The Departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biochemistry and Cell Biology offer 5 majors and 2 minors. Course codes are EBIO for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology classes and BIOC for Biochemistry & Cell Biology classes.
Rice University undergraduates have the opportunity to be recognized for research and artistic innovation with the “Distinction in Research and Creative Works” award. The award is a university honor granted annually at commencement and appears on the recipient’s transcript and diploma.
BA - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
This degree path is intended for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences. Students graduating from this degree path typically go on to Graduate or Professional school. This degree is well suited for students with an additional major that is not in the sciences.
Coursework is designed to emphasize a broad understanding of basic biology together with an in-depth knowledge of ecology and evolutionary biology that culminates in a required capstone 400-level course that incorporates primary scientific literature, presentations and writing in a advanced topic. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
BS - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
This degree path is intended for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences with required research in organismal biology. Students graduating from this degree path typically go on to Graduate or Professional school or enter the workforce with this as their terminal degree.
Coursework is designed to emphasize a broad understanding of basic biology together with an in-depth knowledge of ecology and evolutionary biology that culminates in a required capstone 400-level course that incorporates primary scientific literature, presentations and writing in a advanced topic.
Additionally students in this degree program are required to conduct independent research under the supervision or co-supervision of an EEB faculty member (though the research can take place in other locations or institutions such as the Texas Medical Center or at field sites throughout the world). Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
The EEB minor is intended for the large number of students with an avid interest in ecology and evolutionary biology but whose major interests are in other departments.
Coursework requires introductory biology course sequence (BIOC 201, EBIO 202), the introductory lab (EBIO 213), and four 300-level lecture courses in EBIO.
BA - Biological Sciences
This degree path is intended for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences. Students graduating from this degree path typically go on to Graduate or Professional school. Coursework is designed to emphasize a broad understanding of the full range of biological disciplines. The BA in Biological Sciences may not be combined with any other Biosciences degree (i.e. BA Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BA Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BS Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, or Minor Ecology and Evolutionary Biology). This degree is jointly managed by the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
BA - Biochemistry and Cell Biology
This degree path is intended for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences. Students graduating from this degree path typically go on to Graduate or Professional school.
Coursework is designed to emphasize a broad understanding of cell biology and biochemistry that culminates in a required capstone 400-level course that incorporates primary scientific literature, presentations and writing in an advanced topic.
BS - Biochemistry and Cell Biology
This degree path is intended for students pursuing a wide range of careers in the life sciences with an emphasis on research. Students graduating from this degree path typically go on to Graduate or Professional school.
Coursework is designed to build a deeper understanding of cell biology and biochemistry through additional upper level coursework in topics that can include biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics and developmental biology. The BS culminates in two required capstone 400-level courses that incorporate primary scientific literature, presentations and writing in advanced topics. Additionally students in this degree program are strongly encouraged to pursue their research interests.
The BCB minor is intended for the large number of students with an avid interest in biochemistry and cell biology but whose major interests are in other departments.
Coursework requires the 300-level courses Cell Biology (BIOC 341) and Biochemistry (BIOC 301) to build a foundational understanding of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.