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How have plants and animals adapted and changed since the beginning of life on Earth? How do different organisms fit into complex environmental systems? These broad questions are addressed by evolution, ecology and biodiversity, the study of the variance and distribution of living organisms. As an evolution, ecology and biodiversity major at UC Davis, you can choose to pursue an A.B. degree, allowing you greater flexibility to take courses in areas outside your major; or a B.S. degree, providing a more in-depth study of science topics such as biochemistry. Whichever track you choose, you'll have access to resources like the Bodega Marine Laboratory, a study center on California's central coast where you can take courses toward your degree while working alongside visiting marine biologists from around the world.
Real World
Evolution, ecology and biodiversity graduates pursue a wide range of careers and graduate study options. Many A.B. graduates combine their majors with another area of interest such as arts or languages, going on to careers in such areas as education, scientific writing, translating or illustration. B.S. graduates often enter careers in technical fields or pursue graduate study in biology. Graduates from both tracks benefit from their access to undergraduate research opportunities, whether they enter the workforce or graduate school.
Major Requirements
You'll begin your study with foundation courses in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics and physics. At the upper-division level, you'll study advanced general topics in the biological sciences, and you may also choose from such courses as invertebrate zoology, herpetology, paleobotany and evolution of ecological systems. To create a well-rounded program, you'll take at least one course relating to biodiversity and one relating to physiology and functional morphology.
Major Adviser
Name: Sherri Mann
Contact: smmann@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-8523
A Student Perspective
The faculty in the department are very approachable and supportive, and they're passionate about what they do. There are opportunities for students who want research experience, and students can become involved in the department as much as they choose. While the major provides in-depth knowledge about evolution, ecology and biodiversity, it's still a flexible enough program to allow you to take classes in other areas of interest, such as geology, anthropology or any area of biology.
~ Lisa Gadsby, senior
A Faculty Perspective
The Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity program is relatively small, which means students have a chance to work closely with faculty members. In my favorite class, Experimental Evolution and Ecology in the Field, students spend two quarters going through the entire process of designing, conducting and analyzing a research project. Even before taking this upper-division class, undergraduates are encouraged to get involved in research as early in their academic careers as possible.
~ Maureen Stanton, professor
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