Botanist

A botanist studies and researches various aspects of living and fossil plants. Botanists specialize in different career fields, each one with its own specific sub-disciplines, namely:

Plant taxonomy

Ethnobotany

Palynology

Palaeobotany

Plant physiology

Mycology

Plant pathology

Plant genetics

Weed science

Job Characteristics

• Researching all the plants traditionally used for food and medicine.



• Conducting field and laboratory experiments concerning plants, by identifying and classifying plant specimens.



• Studying the origin, development, chemical and physical characters, structure and composition of plants and their reproductive processes.



• Studying and conducting experiments concerning the life processes and functions of plant organs, tissues, cells, etc., under normal and abnormal or exceptional conditions.



• Studying and conducting experiments concerning the nature, causes and development of plant disorders.



• Studying inter-relationships of plant life and the environmental factors involved.



• Studying and conducting experiments concerning the effects of weeds, drugs and other substances on plants, tissues.



• Improving existing drugs or developing new ones.



• Studying plant fossils.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of at least a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to enrol at any South African university. Admission is limited to passing a selection test.
 

To be accepted at UNAM the student must be in possession of a HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with at least a C-symbol in Mathematics on the IGCSE curriculum, as well as fulfil the minimum requirement of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale.
 
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science on HIGCSE level (South Africa)
Mathematics with at least a C-symbol on IGCSE level (UNAM)

Recommended subject
Biology (South Africa)
 
Tertiary Education
Most South African universities offer a four-year B. Sc. degree with Botany as a major subject. A B. Sc. (Hons.) is recommended. UNAM offers the same course with Biology as a major subject.

Personality
The prospective candidate should have an interest in nature and an inquiring mind. He/she must also like researching, studying and observing nature.

Work Opportunities
Botanists are employed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, universities, and pharmaceutical and food industries. Self-employment is possible, especially as consultant. Job prospects are, however, limited.

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