This concentration within the biology major is an opportunity for students to explore, in greater detail, the interactions among living organisms and their environments. It also allows the further exploration of evolutionary processes at molecular, organismal and ecosystem levels. Students are able to focus their upper level elective courses on ecology, evolution and related topics.

Biology is the scientific study of life and life processes. Biologists study the organization of life: the structures of molecules to the balance of ecosystems. Biology majors learn to observe critically the details of all life; they analyze data and apply biological knowledge learned in the classroom to draw conclusions about their observations.

Biologists are able to make significant contributions to maintaining the health and well-being of the human population, as well as preserving and protecting the environment. They develop a knowledge base and scientific way of thinking that enables them to make informed personal health and public policy decisions.

Success

Students who have an interest in the living world around them and who love to learn about interact with or observe living organisms in their natural environment will often find this concentration within the biology major to be very rewarding. Successful biology majors are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy this concentration, especially learning about various ecosystems and examining fossils and other evidence for evolution and natural selection. Visual learners will especially appreciate the complexity of the organisms and environments they will study. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career.

Career

Graduates with a BS in biology and a concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study. The MS or PhD degrees in biology can lead to careers in teaching and research. A few examples of career fields open to biology majors with this concentration include the following (many of which require additional postgraduate studies): Biology teacher (middle/high school), Conservation specialist , Consultant, Ecologist , Environmental studies specialist, Evolutionary biologist , Fish and wildlife management specialist, Landscape specialist , Marine biologist, Museum curator, Natural resources manager, Naturalist, Paleontologist, Peace corps worker, Soil scientist, Veterinarian.