Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University

Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University (BDBTU), is the central academic unit for higher studies and research in plant science under Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu. It evolved from the first formal botany teaching in Nepal, which began in 1947 at Tri-Chandra College, where biology was introduced at the Intermediate of Science level. Botany progressed to the bachelor level in 1950 and to postgraduate teaching in 1965.

Postgraduate classes in botany later shifted from Tri-Chandra College to Kirtipur in November 1967 and the unit was upgraded in 1987 as the Central Department of Botany to organise M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes and to strengthen research in plant science. The department now coordinates botany-related academic programmes within Tribhuvan University and supports national capacity-building in plant science, biodiversity conservation, and environmental management.

Over several decades, the department has produced many graduates who work as university teachers, researchers, conservation professionals, and technical experts in government organisations, NGOs, and INGOs. Along with formal teaching, the department runs research projects that document Nepal’s plant wealth and explore relations between plants, people, and the environment.

Highlights

• Name: Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University (CDBTU)

• Location: Kirtipur Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

• Academic nature: Postgraduate teaching and research department (M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in plant science)

• Programmes: M.Sc. in Botany, M.Sc. in Biodiversity and Environmental Management (BEM) and Ph.D. in Botany

• Intake capacity: About 35 students in M.Sc. Botany each year, plus additional intake in BEM and Ph.D.

• Research focus: taxonomy, ecology, biodiversity, environmental management, plant biotechnology, mycology, ethnobotany and related fields

• Quality status: Listed among central departments under Tribhuvan University and included in the Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) process.

Academic Programs Offered

M.Sc. in Botany

The M.Sc. in Botany is a two-year, four-semester postgraduate programme. Each semester runs for six months with examinations at the end of the semester. The department admits 35 students to the first semester based on a competitive entrance examination. Applicants must hold a B.Sc. in Botany or an equivalent degree from a recognised university.

The curriculum covers diversity and evolution of microbes, fungi, algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms in the early semesters. Students study ecology, cytology, genetics, plant physiology, and plant systematics while engaging in fieldwork, specimen collection, and herbarium techniques.

In the third semester, students take research methodology and biological data analysis, prepare a dissertation proposal, and present seminars. They select one special paper among ecology, plant systematics, plant biotechnology and genetic engineering, or applied mycology and plant pathology. They also select one applied paper from natural resources management, plant conservation biology, molecular biology in plant science, or food security and food safety. The fourth semester focuses on dissertation work and case study or seminar activities.

MSc in Biodiversity and Environmental Management (BEM)

The M.Sc. in Biodiversity and Environmental Management started in 2008 with regional academic collaboration and later continued under the department’s own structure and finance. It is a four-semester programme that combines core courses, field-based learning, and dissertation research.

Students with bachelor’s degrees in biological and environmental fields such as botany, zoology, microbiology, biotechnology, environmental science, forestry, agriculture, or natural resource management can apply. The curriculum includes biodiversity and biogeography, population and ecosystem ecology, mountain ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, environmental change and management, remote sensing and GIS, agro-ecology, environmental biotechnology, environmental assessment and monitoring, microbes and soil health, research design, and methods of biological data analysis.

The programme is applied and management-oriented. It prepares graduates for roles in biodiversity conservation, environmental policy work, protected area management, and environmental consulting in Nepal and beyond.

Ph.D. in Botany

The Ph.D. programme is a research-based doctoral degree. It builds on the master’s-level foundation and encourages original research on Nepal’s plant diversity and related themes. Research topics range from classical taxonomy and floristics to phylogenetics, vegetation ecology, microbial ecology, invasion ecology, agroforestry, ecophysiology, ethnobotany, tissue culture, cytogenetics, mycology, and phytochemistry.

The Central Department Research Committee (CDRC) oversees the Ph.D. programme and works with supervisors and co-supervisors from Tribhuvan University and other national or international research institutions. By the time of the prospectus, the department had already awarded 43 Ph.D. degrees, with many more scholars in progress.

Admission Process

Admission to the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs at the Central Department of Botany follows the rules of the Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University. Entrance exams for M.Sc. Botany and M.Sc. BEM select students on the basis of exam scores.

For M.Sc. Botany, applicants must:

Hold a B.Sc. in Botany or a closely related degree from a recognised university

Sit for the departmental entrance exam

Place on the merit list prepared from entrance scores

For M.Sc. BEM, applicants must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree in a recognised biological or environmental field

Follow the admission notice and meet the entrance and academic criteria set by the department

Ph.D. admission is announced by the Dean’s Office. Applicants submit a research proposal, academic records, and other required documents. After review by the Central Department Research Committee and supervisors, selected candidates are registered as Ph.D. scholars under Tribhuvan University rules.

