Program Overview

Overview of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program

The undergraduate program in ecology and evolutionary biology offers a highly interactive, intellectual environment that prepares students for a career in the natural sciences. Our program was specifically designed for students who are interested in a broad exposure to the concepts and methodologies of the biological sciences, as well as those interested in a more specific sub-discipline.

Requirements

• AP & Transfer Credit: Students with scores of 4 or 5 on the AP biology test receive 8 hours of credit and are exempt from the general biology sequence.
• Program Requirements:
  • Required Courses and Credits:
    • Complete two of the following introductory biology courses: EBIO 1210 & EBIO 1230, EBIO 1220 & EBIO 1240, EBIO 1250, EBIO 1100 & EBIO 1110.
    • Required major courses: EBIO 2040, EBIO 2070, EBIO 3080, and one EBIO laboratory or field course.
    • Electives: EBIO electives to bring total in major to 38 credit hours.
  • Other Required Coursework:
    • Statistics: EBIO 1010, IPHY 3280, MATH 2510, MATH 3510, PSYC 2111, or EBIO 4410.
    • Ancillary Mathematics/Science Coursework: Select three of the following courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology, geography, or computer science.

Recommended Four-Year Plan of Study

The recommended plan of study includes:

• Year One: General biology courses, statistics, and electives.
• Year Two: Principles of ecology, ancillary courses, and electives.
• Year Three: Genetics, upper-division EBIO courses, and electives.
• Year Four: Evolutionary biology, upper-division EBIO courses, and electives.

Learning Outcomes

The undergraduate EBIO degree emphasizes knowledge and problem-solving in the following areas:

• The ecology of organisms, populations, and communities.
• The distribution and function of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.
• Principles and patterns of evolution.
• Comparative, systematic, evolutionary, and environmental aspects of botany, microbiology, and zoology.

Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's Degree Program(s)

The bachelor's–accelerated master's (BAM) degree program options offer currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to receive a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time.

BA and MA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

• Admissions Requirements:
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  • Have a major GPA in EBIO of 3.0 or higher.
  • Have the support of a faculty research advisor.
  • Have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework.
• Program Requirements:
  • Students may take up to and including 12 hours while in the undergraduate program which can later be used toward the master's degree.
  • Only six undergraduate credits (at the 4000-level) may be double counted toward the bachelor's degree and the master's degree.