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.

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

Career opportunities

Obtain the skills needed for careers in conservation biology, wildlife biology, ecological restoration, environmental protection, and research.  Students learn key ecological and evolutionary concepts and tools such as geographic information systems, genetics, and population modelling.  Our strong taxon-based courses ensure students obtain knowledge about plants and animals, equipping students for numerous jobs that require ecosystem or habitat knowledge.

This major is accredited by the College of Applied Biology, so students who wish to pursue a Registered Professional Biologist designation have a streamlined application to become Biologists in Training.

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.

Co-op experience

Put your classroom learning to the test with Co-op job placements throughout the region and beyond. Co-op helps you to gain beneficial skills such as how to build your resumé, apply for jobs, expand your professional network, and earn money to pay for tuition.

what you need to know

Get your UBC degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB), a College of Applied Biology accredited program.  This interdisciplinary major 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. The major integrates these fields by addressing strategies to protect global biodiversity in the face of threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and overharvesting.

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. The program prepares students for a number of ecological and conservation jobs, or for further training in graduate school or professional degree programs such as environmental law.

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

UBC Okanagan’s BSc in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology offers a wide variety of foundational and advanced courses in these fields.

Sample courses:

  • BIOL 201 — Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
  • BIOL 301 — Evolutionary Principles and Methods
  • BIOL 401 — Spatial Ecology
  • BIOL 422 — Conservation Biology

Browse ecology, evolution, and conservation biology courses and descriptions.

The following links take you to the ecology, evolution, and conservation biology BSC program in the Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at The University of British Columbia:

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Communications and Rhetoric Certificate

Students can receive a Certificate in Communications and Rhetoric by completing 15 credits through courses from four thematic interdisciplinary and relational clusters, and a final capstone project. This is an add-on to any major; some credits can be double-counted.

Interested in staying at UBC Okanagan for an MSc or PhD that makes use of your EECB training?  Learn about Biology graduate studies at UBC Okanagan.  

For your application to be considered, you will need to:

  • meet general requirements (e.g., graduate from secondary school)
  • demonstrate a certain level of English competency
  • meet specific requirements for the degree you’re applying to

Then, UBC will take a closer look at your application. We’ll read your Personal Profile to get a sense of who you are and what you’ve achieved. We’ll also look at all of your Grade 11 (junior level) and Grade 12 (senior level) courses, paying special attention to the courses that relate to the degree you’re applying to.

Find your specific requirements at https://you.ubc.ca/

WHEN TO DECLARE YOUR MAJOR

Declaring helps you plan your program more effectively, build your education, and stay connected.

Students are encouraged to declare their major in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology at the end of their first year in order to take the prerequisite second-year courses. Refer to the Academic Calendar for admission requirements.

Application Deadlines

Plan ahead to ensure you meet important deadlines and other target dates listed at you.ubc.ca.

Tuition Fees

UBC Okanagan’s fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre. See Financial Planning for helpful resources, and add up your first-year costs with our Cost Calculator.

Apply to UBC at you.ubc.ca—there are just five steps in the application process. Soon you could be studying at one of the world’s top universities.

Check out the steps to apply to UBC, and be sure to choose “Okanagan campus.”

Or let our Student Recruitment & Advising experts guide you: call 1.877.807.8521.

Your Career Options

Build a broad foundation and great career potential with a UBC degree—respected by employers around the globe. Explore career opportunities that include wildlife ecologist, environmental consultant, agricultural pest-manager, and geneticist.

From EECB to a career… our students are equipped for jobs like:

  • Bioinformaticist
  • Conservation ecologist
  • Ecological consultant
  • Ecologist
  • Entomologist
  • Environmental educator
  • Environmental lawyer
  • Field ecologist
  • Fisheries manager
  • Forest health survey coordinator
  • Forestry planner
  • Geneticist
  • GIS/remote sensing technologist
  • 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
  • Government agencies and environmental ministries
  • Universities, colleges, and research institutions
  • Agriculture, forestry, mining, petrochemical, and food industries
  • Environmental, interpretation, and education consulting firms
  • Non-governmental organizations that focus on conservation, restoration, wildlife, and sustainability

Learn and earn with Co-op, a paid opportunity for students to enrich their education with work experience. At UBC’s Okanagan campus, sign up for Co-op to:

  • build your resumé with professional experience
  • learn valuable tips on how to successfully apply for jobs
  • expand your network of industry contacts
  • earn money to pay for tuition

Inquire about Co-op by phone at 250.807.9623 or by email.

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science offers MSc and PhD degrees in biology. UBC Okanagan also has an Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) program in which students may have a biology department faculty member as their primary supervisor.

Gain Valuable Experience

Learning experiences beyond the classroom help prepare you for a career and life after university. Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

  • See the world through Go Global, a UBC program that allows students to complete courses or conduct research at one of more than 150 international partner institutions in 45 countries worldwide.
  • Travel to a conferences or competition with financial assistance available through the Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund, which provides financial support up to $3,500.
  • Take part in Research Abroad and experience different cultures while developing new research skills and accessing resources beyond what might be offered at UBC.

Follow your ideas for an individualized research opportunity:

Get a financial boost to start your research experience. Pay for travel and other expenses. Win merit-based cash awards that look impressive on your resumé.

  • Undergraduate Research Awards: The URA offers an $8,000 salary plus a maximum of $1,500 for research expenses, for a total of up to $9,500 per student. For international students, the IURA offers a $9,000 salary plus a maximum of $1,500 for research expenses, for a total of up to $10,500 per student.
  • NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards: Minimum $7,500
  • Co-op puts your classroom learning to the test, allowing you to explore career options while earning money. Inquire about Co-op by phone at 250.807.9623 or by email.
  • Learn through doing, create strong connections, and develop professional skills with a campus job arranged by UBC’s Work Study Program.
  • Meet a community need and get practical experience by volunteering for a Community Service Learning project—a life-changing experience.

WELCOME TO UBC’S OKANAGAN CAMPUS

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the ecology, evolution, and conservation biology program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

  • Get a glimpse into life on UBC’s Okanagan campus at you.ubc.ca.
  • Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art labs, modern facilities, campus residences.
  • Visit the campus for a personal guided tour led by a student ambassador.
  • Tour the campus, city and lake with this interactive 360-degree Kelowna From Above* video.
    * Best viewed in Chrome and Firefox 

On the first day of university, faculties offer “Meet the Faculty” sessions where you can get to know the Dean, professors, and the staff who provide student support. It’s all part of UBC Okanagan’s new student orientation: CREATE.

Attend an orientation tailored to your needs as an Indigenous student, domestic student, international student, or student living in residence. You can even register your parents for an orientation that includes a workshop and campus tour.

  • Peer mentors are a great resource — ask questions and learn from students who’ve been there, done that.
  • Navigate your studies with the help of a professor, your Program Advisor.
  • Use the library which offers print, audiovisual and electronic research materials, a leisure-reading collection and loaner laptops. It also offers research consultations, instruction and workshops.
  • The library’s Writing and Resource Centre can help you articulate your ideas. Pursue your research in a range of subject areas and scholarly genres, including essay writing, grammar, presentation skills, punctuation, thesis development, and coursework.
  • Familiarize yourself with resources designed to help you succeed. Student Services offers a variety of academic supports, from study sessions to tutoring and writing workshops.

Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and stay active—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness Centre, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and varsity athletics.

Learn more at Sports and Recreation, which includes links to fitness facilities, sport clubs, intramurals and recreation programs, as well as the nationally ranked UBC Okanagan Heat varsity teams that compete in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association.

Meet new people while living in a study-oriented environment with easy access to academic and personal support.

UBC Okanagan offers modern residence living surrounded by hiking and biking trails. One of the newest residences, Purcell, includes a rooftop patio that offers a panoramic view of the campus and the Okanagan Valley.

Find out more about living in residence.

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. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the Top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Explore the Okanagan lifestyle at you.ubc.ca.