Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity Undergraduate Program

(Student who caught a king snake in Mendocino County. Photo courtesy of Ann T. Chang)

The Major

Living through an Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity major (EEB) should be an enjoyable experience. The faculty designed the major requirements to ensure that everyone receiving an Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity degree would have a broad and balanced exposure to basic biology. Within the overall guidelines set by the major, you are allowed quite a bit of flexibility in designing a program uniquely fitted to your needs. The EEB major offers students a broad background in the theoretical and empirical basis of our understanding of the diversity and distribution of living organisms. The EEB major was once called "Zoology," but the name was changed since faculty felt that the major encapsulated so much more than just the study of animals. The program of study for the Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity major begins with a core of introductory courses in mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. These are followed by survey courses in Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity and various more specialized courses that allow the student to focus his or her studies.

To help you meet your program goals, there are three levels of advising resources available to you—the faculty, the undergraduate advisor, and the peer advisors.

Resources

The key to optimizing your opportunities as an undergraduate Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity major is your faculty advisor. Within reasonable limits, your advisor has the authority to approve course substitutions, modifications of major requirements, and the like. Obviously you should keep in touch with your faculty as well as undergraduate advisor and keep him/her up-to-date on your progress and plans. Each student should visit their faculty advisor upon entry into the major and at least once a quarter thereafter. It is especially important to meet with your faculty advisor at your mid-career point (end of second year or beginning of the third). The faculty advisor and undergraduate advisor can ensure that you are on track to graduate and will provide some much-needed advice planning your courses to meet your goals after graduation. Finally, it's essential you visit the undergraduate advisor (Sherri) and your faculty advisor prior to the quarter in which you graduate. You can go over a final degree check and confirm all requirements have been filled and reflected in your record. Trust us, it will provide peace of mind! Please see Sherri Mann prior to seeing your faculty advisor so that she can do a quick degree check and advise you of any requirement updates. This will allow the faculty advisor maximum time to discuss the "big picture" with you and assist you with your career goals.

(Student looking for salamander larvae in Mendocino Co. Photo courtesy of Ann T. Chang)

The undergraduate advisor: Sherri Mann, sees students on Monday and Friday from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. and on Tuesday through Thursday from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M., but her schedule can vary. She can evaluate study plans for proper course sequences and workloads, perform major and college degree checks, and provide general information on various careers. It's best if you set up an appointment, so she can review your file prior to your meeting. Her telephone number is (530) 752-8523, or you can contact her by e-mail.

The peer advisors have taken many of the courses you will be taking and can give you a student perspective on class schedules and instructors. They also have compiled a wealth of graduate school information. The peer advisor is Chris Kwan. Their office hours are held at 2202 Storer Hall and their phone number is 530-752-1888.