We are surrounded by nature, and plants play no small role in its composition. The human food chain starts with plants, also called autotrophs.
It is no surprise that humans have dedicated years of their lives studying this producer of energy and healing power.
People who specialize in the scientific study of plants are called botanists. Botany is a branch of science that studies plants’ physiology, anatomy (structure), genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance.
History of botany
Human interest in the study of plants dates as far back as the stone age. According to the Harvard University Faculty of Art and Sciences, the interest of the early men in botany may have been to gather knowledge about the healing power of plants and those to avoid eating.
This is evident in the early classification of plants as edible and inedible. There is evidence of written manuals on herbs in medicine from 3000 BC in Mesopotamian and China.
Likewise, the Egyptians also wrote about the medicinal uses of plants. However, the earliest written botanical information today is traced to the Greeks.
A Greek philosopher, Theophrastus, who first studied with Plato and then became a disciple of Aristotle, is considered by some as the father of botany.
What is the job of a botanist?
The job of a botanist exceeds studying the plant alone. A botanist studies the plant in relation to other organisms and the environment.
A botanist may specialize in identifying the different species of a particular plant. Another may be interested in how a plant grows under different conditions.
Overall, a botanist can specialize in either pure botany or applied botany.
The steps to become a botanist
High school education
There are specific courses that one must take in high school to graduate. It is possible to be intentional with the choice of selected courses such that they would be the ones that prepare for a career in botany.
In addition to the required courses, subjects like chemistry, physics, biology, and other science-related courses are a good starting point for a career in botany.
Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is usually required to work as a botanist. There are lots of colleges and universities offering admission to botany.
Some might not offer botany as a major but has courses related to it, such as ecology, biology, plant science, and environmental science.
Master’s degree
A Master’s degree offers the opportunity to specialize in botany. Someone with a master’s degree holder has more job opportunities and earns higher pay than a typical bachelor’s degree.
Some of the areas of specialization include;
- Biotechnology
- Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement
- Global Plant Health
- Bioinformatics
- Plant Pathology
- Ethnobotany
- Species Identification and Survey Skills
- Biological Recording and Ecological Monitoring
- Food Systems and Management
- Sustainability Science
Internship and work experience
Internships are opportunities to gain work experience and an edge against others in the future when applying for a job.
No internship experience is irrelevant. It can be started in high school by joining a lab. Talking to lecturers and professors in college or university can also help to secure an internship in a botany-related establishment.
Skills required to become a great botanist
Great botanists possess skills beyond their education. Anyone interested in becoming a botany should possess or learn these skills;
Research and analysis
Research is one of the essential jobs a botanist is required to handle efficiently. A botanist may need to observe the impact of the environment on the growth of a plant, for instance, or need to check the cause of a plant’s disease.
Scientific research needs to be unbiased. All variables are expected to be considered to be able to deduce the actual development and not report guesses.
Critical evaluation
Botanists are scientists. Scientists are reputed for being able to think outside of the box and not limit themselves to typical beliefs.
This is how humans discovered the earth is not flat but oval. Thinking beyond what is taught in school or read about is a skill required to be a successful botanist.
Communication
Botanists who specialize in applied botany must be able to communicate their vision and research progress in simple terms non-botanists can understand.
The ability to efficiently use this skill might be the major determining factor for a board to approve funds for a research project.
Writing
It is important to document research and observation for comprehensive scientific reports.
A botanist manager, for example, might be required by the management to write formal reports to update on a research project’s progress.
Other skills a botanist should possess include;
- Curiosity
- Time management
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Logical thinking
- Team player