and plant pathology, which investigates plant diseases.

Research: Conducting research; collecting data and analyzing finding; testing materials and products to determine potential concerns, reactions and interactions.

Communication: Present technical and non-technical findings in reports and presentations; verbal and public speaking communication skills; write reasoned and clear reports.

Organization and attention to detail: Independent worker, ability to meet deadlines; Inspect specimens; demonstrate precision and accuracy in data collection and observation; data, time and resource management.

Analytical and critical thinking: Gather, assess, evaluate, interpret and then communicate scientific data; knowledge of the structure and biological function of the molecules in living organisms; understanding of how to manipulate and alter genetic information.

Literature Review: Ability to conduct comprehensive reviews of existing academic and scientific literature to identify gaps or support hypotheses.

Experimental Design: Skilled in planning and designing experiments to test specific variables or hypotheses.

Ethical Compliance: Knowledge of ethical standards in data collection, especially with human or animal subject.

Statistical Analysis: Proficient in using statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel) to analyze complex data sets.

Data Visualization: Ability to present complex data in charts, graphs, or other visual formats to enhance understanding.

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

Biochemistry

Biological Sciences

Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology

Environmental Science

Geology

Zoology

• Alberta Women's Science Network (AWSN)
• Agri-food Innovation Council
• American Society of Plant Biologists
• Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
• BIOTECanada
• Canadian Association of Science Centres
• Canadian Society of Plant Biologists
• International Association of Plant Biotechnology
• International Organizations for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IOBB)
• Plant Science Centre
• The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Faculty Contact

Undergraduate Science Centre 
Science B 149 (SB 149)
T: 403.220.8600
E: science.advising@ucalgary.ca
W: science.ucalgary.ca

Clubs on Campus 

Biology Students' Association

Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)

Centre for Career & Personal Development
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/career-personal-development