Teaching Faculty and Learning Methodology

Most faculty members of the Central Department of Botany hold Ph.D. degrees and have research experience in national and international projects. They teach core botanical subjects, supervise dissertations and theses, and collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and overseas universities.

Teaching combines lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, seminars, and independent research. Students learn to collect and identify plant specimens, survey vegetation, use laboratory equipment, and analyse data. Term papers, seminar presentations, proposal defences, and dissertation work strengthen academic writing and communication skills, which are important for postgraduate and doctoral work in plant science.

Invited experts from government offices, NGOs, INGOs, and other departments also contribute as visiting faculty, especially in the BEM programme. This broadens students’ exposure to policy, management practices, and research trends in biodiversity and environmental management.

Infrastructure and Learning Facilities

Research laboratories

The department maintains laboratories for water relations, tissue culture, phytochemical analysis, soil and plant nutrient analysis, water quality analysis, molecular systematics, microbiology, and mycology. These laboratories support coursework, dissertation research, and externally funded projects.

Departmental library and learning resources

The departmental library functions as a central learning resource. It holds more than 1,600 books covering different branches of plant science, 64 national and international journals, about 30 newsletters and annual reports, as well as around 1,000 M.Sc. theses and over 40 Ph.D. dissertations. Dictionaries and encyclopedias add reference support. The library operates on working days and receives materials from collaborating institutions and individual donors.

Herbarium and botanical garden

The Tribhuvan University Central Herbarium (TUCH), operated by the department and registered in the Index Herbariorum, contains more than 22,000 pressed and dried specimens of vascular plants and several thousand pteridophytes. It is one of the largest herbarium collections in Nepal after the National Herbarium (KATH).

TUCH receives plant specimens from students, staff, expedition teams, and partner herbaria abroad, and sends duplicate specimens in return. The herbarium also manages field gear such as GPS units that students can use during research.

The departmental botanical garden maintains native, rare, and medicinal plant species, including species of Elaeocarpus, Ginkgo, Cycas, Rauvolfia, Podocarpus, Cedrus, Michelia, Dalbergia, Cinnamomum, Choerospondias, and Cassia. Tribhuvan University has authorised the department to develop a 22-hectare Golden Jubilee Garden on the university campus as the TU Botanical Garden, with an action plan already submitted.

ICT and internet access

The department offers internet access through a wireless system and supports students, researchers, faculty, and staff with online connectivity. An alternative power supply helps maintain internet services during power interruptions. These facilities allow students to search scientific databases, access online journals, and stay connected with global research communities.

Student Life and Campus Experience

The Central Department of Botany operates within the Kirtipur campus of Tribhuvan University, where multiple science departments share the same academic environment. Students learn in a setting that combines classroom facilities, laboratories, herbarium, botanical garden, and open green spaces.

Field excursions for M.Sc. Botany and M.Sc. BEM students take place in different botanical and ecological regions of Nepal. These excursions help students observe vegetation and ecosystems in their natural context, apply sampling methods, and connect theoretical learning with field situations. Excursion reports are submitted during practical examinations.

The mix of lectures, lab work, field research, seminars, and student activities gives postgraduate and doctoral students a focused yet diverse campus experience centred on plant science and environmental issues.

Extracurricular Activities (ECA)

The Botanical Student’s Society (BoSS) is a student-led body that works under the guidance of the Head of Department. An executive committee is formed each year from M.Sc. II and III semester students. BoSS supports departmental activities such as operating the library, organising cleaning campaigns, arranging welcome and farewell programmes, coordinating excursions, and hosting academic and cultural events.

Through these activities, students gain experience in leadership, event management, and teamwork. They also contribute to an academic environment where peer support, informal interaction with teachers, and collaborative learning are encouraged.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The prospectus notes that the department runs several collaborative research projects with national and international organisations. These projects sometimes support students through research assistantships, field allowances, or thesis grants. Scholarships and financial support also follow Tribhuvan University rules and any schemes released through the Institute of Science and Technology.

Students interested in financial aid should regularly check official notices of Tribhuvan University and the department, and consult the departmental office for the latest information on available scholarships and eligibility conditions.

Achievements and Institutional Milestones

• 1947: Botany teaching introduced at Intermediate level at Tri-Chandra College in Kathmandu.

• 1950: Subject extended to bachelor level.

• 1965: Postgraduate teaching in botany started, initially with eight students in the first cohort.

• 1967: Department moved from Tri-Chandra College to Kirtipur campus, strengthening the university’s science hub.

