Botanists, or Plant Biologists, study all forms of plant life, including fungi and algae, in the laboratory or in their natural environment. They work for a wide range of industries including agriculture, environmental conservation, forestry, pharmaceuticals and food science.

You could specialise in:

• The study of specific plant groups

• Plant anatomy and physiology

• Biochemistry

• Molecular biology

• Genetics

• Ecology

• Marine botany

• Paleobotany (study of fossilised plant remains)

• Taxonomy (the identification and classification of plants)

You could work in a wide range of industries including agriculture, conservation, forestry, pharmaceuticals and food science. Your role would vary depending on the particular job.

You could:

• Identify, classify, record and monitor plant species

• Do ecological surveys and environmental impact assessments

• Manage a plant collection, for example, at a botanic gardens

• Search for new species

• Study the effects of pollution or new buildings on plant life

• Identify and purify chemicals produced by plants so they can be used in products such as drugs, food, fabrics, solvents and building materials

• You would present research results in academic journals and at conferences. You might also teach at a university or train and supervise junior staff and volunteers

Taken from my world of work.

Useful subjects at Level 3

Maths (required by most courses)

Science subjects, biology preferred (required for most courses)

English

Geography

University

You need a degree in plant science or a biology-related subject. Relevant degree subjects include:

• Botany

• Plant biology

• Plant Science

• Environmental science

• Ecology