Undergraduate Opportunities

MAJORS


Plant Sciences Major

The Plant Sciences major is designed for students who are interested in a scientific understanding of how plants grow and develop in managed agricultural ecosystems and how plant products are utilized for food, fiber and environmental enhancement. Advances in science and technology have provided new insights and options for using plants to address the issues associated with providing renewable food, fiber and energy resources for a growing global population while minimizing adverse impacts on the natural environment. Graduates in Plant Sciences are able to apply their skills and knowledge to a diverse range of agricultural and environmental goals or pursue advanced degrees in plant sciences.
 

Biotechnology Undergraduate Major

UC Davis offers an Undergraduate Biotechnology Major, with specializations in Plant Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Fermentation/Microbial Biotechnology, or Animal Biotechnology. Undergraduates who are interested in a future career in Plant Breeding may consider this major, with a specialization in Plant Biotechnology or Bioinformatics.

Every living organism from the smallest and most primitive bacteria, to every insect, animal, human and the oldest trees contain DNA as the primary genetic material. This DNA directs all the cellular processes creating the incredible variety and diversity of living organisms that we see around us in the biosphere. Biotechnology means “life technology” and represents an integrated, multi disciplinary field that focuses on the mechanics of life processes and their application. Today biotechnology has begun to have a profound impact on almost every aspect of human endeavor.

It is becoming increasingly evident that we need to find technologies that are more efficient and gentler on our environment. With increasing frequency industries are turning to biotechnology to solve problems and improve products. As a result, in the last decade biotechnology has developed into a major growth industry. This trend is creating an increasing job market for trained individuals in agriculture, food and beverage industries; health care, chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical industries; and environmental and bioremediation industries. Furthermore, graduates trained in biotechnology will find their training applicable to advanced research in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, medicine, and the plant and animal sciences. For more information, visit http://biotechmajor.ucdavis.edu.

 

International Agricultural Development (IAD) Major
 

The goal of international agricultural development is to improve food production, nutrition, marketing, and health in less technically advanced countries. Students in this major are trained in technical areas of agriculture that can be applied to the problems of world hunger and health. For more information, visit https://www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/international-agricultural-development-iad.

Opportunities


SCOPE Team Openings

The Student Collaborative Organic Plant Breeding Education (SCOPE) project is a USDA-NIFA funded student-led plant breeding project on campus. Currently, the Common Bean Team and the Tomato Team are looking to add undergraduates to their breeding projects. Follow the links to find contact information for team leaders, and write them an email letting them know you are interested in working on their breeding project. Or, contact Amanda Saichaie (asaichaie@ucdavis.edu) to let her know about your interest in joining the SCOPE project.

 

UC Davis Internship and Career Center

For undergraduate advising, internship opportunities, student jobs on campus, and  interview preparation, contact the UC Davis Internship and Career Center. This site is useful for current and transfer students to learn about the resources available to help you acclimate to campus and succeed. We highly recommend you visit this site and see what it offers, no matter what your intended or chosen major is.
 

To visit the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science's website to see more information, click here.