BA in Biology—Ecology & Conservation Biology Specialization

The requirements for this specialization include 12 courses in biology, with an emphasis on coursework in the evolution, behavior, and ecology program in the Department of Biology. A grade not lower than C in principal and required related courses is required for the biology major and the SECB degree. CAS BI 107 and BI 108 or 118 are prerequisites for the specialization.

Principal Courses

The specialization requires 10 principal courses in biology. Those must include BI 206, BI 303 or 306, and BI 448. Of the seven additional principal courses, six may be selected from the following: CAS BI 260, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 407, 414, 415, 423, 486, 502, 503, 506, 508, 512, 515, 530, 531, and 532; one course, BI 315 or 325, must be taken from the PER/neuro group in biology. Three of these seven additional principal courses must have a lab or field component, and at least three must be at the 300–500 level.

Up to four courses from the Tropical Ecology Program are acceptable for the SECB degree: CAS BI/GE 438, BI/GE 439, BI/GE 440, and BI/GE 441. One semester of research, either Honors Thesis (BI 401/402) or Undergraduate Research (BI 491/492) on an approved topic, may also be accepted for the specialization in ecology and conservation biology.

Prerequisite and Corequisite Chemistry Courses

Three chemistry courses as detailed in the Major in Biology section above.

Required Related Science Courses

Two courses in mathematics, or in mathematics and computer science, and two courses in physics, as detailed in the Major in Biology section above.

Recommended Courses in Environmental Science and Policy

The following courses may be taken in addition to the prescribed 12 principal courses: CAS GE 275, GE 320, GE 425, GE 430, GE 504, GE 510, GE 511, CAS GE 302, GE 365.