Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology BS, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Specialization


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Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their physical and biological environment. Evolution considers how populations change over time to generate the rich diversity of life on earth and is the unifying theory of biology. The ecology and evolutionary specialization is designed for students broadly interested in basic and applied biology, natural resource management, agriculture, ecological restoration, conservation biology, disease dynamics, animal behavior, and biological research. Students following this specialization will gain experience in natural history, field research, and experimental design. Potential careers may be found in federal, state, and tribal agencies, or private environmental consulting firms, research laboratories, and natural history museums. Students interested in graduate study should work closely with their advisor to tailor this specialization to their particular field of interest.

Students consult with the appropriate biology advisor for approval of their BS program and electives, which must be submitted for approval to the Biological Sciences Department at least two quarters preceding graduation. All students in the BS Biology major must complete all BS core requirements, plus additional specific requirements. Additionally, students will need to choose a specified number of courses from different groupings of upper division courses. A maximum of 15 credits in BIOL 295, BIOL 490, BIOL 495, and BIOL 496 may be included in the major.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Exhibit basic mastery of biological content.
  • Reason analytically.
  • Critically analyze the primary literature.
  • Employ appropriate experimental design and methodology.
  • Effectively communicate underlying principles of biology.
  • Demonstrate basic scientific skills.

Select from the following for 10-21 credits.


  • 1 course from the Biological Diversity Group Credits: (4-5)
  • 1 additional course from the Ecology OR Evolution Group Credits: (3-6)*
  • 1 additional course from the Molecular/Cell OR Structure/Function Group Credits: (3-10)
    (*NOTE: Courses can only be counted once.)

Department-Approved Electives Credits: 14-25


Total Credits: 100


Biological Diversity Group


Evolution Group


Molecular and Cell Group


College and Department Information


Biological Sciences Department  
College of the Sciences  

Program Codes
Major plan codes: BIOLBS, BIOLBSP
Specialization plan code: ECOL

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