Botany

Introduction

Botany is a discipline of the Biological Sciences and specifically the Science of Plant Life. The field of Botany covers a wide range of scientific disciplines including structure, growth, reproduction, physiology, metabolism, development, diseases, chemical properties, classification and evolutionary relationships among the taxonomic groups of plants. Botany began with early human efforts to identify edible, medicinal and poisonous plants, making it one of the oldest branches of science. The study of plants is vital because they are a fundamental part of life on earth, and generate the oxygen and food that allow humans and other organisms to exist. India is rich in Biodiversity of plants and other biological organisms. It is a source of our food, medicine and many other requirements of life. Biodiversity is one of the important areas to be studied and understood.

In order to cater to this need, the Botany Department of St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) offers the M.Sc. degree in Botany under its Autonomous system which allows us to design our own syllabi and our own evaluation system. The degree is awarded by the University of Mumbai.

Eligibility Criteria

A candidate for being eligible for admission to the M.Sc. Degree in Botany should have passed the B.Sc. (Three year integrated course) degree examination of the University of Mumbai with at least seven units (i.e. minimum required for majoring in a subject) in Botany or B.Sc. Botany from any other University recognized as equivalent thereto.

For Eligibility / Transfer / Migration Certificates: (Refer: PG Admission overview)

List of Courses / Specializations

St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Mumbai offers the M.Sc. Degree in Botany in one specialization, viz., Angiosperm Taxonomy.

Schemes of Evaluation (for each Course)

· End Semester Exam 60% + Internal Assessment 40%.

· A Research Project in the Semester IV will be a compulsory requirement.

Facilities in the Department

The Botany Department of St. Xavier’s College is the only department in the entire University of Mumbai having the Blatter Herbarium with its collection of 200,000 herbarium specimens which includes a major collection of Angiosperm. In addition it also holds a collection of algae, fungi and Gymnosperms. The Herbarium also has a well-stocked attached library having 5000 volumes of Angiosperm Taxonomy related books, and various national and international research journals. The department also offers the Ph.D. Programme in Angiosperm Taxonomy. We have two newly developed, well equipped, multimedia enabled dedicated postgraduate labs for the M.Sc. Programme. A central Instrumentation facility (CIF Lab) provides access to a number of advanced and newly acquired instruments required for practicals.

Other Activities of this Programme

The Course is aimed at training the PG students for research. Students have to give regular seminars in the subject. Field trips accompanied by qualified and experienced teachers along with Ph.D. students.