Overview

Recent, rapid advances in technology, combined with a growing awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment, have resulted in the development of broad opportunities in environmental biology. 

Ecology is the study of interactions between living organisms and their environment. Evolution provides the theoretical basis that binds all of biology together. These areas combine to help us understand human impacts on natural systems, and have both academic and practical importance because they stimulate intellectual curiosity about the natural world and provide a scientific basis for the solution of modern environmental problems.

The ecology, evolution and conservation specialization at SIUE prepares students for positions that require the application of ecological principles to the solution of environmental problems. The specialization also prepares students for advanced study in all areas of biology, including wildlife ecology and forestry. Laboratory and field research may be included as part of the program curriculum. Students will take a planned sequence of courses that includes: 

• Basic biological sciences
• Ecology
• Evolution
• Environmental science

A variety of elective courses are available, which allows students to pursue special interests such as: 

• Plant or animal ecology
• Environmental management
• Evolutionary biology
  • Organismal or cellular level

Students should consult their advisor to devise a course schedule to fit their specific talents and interests.