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?

Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology is an interdisciplinary major that draws from ecology, which concerns itself with how organisms interact with each other and their natural world, and evolutionary biology, which focuses on the origin and maintenance of biodiversity.

This College of Applied Biology accredited program integrates these 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

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate student resources.

BIOL 116 - Biology for Science Majors I
BIOL 125 - Biology for Science Majors II
CHEM 111 - Principles of Chemistry I
MATH 100 - Differential Calculus with Applications to Physical Sciences and Engineering

BIOL 265 - Principles of Genetics
BIOL 201 - Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
BIOL 202 - Introduction to Biostatistics
CHEM 203 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry

BIOL 301 - Evolutionary Principles and Methods
BIOL 308 - Population Biology
BIOL 311 - Biochemistry I
BIOL 354 - Cell Physiology
GEOG 307 - Advanced Biogeography

BIOL 459 - Behavioural Ecology
BIOL 401 - Spatial Ecology
BIOL 422 - Conservation Biology
BIOL 468 - Molecular Approaches in Ecology and Evolution

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,

  • Bacteriology technician
  • Bioanalyst
  • Biochemistry technologist
  • Bioremediation specialist
  • Biosafety officer
  • Biotechnology assistant
  • Dental sciences
  • Environmental scientist
  • Food bacteriological technician
  • Food microbiologist
  • Integrated pest manager
  • Land management specialist
  • Land use analyst
  • Natural resource manager
  • Park warden/naturalist
  • Researcher
  • Restoration ecologist
  • Public policy advisor
  • Science writer/journalist
  • Wildlife manager

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 PROJECTS

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 Galapagos tortoises, modelled impacts of climate change on forests, examined how well the Species at Risk Act is working, and tracked the behaviour of mountain lions and marten after wildfire.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Many of our faculty conduct research internationally, so students learn in the classroom about our current international perspectives. Some students who conduct their own research have done so internationally, such as recent Honours projects in Mauritious and Singapore.

STUDENT NETWORK

Join our student-led chapter of The Wildlife Society, composed of student and professional members. 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 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, 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.