Specializations
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. These areas 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 bachelor's in biological sciences with a specialization in ecology, evolution and conservation 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. Students selecting this specialization will take a planned sequence of courses that includes basic biological sciences, ecology, evolution, and environmental science. This study may include laboratory and field research. A variety of elective courses are available to allow students to pursue special interests such as plant or animal ecology, environmental management, and evolutionary biology, at either the organismal or cellular level. Students should consult their advisor to devise a course schedule to fit their specific talents and interests.
Sample Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
The first two years of biology and chemistry courses are identical for all specializations. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts will complete six courses in fine and performing arts or humanities, including one year of the same foreign language.
Year 1 Fall Semester
(4) BIOL 150 Biology I (BLS, EL)
(4) CHEM 121A General Chemistry I (BPS)
(1) CHEM 125A General Chemistry Lab I (EL)
(3) ENG 101 English Composition I
(3) MATH 125 Pre-Calculus Mathematics with Trigonometry** (BPS)
(1) FST 101 Succeeding & Engaging at SIUE
16 - Total Credits
Year 1 Spring Semester
(4) BIOL 151 Biology II (BLS)
(4) CHEM 121B General Chemistry II (BPS)
(1) CHEM 125B General Chemistry Lab II
(3) ENG 102 English Composition II
(3) ACS 101 Public Speaking
15 - Total Credits
Year 2 Fall Semester
(4) BIOL 220 Genetics
(3) CHEM 241A Organic Chemistry I (BPS)
(4) STAT 244 Statistics (BICS)
(3) Breadth Social Sciences (BSS)
(3) RA 101 Reasoning and Argumentation or PHIL 212
17 - Total Credits
Year 2 Spring Semester
(4) BIOL 365 Ecology (EGC)
(3) CHEM 241B Organic Chemistry II (BPS)
(2) CHEM 245 Organic Chemistry Lab
(3 or 5) QR 101, MATH 145 or MATH 150 **
(3) Breadth Humanities (BHUM)
15 or 17 - Total Credits
Year 3 Fall Semester
(4) BIOE GCB Elective 300-400 level
(5) PHYS 131/PHYS 131L College Physics I** or PHYS 151/PHYS 151L University Physics and Lab
(3) Breadth Fine & Performing Arts (BFPA)
(3) Health Experience (EH)
15 - Total Credits
Year 3 Spring Semester
(3) BIOL 327 Evolution
(3) BIOL EEC 300-400 Level
(5) PHYS 132/PHYS 132L College Physics or PHYS 152/PHYS 152L University Physics II and Lab**
(3) Elective
14 - Total Credits
Year 4 Fall Semester
(1) BIOL 492 Biological Sci Colloquium I
(4) BIOL EEC Elective 400 Level
(3) Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
(3) Experience United States Cultures (EUSC)
(3) BIOL EEC 300-400 Level
14 - Total Credits
Year 4 Spring Semester
(1) BIOL 492M or BIOL 497
(4) BIOL EEC Elective 400 Level
(3) BIOL 300-400 Elective (recommended)
(4) Electives
(2) Elective, if needed
14 - Total Credits
Total Hours 120
Note: Students may substitute MATH 145/150 and PHYS 111 in place of MATH 125 and PHYS 131/131L and 132/132L
Transfer Students: To maximize your transfer experience, complete the bolded courses/requirements pre-transfer AND satisfy either the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Ed Core or receive an AA, AS, or AAT (early childhood, special ed or math) degree from an IAI community college. If 'Minor' requirements are shown, discuss careful course selection with the academic advising contact listed. Visit the transfer credit website to find course equivalency guides.
