The Department of Life Sciences was established in 1963 with the inception of the college and was renamed the Department of Botany in 1994. Initially, Botany was offered at the First and Second Year levels. In June 1998, the department expanded to offer a full-fledged three-year undergraduate programme affiliated with Goa University.With the introduction of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in 2017, the Honours Programme in Botany was initiated. From June 2022, under NEP 2020, students can opt for either a three-year degree or a four-year Honours programme.

The department organizes activities such as State level Seminars, Wild Flower Compitition, hands-on training in Mushroom Cultivation, isolation and mass production of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, field trips, internship training, and celebration of World Coconut Day, Naming of the the plants, Medicinal Plants. The departmental newsletter “Plantae” highlights academic and environmental initiatives.

Botany graduates have opportunities in higher studies, research, teaching, and applied plant sciences. Students may pursue M.Sc., Biotechnology, Genetics, Marine Science, Bioinformatics, and Ph.D. programmes. Career avenues include research and agricultural institutes, environmental organizations, Indian Forest Services, and teaching. Graduates may also pursue entrepreneurship in horticulture, floriculture, mushroom cultivation, landscape development, ecotourism, agricultural farms, and nursery management.

“My journey as a Botany student was truly transformative. The dedicated faculty, well-equipped laboratories, and enriching academic environment inspired my passion for Botany. Field visits, workshops, and seminars deepened my understanding and instilled environmental responsibility, while campus life helped me grow into a confident individual.”

— Ms. Sukhada Uttam Salkar (T.Y.B.Sc. Botany, 2020–2021, SET – Cleared)