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Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity

Department of Evolution and Ecology
2320 Storer
(530) 752-8523

Major
The major in evolution, ecology and biodiversity offers the student a broad background in the theoretical and empirical basis of our understanding of the diversity and distribution of living organisms. The program of study begins with a core of introductory courses in mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. These are followed by survey courses in biodiversity, evolution and ecology and various more specialized courses that focus the student on particular disciplines or organisms, with an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking. Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity majors may earn either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. The requirements for the B.S. degree program include more science courses, such as biochemistry, whereas those for the A.B. degree program allow room for more electives within the humanities and social sciences. The A.B. degree is especially appropriate for those students who wish to combine arts or languages with evolution and ecology for career preparation in such areas as scientific writing, translating or illustration.

For detailed information about this major, visit the Undergraduate Admissions website.

Student Learning Outcomes

Evolution

1. Describe the fundamental processes that cause or prevent adaptive evolution, speciation and extinction

2. Describe the basic methods that are used to reconstruct the evolutionary histories of, and relationships among, groups of organisms

3. Based on evolutionary theory, predict how differences in population size, natural selection and gene flow will affect genetic variation and future adaptability of populations

4. Apply knowledge of evolution to the solution of problems facing the human population and to the preservation of biodiversity

5. Exemplify problems in human society that are caused by a misunderstanding of the scientific process generally, and of evolution specifically

Ecology

1. Describe the processes involved in population growth and regulation and how these can be applied to the management of natural populations

2. Describe the fundamental processes that promote species coexistence and lead to the maintenance of species diversity

3. Apply and integrate knowledge of species' biology, interactions among species, and environmental variation to predict the structure and functioning of ecosystems

4. Based on ecological theory, predict the potential consequences of specific human activities including harvesting, pollution, and climate change on species' abundances and distributions, and ecosystem processes

5. Apply foundational knowledge in ecology to understand and predict the consequences for humans of changes in ecological communities

Biodiversity

1. Describe global patterns of species diversity and methods used to assess biodiversity

2. Describe and interpret the morphological and ecological diversity of a group of organisms in a phylogenetic framework

3. Describe the processes that increase or decrease biodiversity at both evolutionary and ecological time scales

Synthesis

1. Apply quantitative models and data to the solution of problems in genetics, evolution and ecology

2. Integrate fundamental principles of evolution and ecology to solve problems of interest to human societies

Careers
A degree in evolution, ecology and biodiversity prepares the student for career opportunities in research, teaching, health professions, veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental management, and industry. Many students gain some research experience while at UC Davis and choose to continue their training at the graduate level. This track offers careers in academics, government, or business.

For more information about the Department of Evolution and Ecology within the College of Biological Sciences, click here.