Research in Botany and Plant Science in Canada
Research opportunities for students studying Botany and Plant Science.
| University Programs in Canada | Botany and Plant Science |
Botany and Plant Science Research Areas and Disciplines | |
Botanists are involved in a wide array of research. Plants are convenient organisms for studying fundamental life processes due to their lifecycle and ease of growing. For example, maize is being used to study transposons, which can be used to aid in our understanding of human genetics and "junk DNA".
Plants are an important source of food, and as such, there is always research going on to improve crop yield (see article on agricultural science and horticulture). As well, there are continual studies into weed control, plant breeding, and the industrial production of plant-derived biochemicals such as anti-cancer drugs.
Plants offer a continual source of novel drugs. Studies are underway to understand how plant-derived recreational drugs such as nicotine and caffeine affect the human nervous system, how to reduce addiction, and also ways to improve commercial yields. As well, plants offer a source of cures for various diseases; new plants are being continually discovered and their potential drug properties analyzed.
The textile industry and botanists are working together on a variety of projects. For example, cotton growers are working on varieties of cotton that require less water, in an attempt to reduce this crop's environmental footprint. Alternatives are also being studied such as hemp and paper.
Botanists are also working with the auto industry to develop alternatives to petroleum, using crops with a high sugar or oil content such as sugarcane or soy. They are also working with biotechnologists to improve crop yield as well as less maintenance.
Botanists also work with palynologists and paleontologists to analyze fossil pollen, which can be used to determine fossil environments and climates, which can be used to help understanding of current climate change. As well, climatologists are also working with botanists to study lichens which are good pollution indicators.
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Study and Work in Botany and Plant Science in Canada
Study Botany and Plant Science in Canada
What is Botany and Plant Science? Discover similiar and related programs and universities in Canada offering Botany and Plant Science degrees.
Botany and Plant Science Admission Requirements
The prerequisites required to become accepted to an undergraduate program in Botany and Plant Science.
Graduate Botany and Plant Science Admission Requirements
The prerequisites required to become accepted to a graduate and/or postgraduate PhD program in Botany and Plant Science.
What Botany and Plant Science Students Learn
Topics, subjects and concepts that are covered and overall approach or focus taken for studying Botany and Plant Science.
Career and Employment Opportunities in Botany and Plant Science
Professions, occupations and careers available to graduates in Botany and Plant Science and links to relevant employment resources.
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