Academics Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Programs of Study

Students entering this Program of Study learn that ecology is the study of the complex interrelationships of organisms and environments, while evolutionary biology is the study of the history of these relationships. Ecologists study interactions of organisms and environment and the consequences of interactions at the individual, population, community and ecosystem levels. The study of ecology has greatly enhanced our understanding of the functioning of both natural systems and human-altered systems. Evolutionary biologists study the processes that have resulted in adaptation and biotic diversity - the two striking results of organic evolution. Evolutionary biology has deeply altered our understanding of the origins of plants and animals, including humans.

These related sciences of ecology and evolution use quantitative methods in laboratory and field research and in theoretical studies. Molecular biology is an increasingly important part of research and teaching in all areas of our discipline.

Minimum requirements for the Program of Study include the introductory courses, "Ecology and the Environment" and "Evolutionary Biology" (required of all students in the Biological Sciences major), in which a wide range of fundamental concepts and current issues are taught. Ten additional credits of courses must also be earned from two lists: one consisting of systematic biology courses, such as "Ornithology" and "Mammalogy," and the other comprised of a wide array of upper-level ecology and evolution courses, including "Ecology of Agricultural Systems," "Ecosystem Biology," "Macroevolution," and "Ecological Genetics."

Learning is not confined to the classroom. In "Field Ecology," for example, students spend one afternoon each week in the fields, forests, and ponds of the area, investigating animals and plants by observation and experiment. In "Ornithology," students pursue independent field projects. Students in "Biology of the Marine Invertebrates" study with faculty and staff at the Shoals Marine Laboratory. Students can also earn credit in other off-campus field courses. Hands-on laboratory work is a basic feature of many courses.

With its broad range of faculty research and guidance, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers students many opportunities for participation in original research. Undergraduates can do research either as a member of a team on a large research project or independently on a project under the guidance of a faculty member. Students and staff are linked by a reserved list-server on the internet, keeping everyone in the E&EB community apprised of research opportunities, seminars, etc.

Students graduating from this Program of Study have entered a wide variety of careers. Many continue their studies in graduate school elsewhere in ecology or evolutionary biology. Others have taken jobs with the Park or Forest Services--doing conservation work, management, or environmental education--or with private agencies such as the Nature Conservancy or the World Wildlife Fund. Students have also used their background as a way to enter careers in environmental law, journalism, medicine, and business. This Program of Study provides insights and perspectives on students' environments that will enrich their lives regardless of their particular career.

Required courses for Program of Study in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Course Descriptions

Room and Time Rosters

Department Website

BIOEE 2610, Ecology and the Environment. Effective Fall semester 2005, new students must also complete 10 credits from the following lists, A) Principles, B) Organisms, and C) Ecological and Evolutionary Processes. One course must be chosen from list A, and a second either from list B or C. The remaining credits can be satisfied with courses from all three lists. Students are encouraged to take at least one course from each list.

Group A Principles Group B Organisms Group C Ecological and Evolutionary Processes

Note: Students are also encouraged to gain experience in some aspect of field biology through course work at a biological field station and can apply up to six credits in the place of courses from lists B or C. For example, students may apply six credits from the following courses taken at the Shoals Marine Laboratory (BIOSM): BIOSM 3080, Field Microbial Ecology; BIOSM 3090, Coastal Ecology and Bioclimates; BIOSM 3210, Anatomy and Function of Marine Vertebrates; BIOSM 3740, Field Ornithology; BIOSM 3770, Diversity of Fishes; BIOSM 4770, Marine Vertebrates; and BIOSM courses in lists B and C. The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program offers a specialization in Marine Biology and Oceanography (for a description, see Catalog section entitled Courses in Marine Science). The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) offers an Undergraduate Semester Abroad Program, featuring two courses, Fundamentals in Tropical Biology and Field Research in Tropical Biology, that can count as two 3-credit courses toward the concentration. Six credits can be applied from the 15-week fall Semester in Environmental Science program offered by the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory.