Introduction to the Major
The Genetics and Plant Biology major is a broad based program emphasizing the study of plants from the molecular and genetic to organismal levels. The lower division coursework provides students with a foundation in biological and physical sciences as preparation for advanced study at the upper division level and in their concentration. The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology provides a rich and supportive environment for learning, and coursework from the department can be used as a foundation for applications to medical school.
Major Concentrations
Students in the Genetics and Plant Biology major have the opportunity to pursue one of four concentrations through their elective coursework: (1) biotechnology and bioenergy, (2) plant diversity and evolution, (3) plant genetics, genomes, or (4) bioinformatics, and plant microbe interactions.
Amplify Your Major
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Get involved in an undergraduate student group such as Microbial Sciences Association or Planty Social
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Apply for a research position through the SPUR program and present at a college poster session
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Fund travel for academic conferences or research with a Rausser College Travel Grant
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Carry out a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor through the Rausser College Honors program
First Year
Explore Your Major
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Meet with your college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
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Review major and college requirements
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Talk to the college’s peer advisors about life in the major.
Connect and Build Community
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Take advantage of the college’s Student Resource Center
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Join a student group such as Microbial Sciences Association or Planty Social
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Get 1:1 mentoring from graduate students with Berkeley Connect.
Discover Your Passions
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Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or student-run DeCal course
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Apply for a research position through SPUR.
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Learn about research opportunities for Rausser College students.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
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Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center
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Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
- Develop a plan for getting career ready.
- Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail.
- Check out the Genetics and Plant Biology Career Snapshot.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
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Complete lower division prerequisites and declare the major
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Complement your major with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor
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Review college guidelines for study abroad.
Connect and Build Community
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Start attending undergraduate events in the college.
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Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
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Connect with a community of biology students in the Biology Scholars Program.
Discover Your Passions
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Enroll in a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course
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Assist faculty in their research through URAP
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Check out research by your peers at a college poster session.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Contribute to a community organization with an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course
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Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program
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Check out the Moorea program for fieldwork opportunities abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Take advantage of career and pre-health advising for Rausser College students.
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Explore career fields through the Career Connections Series or a winter externship
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Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
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Plan internships and attend internship fairs.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
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Focus elective courses on a concentration
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Explore approved electives from outside departments for a more interdisciplinary experience, or build an emphasis by taking interrelated classes.
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Ask your college advisor about the Rausser College Honors program.
Connect and Build Community
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Help other students as a Rausser College Peer Advisor
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Become a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and welcome new students to UC Berkeley.
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Seek mentorship from your professors, faculty, and graduate student instructors.
Discover Your Passions
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Apply for a Rausser College Travel Grant to fund travel for academic conferences or research.
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Find research and funding opportunities in the OURS database, SPUR, or URAP
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Consider applying to the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Look into the Career Center’s list of health volunteer opportunities.
- Explore science and policy in Washington DC with UCDC or Cal in the Capital
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Conduct informational interviews
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Discuss graduate school options with advisors and professors.
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Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
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Attend career and graduate school fairs such as the STEM Career & Internship Fair.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
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Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Complete any “bucket list” courses.
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Finish remaining major, college, and campus requirements.
Connect and Build Community
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Join a professional association related to your interests.
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Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
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Teach your own DeCal course
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Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study.
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Present your research at a college poster session or submit it to the Berkeley Scientific Journal.
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Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State
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Attend a conference such as the Clinton Global Initiative: University Conference. Look into travel grants from the college and ASUC.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Utilize job board tools in your job search.
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Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
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Attend Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting
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Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
Jobs and Employers
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Analyst, Cornerstone Research
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Lab Tech, Foriphyte
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Research Asst., LBNL
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Research Assoc., Innovative Genomics Inst.
Graduate Programs
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Biochemistry, PhD
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Horticultural Science, Masters
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Molecular Biology, PhD
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Plant Biology, PhD
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Soil Science & Agronomy, Masters
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit nature.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
The Undergraduate Advisors for all Rausser College majors are located in the Office of Instruction and Student Affairs in 260 Mulford Hall.
Visit nature.berkeley.edu/advising/meet-rausser-advisors for detailed office hours and appointment booking links. You may email general advising questions to pmb.ugrad@berkeley.edu
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
