In an era marked by global ecological challenges and rapid biodiversity loss, the study of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) has never been more critical and compelling. The 21st Century is witnessing an urgent need for individuals equipped to navigate and mitigate the complexities of environmental crises. The undergraduate majors in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Merced, which include both B.S. degrees in General and Pre-Health tracks, instruct students in the intricate relationships within natural ecosystems, evolutionary processes, and conservation strategies vital for preserving our planet's biological wealth.
The EECB program at UC Merced teaches these disciplines as interconnected and dynamic fields of study, emphasizing data-driven ecological analysis, hypothesis testing in evolutionary biology, and practical conservation strategies. The curriculum is underpinned by foundational concepts from various disciplines including Mathematics, Computer Science, and Environmental Sciences. Students learn both the theoretical frameworks and applied methodologies, exploring how scientific inquiry can address fundamental and urgent questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation.
The EECB General track offers a comprehensive exploration of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, allowing students to enrich themselves the program's core tenets while tailoring their studies to their individual interests. This track is designed to be flexible and broad, ensuring that students gain a strong foundation in the key disciplines while also having the opportunity to specialize in areas such as organismal ecology, conservation practices, and evolutionary biology. Graduates from the General track are prepared to enter a diverse range of fields including wildlife biology, conservation policy, biological research, and education. Students in the EECB Pre-Health track integrates the Med-Ed core coursework, preparing students for medical school applications and other health-related postgraduate pursuits and is proposed to be an SJV PRIME+ BS to MD Pathway qualifying major. They will find that their unique background equips them to approach health sciences with a nuanced understanding of the interplay between ecological systems and health outcomes. Their grounding in ecology and evolutionary biology enables them to specialize in areas such as public health, epidemiology, and infectious diseases, using insights into population dynamics and evolutionary pressures to devise comprehensive approaches to disease transmission, outbreaks, and the impacts of environmental changes on health.
Students opting for the EECB B.S. will gain deep insight into areas such as organismal ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation practices, tailoring their studies to their unique interests and career aspirations. The EECB major stands distinct in its focus on quantitative course requirements, fostering accessibility for transfer students, and addressing the retention challenges faced by traditional Biology programs.
The UC Merced EECB Undergraduate Program is deeply committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for all members, including students, faculty, and staff. Through this program, UC Merced aims to educate and empower the next generation of environmental stewards, researchers, and change-makers, ready to navigate and address the pressing challenges of our time.
