The department has strong programs in basic plant cell biology, responses of plants to environmental stresses, plant ecology, genetics, genomics, and evolution. These strengths in basic research complement applied research programs that use the traditional tools of plant science and the new technologies of genomics to meet the evolving needs of California's $27 billion agricultural industry. Development of new varieties and crop management strategies help address the challenges of climate change and new pest and disease.

Specialisations include:

• Plant Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology

• Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology

• Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics

• Plant Pathology, Nematology and Pest Management

A program of specialization is chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Courses prerequisite to the major, courses that satisfy major requirements, and the 16 units (for B.S. degree) related to the major must be taken for letter grades. Students may elect to take other courses on a Satisfactory/No Credit basis.