B.A. in 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 on an advanced topic relevant to the student’s specific interests. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. 47 credits
Foundational courses:
- MATH 101Single Variable Calculus I
- MATH 102 Single Variable Calculus II
- STAT course (at least 3 credits) or EBIO 338 Design and Analysis of Biological Experiments
- CHEM 121 & 123 General Chemistry with Laboratory
- PHYS 125 General Physics I
- One natural sciences or engineering course at the 300 level or above (cannot be EBIO or BIOC)
Introductory Biology:
- BIOC 201 Introductory Biology I
- EBIO 202 Introductory Biology II
Biology Labs:
- BIOC 211 Introductory Experimental Biosciences
- EBIO 213 Introductory Lab in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- One 300 or 400 level lab in EBIO
- One 300 or 400 level lab in EBIO or BIOC
Non-EEB Biology course:
- 300 or 400 level BIOC lecture course (can not be cross-listed with EBIO)
Advanced EEB courses:
- EBIO 334 Evolution
- EBIO 325 Ecology
- Two EBIO lecture courses at 300 or 400 level
SR scientific communication course:
- EBIO 412 Advanced Communication in the Biological Sciences
B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
This degree path includes required research in organismal biology and 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 or enter the workforce with this B.S. 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 on a advanced topic relevant to the student’s specific interests. Additionally, students in this degree program are required to conduct independent research under the supervision or co-supervision of an EEB faculty member. Research can be conducted in an EEB department lab or in other locations or institutions such as the Texas Medical Center, Houston Zoo, or at field sites throughout the world. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. 59 credits
In addition to the requirements for the B.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, the B.S. requires the following courses:
- EBIO 306 Independent Research [for at least 2 credits in the same semester]
- EBIO 403/404 Senior Research
Students must take EBIO 403 and EBIO 404, respectively; this typically occurs in the Fall and Spring semesters of their senior year. The research performed in EBIO 403/404 culminates in an honor’s thesis. Often, students will have begun research considerably before their senior year in EBIO 306 or working as research assistants. In any case, students must contact and be accepted by an advisor no later than the Spring of their junior year. A completed Application for Research and B.S. Degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology form must be turned in to the administrative office of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 130 Anderson Biology Labs, by April 15th.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Minor
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.
General Biology (6 credits):
- BIOC 201 & EBIO 202 - Introductory Biology I and II
Biology Lab (2 credits):
- EBIO 213 - Introductory Lab in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Advanced EEB courses (12 credits):
- Four EBIO lecture courses at 300 or 400 level