The major in Environmental Biology is a focused course of study intended for students who are interested in conservation biology, environmental preservation, human health, education, and public policy. Our diverse faculty offer engaging, student-centered courses with ample opportunities for hands-on learning in the lab and field in addition to research and study abroad programming in Ecuador, Australia, and Scandinavia, for example. Students are encouraged to join our labs, where they can develop a wide range of skills and expertise in areas including coastal, aquatic, tropical and disease ecology. The major will prepare students who are interested in seeking employment with environmental agencies of federal, state, and municipal governments or non-governmental organizations, and in private industry, including environmental economics and environmental consulting firms. The program also may appeal to individuals planning to enter the field of environmental law. Global Change Biology and Conservation Biology are required electives for the ENVB major.
The major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is one of two majors offered by the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department to undergraduate students. The Department also offers a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
The major in environmental biology provides understanding of biological processes among populations, communities, and ecosystems. Majors must complete eight core courses, four elective courses, and the capstone requirement.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| EBIO 1010 & EBIO 1015 | Diversity of Life and Diversity of Life Lab | 4 |
| CELL 1010 | Intro to Cell & Molec Biology | 3 |
| EBIO 2020 | Theory & Methods Eco & Evo Bio | 3 |
| EBIO 2040 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| EBIO 2050 | Global Change Biology | 3 |
| EBIO 2070 & EBIO 2071 | Molec & Evolutionary Genetics and Molec & Evol Genetics Rec | 4 |
| or CELL 2050 & EBIO 2072 | Genetics and Quantitative, Population & Evolutionary Genetics | |
| EBIO 3040 | General Ecology | 3 |
| EBIO 3045 | General Ecology Lab | 1 |
| EBIO 3080 | Processes of Evolution | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select four elective courses, including a maximum of one of the following 1 | 13-19 | |
| Special Topics | ||
| Honors Thesis and Honors Thesis | ||
| CHEM 2500 | Environmental Chemistry 4 | 3 |
| Additional Required Courses | ||
| Complete two semesters of Mathematics 2 | 6 | |
| CHEM 1070 & CHEM 1075 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
| CHEM 1080 & CHEM 1085 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | 4 |
| Select Capstone courses 3 | ||
| EBIO 5970 | Capstone Research Seminars | 2-3 |
| or EBIO 5971 | Capstone Research Seminars | |
| Total Credit Hours | 59-66 | |
- 1
Four elective courses(see department courses list) in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology must include three laboratory-field courses. Internship studies, independent studies and seminars will not fulfill the elective.
- 2
A minimum of 6 credits of mathematics is required for the Bachelor's degree. Any two Mathematics (MATH) courses numbered 1210 and above may be used to satisfy this requirement. However, the combination of MATH 1150 and MATH 1160 (Long Calculus) may count as one course towards this requirement. Courses in statistics and physics are highly recommended but are not required.
- 3
This capstone requirement may be satisfied by completion of EBIO 5970 Capstone Research Seminars (2 c.h.) or EBIO 5971 Capstone Research Seminars (2,3 c.h.).
- 4
CHEM 2480 or CHEM 2420 & CHEM 2425 could also be taken in place of CHEM 2500