Program Overview

Evolution and Ecology Program

The evolution and ecology major focuses on the descent and interrelationships of organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. The study of evolution deals with both the historical path of evolution from pre-biotic earth to the present, and the processes contributing to evolutionary change, such as natural selection, genetic drift, and historical events. Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with other organisms and with their environment. It is one of the key sciences contributing to the broader field of conservation biology and the maintenance of biodiversity.

Program Overview

• Degree: BS
• Campus: Columbus
• College: Arts and Sciences

Curriculum

Requirements for the evolution and ecology major cover both supportive courses in biology, chemistry, math, statistics, and physics, as well as core requirements within the major itself.

• Core courses provide a strong foundation in the most fundamental aspects of evolution and ecology, and electives permit students to go more deeply into specific areas of interest or into courses that prepare them for their post-baccalaureate career.
• Core requirements include:
  • Three specific coursesevolution, ecology, and integrated biology
  • One advanced course in mathematics or statistics
  • Four additional courses (two in biodiversity and two in evolution and ecology) from a selection of appropriate courses
• Supportive courses include:
  • Two semesters each of introductory biology, chemistry, and physics
  • A semester of organic chemistry
  • A semester of calculus
  • A semester of statistics

Honors and Scholars

Evolution and ecology students in the Arts and Sciences Honors Program have the opportunity to enroll in several Honors and upper-level courses. Honors students are encouraged to meet with the Honors evolution and ecology advisor early in their career to map out a challenging honors program in evolution and ecology. Honors students are particularly encouraged to make research (and, if possible, an Honors thesis) a part of their undergraduate experience.

Research

The Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology strongly encourages students majoring in evolution and ecology to become involved in research. Participating in research helps students develop scientific curiosity and will also give students a basis for deciding whether a research career is a good fit for their interests.

Student Organizations

Students can join the Evolution and Ecology Club and the Zoology Club for opportunities to interact with faculty and graduate students, discuss careers, research areas with scientists, and participate in service activities.

Possible Careers

Graduates of the evolution and ecology program may pursue careers for which a liberal education is the prerequisite. With a bachelors degree, students most likely begin at an entry-level job in the life sciences and biology, such as research assistant, technician, or staff member in a research laboratory or in a private company dealing with biological or pharmacological research. Careers particularly appropriate for students completing the evolution and ecology program include those dealing with the environment and conservation, such as ecological assessment and research, state or federal environmental agencies, zoos and aquaria, and conservation organizations. Evolution and ecology students who go on to obtain advanced degrees may also choose careers as research scientists or college professors.