Major in Environmental Biology (ENVB)

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.

Core Courses

• EBIO 1010 – Diversity of Life
• EBIO 1015 – Diversity of Life Lab
• CELL 1010 – General Biology
• EBIO 2020 – Theory and Methods in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• EBIO 2070 – Molecular & Evolutionary Genetics
• EBIO 2040 – Conservation Biology
• EBIO 2050 – Global Change Biology
• EBIO 3080 – Processes of Evolution
• EBIO 3040 – General Ecology
• EBIO 3045 – General Ecology Lab

Elective Courses

• One additional lecture course (3 credits) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Maximum of one three- or four-credit course from EBIO 2910, 2920, 4660, 4960, 4990 or 5000 as the lecture elective. (Note: courses in this group taken for fewer than three credits do not count as an elective.)
• Two laboratory courses (4 credits). A third EBIO lab elective course (4 credits) MAY replace one of the Chemistry requirements below. 
• Internship studies, independent studies and seminars cannot count as electives.
• Courses from other departments cannot count as electives.

Capstone in the EEB Majors

• The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology requires the completion of one capstone course.
• Two courses are offered (EBIO 5970, 5971), each fall and spring. 

EBIO 5970, 5971 - Capstone Research Seminars

Pre-requisites: Senior Standing and major in EEBI or ENVB. 
Students attend departmental research seminars and meet to discuss contemporary topics in ecology and evolutionary biology. Career development is also considered in the course. Completion of EBIO 5970 (writing intensive) or 5971 (non-writing intensive) satisfies the capstone requirement in the major.

Required Courses from Other Departments

• Two semesters of Mathematics
  A minimum of 6 credits of Mathematics is required for the Bachelor's degree. Any two Mathematics 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 toward this requirement.
• Two semesters of General Chemistry with labs (CHEM 1070/1075, 1080/1085 or H1090/H1095, H1100/H1105)
• Environmental Chemistry (CHEM 2500) OR Organic Chemistry I with lab (CHEM 2410/2415) OR a third EBIO lab elective (4 credits)
• Courses in Statistics and Physics are highly recommended but not required

Download a checklist of the Environmental Biology Major Requirements

For more information about courses offered by EE Biology, review the University Catalog.