The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Track focuses on the diversity of life on Earth, including diversity in genes, physiology, and behaviors. Students will learn about how this diversity emerged, as plants, animals, and microbes became adapted to the environment and to each other. A wide variety of scientific disciplines are integrated within the track, including ecology, organismal biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, conservation biology, and behavior. A degree in biology with an emphasis in Ecology and Evolution will prepare students for a career in the life sciences, whether they are interested in having a deep understanding of evolutionary process, or are interested in the interactions between organisms and their environment. This can help prepare students for careers in areas such as: 1. conservation and restoration biology—addressing the impacts of climate change, developing plans for habitat conservation and wildlife protection, or other issues critical to maintaining a healthy planet; 2. working as a doctor or veterinarian; 3. science education—educating students and the public on the history and diversity of life on earth and the need to conserve it; 4. basic research in biology—helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge by studying the evolution of organisms and their ecosystems.

For both the Biology B.S. and the Biology B.A. (with Topical Focus)

• 12 of the upper-level elective hours must be completed from the courses listed below (for the B.S. this represents 12 out of a total 15 upper-level elective hours; for the B.A. this represents 12 out of a total 13-15 upper-level elective hours, depending on the topical focus courses)
• A maximum of 3 credit hours of BIO 394/395/397 will count towards these 12 hours
• The remaining upper-level elective hours can be completed with any approved upper-level biology elective course (including BIO 394/395/397) - see full list
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of BIO 394/395/397 will count towards a biology degree
• At least 9 credit hours of upper-level electives must have a BIO prefix

For full course descriptions, please continue to the course bulletin: B.A. / B.S.

Click here for track course prerequisites and which semesters they are offered

BIO 300: General Entomology (3)

BIO 337 Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences (3)

BIO 351: Plant Kingdom (3)

BIO 375: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (3)

BIO 395: Research in Biology (max 3 credit hours toward track) (1-3)

BIO 430G: Plant Physiology* (4)

BIO 440: Comparative and Functional Anatomy (4)

BIO 445: The Biology of Sex (3)

BIO 461: Introduction to Population Genetics (3)

BIO 508: Evolution (3)

BIO 418: Ecological Genetics (3)

BIO 520: Bioinformatics (3)

BIO 525: Advanced Ecology (3)

BIO 530: Biogeography and Conservation (3)

BIO 555: Vertebrate Zoology (5)

BIO 559: Ornithology (4)

BIO 568: Insect Behavior (3)

BIO 325: Ecology* (4)

BIO 380: Special Topics in Biology (Intermediate Level) (Subtitle required). Subtitle must be approved by Director of Undergraduate Studies

Courses from outside the Biology Department:

CHE 565: Environmental Chemistry (3)

EES 401G: Invertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution (3)

FOR 340: Forest Ecology (4)

PLS 450G: Biogeochemistry (3)

PLS 502: Ecology of Economic Plants (3)

PGY 512: Evolutionary Medicine (3)

FOR 370: Wildlife Biology and Management (4)

FOR 435: Conservation Biology (3)

FOR 510: Herpetology (4)

FOR 530: Freshwater Ecology (3)

Other courses can be accepted by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Biology on a case by case basis.

*only for students who do not use the course to fulfill the 2nd Tier Core

*For questions regarding the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Track, please email biology@uky.edu.