Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The UC Berkeley Ecology and Evolutionary Biology undergraduate program offers students an in-depth exploration of the natural world through the study of the biological and ecological processes that shape the diversity of life on Earth. This comprehensive program provides a rigorous curriculum that combines foundational courses in biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, and conservation. Students will gain a strong understanding of both theoretical concepts and empirical research methods, preparing them for careers in scientific research, environmental management, conservation, or for further graduate study.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating molecular biology, physiology, behavior, and environmental science to address complex biological questions. Students will have opportunities to participate in field research, laboratory experiments, and data analysis projects, enabling hands-on experience with current scientific techniques and technologies. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for tackling global environmental challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline.

Students can tailor their educational experience through a variety of electives and specialized tracks, including conservation biology, behavioral ecology, evolutionary genetics, and ecosystem dynamics. The program also promotes active engagement with scientific communities through seminars, workshops, internships, and research assistantships, fostering professional development and networking opportunities.

Graduates of the UC Berkeley Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector industries focused on environmental consulting, policy development, and sustainable resource management. Many alumni continue on to graduate or professional schools in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation, or related fields. The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, encouraging students from all backgrounds to contribute to and benefit from the vibrant community of scholars dedicated to understanding and preserving the Earth's biological heritage.

Core Courses:

• BIOE 200A, Scientific Skills
• BIOE 200B, Advanced Organismal Biology
• BIOE 279, Evolutionary Ecology
• BIOE 293, Readings in Ecology and Evolution (orequivalent)
• BIOE 294, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Seminar (taken each quarter when in residence)
• BIOE 295, Advanced Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar (may substitute for BIOE 293)

M.A. students must take BIOE 200A, BIOE 200B, BIOE 279, and two quarters of BIOE 293 (or one quarter of 293 and one quarter of 295) within their first two years. Biology 281, 294, and 297/299 (Independent Study) must be taken every quarter the student is in residence. All students must be enrolled in at least 15 credits per quarter, unless on approved part-time, absentia or leave of absence status. The minimum number of credits for the master’s degree is 35 of which no more than 15 credits from upper-division undergraduate courses may be used as part the student’s coursework. 

Thirty days after submitting the master’s thesis to a thesis reading committee, the student defends the thesis to the committee, followed by a public seminar.

Requirements for the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Designated Emphasis

To receive a parenthetical notation in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (hereafter EEB), graduate students must complete the following requirements, in addition to the degree requirements for the doctorate in their home department:

• Take the following EEB core courses (required for all EEB graduate students):

BIOE 279 Evolutionary Ecology (5 credits), BIOE 200A Scientific Skills (5 credits), BIOE 200B Advanced Organismal Biology (5 credits)

• Attend EEB department seminars (enroll in BIOE 294, 2 credits) for one quarter
• Attend a lab group seminar course (enroll in BIOE 281, 2/5 credits) for one quarter
• Take at least two courses from any other graduate or appropriate upper-division courses in biology, for example:

BIOE 293 Readings in Ecology and Evolution (2 credits) BIOE 295 Special Advanced Topics in Ecology and Evolution (2 credits) BIOE 272 Exercise Physiology (5 credits) BIOE 233 Exercise Physiology (5 credits) BIOE 248A Quantitative Ecology (5 credits) BIOE 252 Community Ecology (5 credits) BIOE 208 Marine Ecology (5 credits) BIOE 245 Plant Ecology (5 credits) BIOE 274 Evolutionary Game Theory (5 credits) BIOE 286 Experimental Design and Data Analysis (5 credits)

• In all, students will be expected to complete at least 20 credits of EEB coursework. Courses taken to fulfill graduate requirements within the home department will not count toward the Designated Emphasis requirements.
• Have a designated graduate adviser from among the faculty of the EEB department, who commits to serve on the qualifying exam committee and on the Ph.D. dissertation reading committee.

Requirements

• Transcripts. You may upload a scanned copy of your unofficial transcripts to your online application, or send official copies to the Graduate Application Processing address
• Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages, single-spaced.
• The Personal History Statement is required of all applicants.This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.
• A résumé is required for some applications and optional for others.
• All recommendation letters are required to be submitted electronically through the online application.  You must register a minimum of three recommenders, and as many as five, via the Recommendations page of the online application.
• The application fee for the 2016-17 academic year is $105 for domestic applicants and $125 for international applicants. This fee can be paid by credit card or e-check (the e-check option is only available if you have a U.S. bank account). 
• Official GRE scores must be sent from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860 (no department code necessary).  Official scores must be received prior to the application deadline.
• If you are a non-native English speaker you will be required to take an English language competency exam.  UC Santa Cruz accepts the TOEFL or IELTS test.  Official scores must also be sent from the testing service to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Regents Fellowships. A limited number of these fellowships are awarded to first-year graduate students in master's and doctoral programs. These awards provide a stipend and/or payment of university fees except non-resident tuition.
• Global Education

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California offers a comprehensive programme designed to prepare students for careers in biological research, environmental management, conservation, and academia. The programme emphasizes a strong foundation in the core principles of ecology—the study of interactions between organisms and their environments—and evolutionary biology, which explores the processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth. Students in this programme have access to a wide range of courses covering topics such as population genetics, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, systematics, and the physiological adaptations of organisms. The curriculum combines theoretical lectures, laboratory work, field studies, and research projects to provide students with practical skills and hands-on experience.

Research opportunities are a central component of the programme, often involving collaborations with faculty members who are leading experts in their fields. Students can participate in ongoing projects related to ecosystem dynamics, species interactions, climate change impacts on biodiversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms underlying adaptation and speciation. The department supports undergraduate and graduate studies, offering Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees. Graduate students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research stations, and extensive natural habitats within California, facilitating ecological fieldwork and longitudinal studies.

The department also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating genetics, molecular biology, geology, and environmental science to address complex biological questions. Students are prepared not only for academic careers but also for roles in government agencies, environmental consultancy, conservation organizations, and public policy. The university provides extensive academic counseling, career development services, and opportunities for teaching assistantships and research funding. Overall, the program aims to foster critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and a deep understanding of the biological world, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the preservation and understanding of Earth's biodiversity.