Ecology and Evolution Specialization (ECEV)
Ecology is fundamentally the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment; Evolution is the study of biological history and the mechanisms that influence biological change and diversification. These disciplines are tightly integrated - evolutionary mechanisms act in an ecological context, and the way organisms interact is influenced by their evolutionary history. Ecologists play an increasingly important role in modern society through their work in basic research, their role in management of natural resources, and/or their influence as formulators of public policy. Many current public concerns, for example the causes and consequences of global warming and the extinction of species, are at their heart ecological phenomena. In addition to providing an understanding of our biological heritage and our place within it, evolutionary biology is playing an increasingly important role in our understanding of the origins and evolution infectious disease and past consequences of environmental change as models for outcomes of human-induced environmental change. Students in the Ecology and Evolution (ECEV) specialization are well positioned for careers in conservation biology, research, environmental policy, and education.
In addition of the research opportunities provided by our faculty, our college has linkages with the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, Smithsonian Ecological Research Center, the National Zoo, and many other organizations that provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of ecology and evolution in a research setting.
A description of coursework in the Ecology and Evolution specialization can be found by clicking the links below:
Ecology and Evolution Curriculum Sheet (PDF) - ECEV Curriculum Sheet
Ecology and Evolution - ECEV Sample 4-year plan
In addition of the research opportunities provided by our faculty, our college has linkages with the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, Smithsonian Ecological Research Center, the National Zoo, and many other organizations that provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of ecology and evolution in a research setting.
A description of coursework in the Ecology and Evolution specialization can be found by clicking the links below:
Ecology and Evolution Curriculum Sheet (PDF) - ECEV Curriculum Sheet
Ecology and Evolution - ECEV Sample 4-year plan