Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Investigate biodiversity from ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Learn practical approaches and tools for conserving species and ecosystems.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Why study Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at UBC Okanagan?

Conserving global biodiversity in the face of a changing planet is one of the most important challenges of our time. This is an interdisciplinary program that gives students the opportunity to explore the evolutionary relationships of organisms, and how they interact with the natural world.

This College of Applied Biology accredited program integrates different fields by addressing strategies to protect global biodiversity in the face of threats such as climate change, habitat loss and over-harvesting.

Students in the EECB program will develop an understanding of core ecological and evolutionary concepts and principles, then examine their applications in the conservation and restoration of threatened species and ecosystems. Students develop statistical, laboratory, field and communication skills throughout the degree.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a BSc degree with a major or honours in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.

BSc

Students who take the BSC honours obtain research experience while taking the capstone BIOL 440 on a topic relevant to the EECB degree.

Sample Courses

BIOL_O 116 – Biology for Science Majors I
BIOL_O 125 – Biology for Science Majors II
CHEM_O 121 – Atomic and Molecular Chemistry
PHYS_O 112 – Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences I
MATH_O 103 – Integral Calculus with Applications to Life Sciences

BIOL_O 200 – Cell Biology
BIOL_O 201 – Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
BIOL_O 202 – Introduction to Biostatistics
BIOL_O 204 – Vertebrate Structure and Function
BIOL_O 210 – Land Plants
BIOL_O 265 – Principles of Genetics

BIOL_O 301 – Evolutionary Principles and Methods
BIOL_O 306 – Ecology of Animals
BIOL_O 308 – Population Biology
BIOL_O 354 – Cell Physiology
BIOL_O 357 – Introduction to Entomology
BIOL_O 358 – Plant Ecophysiology
BIOL_O 381 – Environmental Microbiology
GISC_O 380 – Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science I

BIOL_O 401 – Spatial Ecology
BIOL_O 410 – Plant-Microbe Interactions
BIOL_O 413 – Wildfire and Wildlife
BIOL_O 414 – Advanced Field Ecology
BIOL_O 422 – Conservation Biology
BIOL_O 459 – Behavioural Ecology
BIOL_O 468 – Molecular Approaches in Ecology and Evolution
BIOL_O 477 – Bioinformatics

Plan your academic journey by exploring the first-year planning guides designed for Bachelor of Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

Careers

Employable Skills

  • Bacteriology technician
  • Bioanalyst
  • Biodiversity Specialist
  • Bioremediation specialist
  • Biosafety officer
  • Biotechnology assistant
  • Dental sciences
  • Environmental impact assessment specialist
  • Environmental educator
  • Field ecologist
  • Food microbiologist
  • Integrated pest manager
  • Land management specialist
  • Land use analyst
  • Museum collections curator
  • Natural resource manager
  • Park warden/naturalist
  • Policy analyst
  • Researcher
  • Restoration ecologist
  • Professional biologist
  • Public policy advisor
  • Regulatory specialist
  • Science writer/journalist
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Vegetation Ecologist


This program is accredited by the College of Applied Biologists, which means that graduates of this program are well placed to apply for professional designations, such as Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) and Biologist in Training (BIT).

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

RESEARCH Connections

Work closely with faculty members while doing your own independent research. Students can participate in lab-based or field research, at study sites in forests, grasslands, lakes and rivers, and agroecosystems. Projects range widely—recent students have quantified biodiversity in soils, examined genetics of American pika, modelled impacts of climate change on Canada’s protected areas and tracked the behaviour of lynx and owls after wildfire.

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

UBCO has a number of student-led clubs which offer community, events and identity, such as the Ecology & Zoology Course Union and our student-led chapter of The Wildlife Society. Take advantage of increased networking, career development, practical workshops about field skills and learning opportunities that prepare you for national and international opportunities.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 3% university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.