Department of Botany

About the Department

Botany, the branch of biology dealing with plant life, encompassing a wide range of scientific disciplines focused on understanding plant biology, ecology, genetics, physiology, taxonomy, and more. The Department of Botany is pivotal in advancing knowledge in these areas, contributing to fields like agriculture, conservation, and biotechnology. The Department of Botany, The Assam Royal Global University, was established in 2018 with about 66 students and a few faculty members. The dynamic and visionary contributions of several renowned botanists and academicians earned the Department recognition for its teaching and research, committed to expand and absorb the wide diversity of scientific disciplines associated with the study of plants. Our B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. programmes are multi-faceted and designed to empower post-graduate students and researchers with a holistic and comprehensive education across a wide range of subject areas, which would enable them to contribute effectively to basic and applied education and research in plant biology.

Research Thrust area: Plant system research, Climate change and Sustainable development

• Microbial and Macrofungal genetic resources of North-East India and their economic utility
• Environmental pollution and remediation, Green-house gas emission and mitigation from Agriculture Sector, Sustainable agriculture
• Molecular profiling of PGR and Bioprospecting of novel proteins, genes and promoters
• Floristic diversity of North - East India

Key Functions
Education and Training:
The course structure of Botany in RGU has both Bachelor’s of Science with Honours of 3 years duration and Master’s of Science of 2 years duration. The programmes in Botany has been prepared keeping in mind the various aspects of future engagement, affordable Quality Education for every one through virtual and physical learning modes and need based academic programmes for livelihood and lifelong learning.

• Undergraduate Programs: Includes foundational courses in plant biology, ecology, genetics, plant biotechnology, molecular biology and evolution. The undergraduate programme is based on NEP 2020 including skill enhancement courses like, Floriculture, Mushroom Cultivation, Plant identification, etc.
• Post Graduate Programs: Focuses on advanced topics and research involved in plant biotechnology, molecular biology, cytogenetics, floristic studies, plant microbe interaction, environmental remediation, phytoceuticals, etc. often leading to Master's and Ph.D. degrees. The PG programme is also equipped with few ability enhancement courses such as Floriculture, Mushroom Cultivation, Organic farming, etc. in

Areas of Study
• Plant Physiology: The study of how plants function, including photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and growth.
• Plant Ecology: Examining the relationships between plants and their environments.
• Plant Genetics, Molecular biology and Biotechnology: Investigating plant heredity, and using genetic engineering to improve crop traits from molecular level.
• Plant Systematics and Taxonomy: Classifying plants and understanding their evolutionary relationships.
• Microbiology: Understanding the relationship of microbes with plants and the environment
• Ethnobotany: Exploring the use of plants by various cultures, including medicinal and culinary applications.

The specific objectives of the program are as follows:
• Know the importance and scope of the discipline
• Inculcate interest in and love of nature with its myriad living forms.
• Create a scientific attitude to make students open minded,
• Develop the ability to work hard and make students fit for society .
• Develop skill in practical work, experiments, equipments and laboratory use along with collection and interpretation of biological materials and data
• Inculcate genuine interest in Biological research.
• Make aware of natural resources and environment and the importance of conserving it.
• Develop the ability for the application of acquired knowledge in various fields of life so as to make our country self sufficient
• to inculcate Research interest in the young minds.

Career Opportunities
“Botany, also called plant science(s), plant biology or phytology, is the science of plant life and a branch of biology. A botanist, plant scientist or phytologist is a scientist who specialises in this field”.
Graduates from a Department of Botany can pursue various careers in:
• Academia: Research and teaching at universities.
• Agriculture: Developing and managing crop production systems.
• Environmental Conservation: Working with NGOs or government agencies to protect natural habitats.
• Biotechnology: Engaging in research and development in plant-based industries.
• Pharmaceuticals: Discovering and developing plant-derived medicines.

Facilities and Resources
Department of Botany include:

• Herbaria: Collections of preserved plant specimens for research and reference.
• Greenhouse/ Net house: Controlled environments for studying plant growth and breeding.
• Laboratories: Equipped for taxonomy, ecology, molecular biology, physiology, and biochemistry research with equipments like gel documentation, ultra deep freezer (-80 & -40), Cooling Centrifuge, Benchtop Centrifuge, Flame Photometer, Laminar Air Flow, Gel Electrophoresis unit (Protein and DNA), Spectrophotometer, Kjeldahl Digestion unit, etc.
• Botanical garden

Vision -

To foster the new generation of global leaders by creating nationally and internationally integrated opportunities in the field of Plant Science research and academia.

Mission -

• To advance botanical sciences for sustainable agriculture, molecular dissection and biodiversity conservation.
• To foster global leadership through interdisciplinary collaboration, education, innovation, and ethical engagement.
• To promote and engage the latest cutting-edge technologies in botanical research.