Botany and Plant biotechnology
Plants are the life-givers on earth. As primary producers, they are at the base of all food chains; they produce the oxygen that we breathe; they give mankind everything from timber, medicine, spices, perfumes and oils to flowers. Can we even think of an ecosystem without plants?
These are just some of the reasons why Botany holds a unique position among all sciences. The knowledge of a man will not be complete without the knowledge about trees. Botany enables one to learn about phenomena like the greenhouse effect and environmental pollution and how to create an entire plant from a cell that is not even visible to the human eye.
Apart from all these, we Sri Lankans are lucky enough not only to possess a rich biodiversity, but also to inherit an enchanting virgin rain forest the Sinharaja, which makes Botany a truly special field to us.
Careers in Botany
One of the good things about plant science is the availability of a number of different specialties and career opportunities that you can choose. This diversity allows people with different backgrounds, aptitudes, and interests to find satisfying careers in Plant biology. More than many other scientific fields, Botany continues to provide opportunities for women as well as men.
If you enjoy an occupation linked with
- outdoor activities: a cultivator, gardener, ecologist, conservationist, forester or plant explorer. microscopic organisms:
- microbiologist, virologist or mycologist. artistic side of life: ornamental horticulturists, floriculturist and landscape designer. biotechnology:
- molecular biologist, tissue culturists working with people: school teacher, public servant, field officer, farmer, curator.
If you wish to pursue higher studies in the field of Botany, many opportunities are available in Sri Lanka and overseas. Alternatively a degree in botany provides a solid scientific foundation to make you more employable in other fields as well, should you later decide not to be a botanist.