Why Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
The potential student is interested in the study of life and what allows for organisms to live and grow, adapt to their environment, and interact with other organisms. They enjoy exploring biology at the population, community, and ecosystem level.
The Department of Biology provides an immersive environment that helps students develop the skillsets needed to be successful as a biologist. With the Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology concentration, students can pursue training in various aspects of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology from field biology, botany, zoology, conservation biology and genetics to a more focused study of specific types of organisms, such as mammalogy, ichthyology, ornithology, and herpetology. This concentration includes the opportunity for research and study abroad and the Department’s unique relationship with the Center of Excellence for Field Biology and the Southeastern Grasslands Institute provides students with hands on opportunities to refine their field study knowledge and skills.
The Biology faculty have expertise in various areas of biology and include trained botanists, field biologists, ecologists, microbiologists, and zoologists, as well as experts in ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, ichthyology, and physiology, among others.
The Department of Biology offers close collaboration between students and faculty with immersive experiences that allow for students to hone their skillsets. The Biology faculty have a vested interest in student success and are excited to include students in experiential learning opportunities including research experiences and study abroad.
What Will I Learn
Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology will demonstrate a command of the general principles of biology in the areas of genetics, organismal biology and population biology, ecology and evolution.
- Ability to use quantitative analytical skills in data analysis: Students will demonstrate problem solving skills through the analysis of graphical representation of data.
- Skills Mastery: Students will demonstrate mastery of their biological and/or ecological skill sets using an evaluation tool established by the Department.
- Career Preparedness: Since career preparedness is the intertwining of content knowledge and skills mastery in the matriculation of the student to the next level, students will demonstrate both content knowledge and skills mastery as evidence of career preparedness.
- Academic Advisement: Academic advisement is multifaceted and includes assisting students to successfully complete their degree in a timely manner while also helping them develop as a biologist.
Sample Course Plan and General Education Requirements
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Sample 4 Year Plan