Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, Ph.D.

I. Contact Information

Lee Dyer, Graduate Program Director
(775)784-1360
ldyer@unr.edu

Department Office:
147 Fleischmann Agriculture
 

II. Brief Introduction

The Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology program is a research-based interdisciplinary graduate program leading to a doctor of philosophy degree. The program consists of faculty from the College of Science, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, and the Desert Research Institute.
The program promotes education in theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of ecology, evolution and conservation biology. The overarching goal of the program is to produce Ph.D. level scientists with the best technical skills and place them in superior positions in academia, government, and the private sector. Students examine the ecology, evolution and conservation biology of organisms and ecosystem processes of the Great Basin, the Sierra Nevada and throughout the world. Student research encompasses a broad range of biological techniques and levels of ecological complexity, including investigations of individual organisms, populations, species, communities and ecosystems.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will understand the theoretical and empirical basis of ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and related fields.
• Students will obtain knowledge of the application of computer tools, conceptual and analytical models, data analysis techniques, and field and laboratory procedures.
• Students will develop an ability to articulate scientific concepts and results in written, graphical, and verbal formats.
• Graduates will secure positions in their field upon graduation.

IV. Admission Requirements

Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1,200 (a TOEFL score of 600 for international students) and should have completed the following course requirements: course work in physical sciences (6 credits), university mathematics including calculus (6 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (6 credits), and biology (24 credits, including genetics, evolution, and ecology), or equivalent evidence of ability to succeed in a Ph.D. program in ecology, evolution and conservation biology. Each student must have a temporary advisor among the EECB faculty before they are accepted into the EECB Program. Within the first academic year, an advisory committee and major professor must be chosen, and the first committee meeting held.

V. Program Requirements

VI. Total Units

Candidates for the doctoral degree must satisfy all the general requirements of the Graduate School and complete a minimum of 72 credits, which include the following: 24 credits of research and dissertation, 18 credits of electives, 1 credit of which will be comprehensive examination, 16 credits of lecture courses, 12 credits of core curriculum and two credits of seminar. The comprehensive examination may not be used to fulfill the required 30 credits of 700-level course work.

VII. Notes

Graduate teaching and research assistantships for the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology program are available on a competitive basis.

VIII. Undergraduate Prerequisites

See Admission Requirements.