Biological Data Sciences
A transdisciplinary undergraduate major offered at OSU!
The Biological Data Sciences (BDS) program is administered by the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, and offered in collaboration with faculty from Botany and Plant Pathology, Computer Science, Fisheries and Wildlife, Horticulture, Microbiology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Biological Data Sciences offers 3 options, new BDS courses and a minor! Enroll today!
Earn your Botany degree online!
Join more than 300 students from around the world and start on your journey to earning an online degree.
Get a Bachelor of Science Degree in Botany
One degree, five options. Learn the core scientific and analytical skills surrounding botany and plant pathology, and focus your education on one of five key areas of focus.
Learn more about Undergraduate Program
Graduate Programs
We offer Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Within each program, students may elect to specialize in one of eight key areas of concentration.
Outreach and Extension
- Providing the State of Oregon with extension education in plant pathology is a major service mission.
- Our extension faculty include Cynthia Ocamb, Jay Pscheidt, and Mana Ohkura, who are based on campus. Luisa Santamaria, Ken Frost, Achala KC, Christina Hagerty, and Jeremiah Dung are located at research stations throughout the State.
- The OSU Plant Clinic, a plant diagnostic disease center, housed in Cordley Hall, provides service to growers and the general public. The Insect ID Clinic is located within the OSU Plant Clinic.
Learn about Outreach and Extension
![flg22-treated Arabidopsis leaves inhibits P. syringae type III secretion and growth. Figure showing treated plant's growth response](https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/styles/400x290/public/field/image/screenshot_2024-09-13_154445.png?itok=0_YpMare)
Article: Depletion of proline contributes to immunity against bacterial pathogen
BPP's recent PhD graduate Connor Rogan's article on plant growth and immunology based on proline treatments.
![Two students work with stats faculty Jeff Kollath Two students work with stats faculty Jeff Kollath](https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/styles/400x290/public/lp/picbox/kollath-students.jpg?itok=3TOl1OQA)
BDS Student joins Accelerated Master’s Program in Statistics
An undergraduate BDS student becomes the first to join the AMP program to fast-track a path for a Master's in Statistics.
![Strawberry flower and fruit anatomy An image showing Strawberry flower and fruit anatomy, Image credit: Aardra Kachroo](https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/styles/400x290/public/field/image/85jghbtu2dpwizeo5w5yji-970-80.jpg?itok=V4hhqnQH)
Why do strawberries have seeds on the outside?
Wild strawberries are deliciously sweet snacks, as long as you don't mind their gritty little seeds. But why are these "seeds" on the outside,...