Nov 08, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Biology BS, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Specialization


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 Department of Biological Sciences 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. General education biology courses and biology courses designed for majors outside of the department may not be used to fulfill Biology BS, Biology BA, or minor requirements. Please read course descriptions for details. Courses used as electives are approved by department advisement.

Biology Graduation Requirements


  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 in their major to graduate.
  • Application for the bachelor’s degree must be filed by the second Friday of the quarter preceding the quarter in which the degree is to be received. Complete instructions and deadlines are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Biology Program Learner Outcomes


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

  • demonstrate broad and detailed knowledge of biology concepts, processes, and principles;
  • develop scientific and technical skills to investigate the natural world; 
  • use critical thinking to solve biological problems; 
  • develop mindsets of curiosity, reliance on evidence, integrity, equity, and professionalism; and
  • effectively communicate biology across varied audiences.  

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