The Department of Botany, established in 1967, is one of the leading Departments of St Philomena College in the field of teaching in plant sciences. The department soon reached to the heights by the innovative efforts of the founder Head of the Department, Prof. Concepta Lobo(1967 -2000)and later by Dr.V.Ravichandran (1970-1998)and Prof. Annaji Rao K (1970-2003).

This branch of basic science gained considerable importance and provided necessary impetus to the research field- initiated with  Dr.V.Ravichandran (1970-1998) plant pathology, he also carried out some part of his post-Doctoral Research obtaining Fulbright fellowship at Clemson University, South Carolina, U.S.A. Keeping pace with change in educational scenario, department has continued research in three specialized areas: i) Plant pathology (Dr.V. Ravichandran - Post harvest fungal disease of foods and Vegetables, &  E.M.Study of plant pathogen in Strawberries),later Prof.Annaji Rao worked on       ii)“Peoples’ Biodiversity register”.                                                                                                               

Vision:
Empowering students through competency development in life science, knowledge and skills with ethical values

 Mission:

•       Adopting learner centered approach by the faculty members, to provide and maintain

  adequate laboratory facilities.

•      Attune to the changing needs and providing opportunities in practical and field experiences

•     To develop necessary skills in students.

•      To develop creative approach among students.

 Objectives:

•       To teach and learn Botany at the under graduate level

•    Empowering students through competency development in life science, knowledge and skills with ethical values.

•       Adopting learner centered approach by the faculty members, to provide and maintain adequate laboratory facilities.

•     Giving emphasis on character building.

•        Attune one to the changing needs and providing opportunities in practical and field experiences to develop necessary skills in students.

•       Inculcating environmental awareness and the sense of conservation through the study of Botany.

• ·     To develop creative approach among students.

• To motivate and guide students to take up Botany as profession.

The motto (Faith and Service), the Vision, the Mission and Objectives of the Colleges expresses its commitment to serve the society. The department of Botany has been regularly organizing community service/ extension programmes in collaboration with NGOs. Students under the guidance of the faculty visit the community and provide useful services to people the benefits of which have reached villages in around Puttur.     

The syllabi place maximum premium on bookish knowledge rather than help the student to reason and develop individual thinking and creative potentials. The higher mental ability of student and teacher as well should come in to play in analyzing a problem, critically examining and synthesizing the findings to arrive at a conclusion. Such kind of transition is expected in the Botany department through study visits to the research institutes for hands on training/ information in the emerging fields of Botany to promote research culture among students by inculcating research aptitude. Interactive sessions with research scientists are also organized in the Department of Botany frequently.  During vacations, Botanical tours are organized. To develop communication skills, student to student seminars are being conducted using ICT; science exhibition are organized for special extension programmes like Vijnana chethana & Chiguru wherein student do science demonstrations.                                           

The laboratory includes Museum and practical hall. Two small botanical gardens also.Departmental library has a collection of text and reference books. Computer with internet facility. Educative CDs, ppts, website details of Biological Sciences, two E-journals are added support.Bridge courses & Remedial classes are conducted. .