• 1987: Upgraded as Central Department of Botany to coordinate M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies and expand research in plant science.

• 2008: Launch of M.Sc. in Biodiversity and Environmental Management as a regional programme later continued under CDBTU.

• Around 2,500 M.Sc. graduates and 43 Ph.D. graduates produced, contributing to higher education, conservation, and environmental sectors in Nepal and abroad.

• Establishment and growth of TUCH herbarium with more than 22,000 plant specimens, one of the largest collections in Nepal.

• Development of the Golden Jubilee Garden plan for a 22-hectare TU Botanical Garden.

• Publication of the Botanica Orientalis journal and Vanaspati newsletter, along with occasional research books, to share departmental research.

• Inclusion of Central Department of Botany in Tribhuvan University’s Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) process and national lists of accredited or progressing higher education institutions.

Why Choose Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University?

• Long-standing role in developing botany education in Nepal, from early teaching at Tri-Chandra College to a central postgraduate and doctoral department in plant science.

• Strong focus on Nepal’s plant diversity, ecosystems, and plant–people relationships, which is highly relevant for biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

• Structured M.Sc. programmes combining coursework, laboratory experience, field excursions, seminars, and dissertation research.

• Active Ph.D. programme with wide thematic coverage and supervision from experienced faculty and collaborating researchers.

• Access to specialised laboratories, TUCH herbarium, departmental botanical garden, and departmental library with theses, books, and journals in plant science.

• Student community supported by BoSS, which encourages academic interaction, peer learning, and extracurricular engagement.

These features make CDBTU a suitable option for students who wish to build careers in botany, biodiversity and environmental management, and plant-related research in Nepal and in international contexts.

Message from the Head of Department

The Head of Department highlights that postgraduate teaching in botany began at Tri-Chandra College and later shifted to Kirtipur, where it gained central department status in 1987. Each year, the department graduates around 35 M.Sc. students with specialisations in plant systematics and biodiversity, ecology and resource management, plant pathology and applied mycology, and plant biotechnology.

The message also explains the start of the M.Sc. BEM programme to deepen knowledge on biodiversity, development policy, and management of biological resources, along with a growing Ph.D. programme that has already produced dozens of doctorates. The Head notes the department’s culture of research collaborations with national and international organisations and recognises the challenge of space limitations after the 2015 earthquake, while pointing to plans for new infrastructure approved by Tribhuvan University.

Finally, the Head of Department thanks former and current faculty, university authorities, partners, non-teaching staff, and students for their roles in building the department and expresses a wish to continue strengthening CDBTU as a centre of academic excellence in plant science.

Conclusion

Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, stands as the main hub for postgraduate and doctoral education in plant science within Tribhuvan University. With its historical roots, structured academic programmes, herbarium and botanical garden, active research culture, and engagement with national and international partners, the department supports the study of plants and ecosystems in Nepal from multiple angles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Central Department of Botany located?

The Central Department of Botany is located at the Kirtipur Campus of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. It shares the hillside campus with other central departments in science, social science, and humanities.

Which academic programmes are offered by CDBTU?

CDBTU offers three academic programmes: M.Sc. in Botany, M.Sc. in Biodiversity and Environmental Management (BEM), and Ph.D. in Botany. All programmes run under the Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University.

Who can apply for the M.Sc. in Botany and M.Sc. in BEM?

For the M.Sc. in Botany, applicants need a B.Sc. in Botany or an equivalent plant science degree from a recognised university and must pass the departmental entrance exam. For the M.Sc. in BEM, applicants need a bachelor’s degree in biological or environmental sciences such as botany, zoology, microbiology, biotechnology, environmental science, forestry, agriculture, or natural resource management.

What research facilities are available for students?

Students use laboratories for tissue culture, phytochemistry, soil and water analysis, molecular systematics, microbiology, and mycology. They also work with the TUCH herbarium, the departmental botanical garden, and the departmental library, which houses books, journals, and theses on plant science and environmental management.

Does the department offer scholarships or financial assistance?

Financial support is sometimes available through research projects, assistantships, and schemes within Tribhuvan University. Students are advised to follow official notices and contact the departmental office for current information on eligibility, application procedures, and available scholarship options.

How many graduates has the department produced?

According to the departmental prospectus, the Central Department of Botany has produced around 2,500 M.Sc. graduates and has awarded 43 Ph.D. degrees in botany, showing its long-standing role in higher botanical education and research in Nepal.

How can prospective students get more information?

Prospective students may visit the official website of the Central Department of Botany and Tribhuvan University, follow published admission notices, or contact the departmental office directly for details on programmes, admission requirements, fee structures, and research opportunities.