Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology

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 ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology 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 Biology, Data Science, and Environmental Sciences. Students opting for the EECB B.S. will gain deep insight into areas such as organismal ecology, the processes giving rise to the Tree of Life, and cutting-edge conservation practices.  
 
The EECB B.S. offers two emphasis tracks:  

• General - Students have flexibility to tailor their studies to their unique interests and career aspirations 
• Pre-Health - Provides students with expertise in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, while simultaneously fulfilling the Medical Education Core Coursework, opening the door to medical school and other health fields.