PhD. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (EECB) is a multidisciplinary Ph.D. program in which students enjoy a congenial atmosphere. With a faculty-to-student ratio of about 1:1.4, students have ready access to a wide variety of expertise. Our learning environment is further enhanced by strong ties among a number of nationally competitive research groups.

Research in the program focuses on the discovery of knowledge on biological processes and the application of this knowledge to the maintenance of biotic diversity. The research interests of individual faculty are summarized the faculty section of this booklet. Among our strengths are population biology, behavioral ecology, plant response to climate change, conservation of endangered species and restoration of natural ecosystems. While most studies are centered in the Great Basin or the Sierra, studies include species of special concern in Africa, South America and Hawaii.

In addition to the faculty of EECB, faculty in a number of other University of Nevada, Reno graduate programs have expertise of special interest to our graduate students. These programs include Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Environmental Science and Health, and Hydrologic Sciences.

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: 24 credits of biology (including genetics, evolution and ecology), 6 credits of physical sciences (including organic chemistry or biochemistry), 6 credits of university mathematics (including calculus) and 3 credits of statistics or equivalent evidence of ability to succeed in a Ph.D. program.

     Candidates of 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, 16 credits of lecture courses, 12 credits of core curriculum and 2 credits of seminar.

     Students are also required to pass a qualifying exam. To qualify, they must post a minimum score of 680 on the GRE advanced test in biology or subscores or 70 in population biology, 70 in organismal biology and 62 in cellular and subcellular biology. Students with unsatisfactory scores in any of the three study areas must complete an undergraduate biology course in that specialization with a grade of B or better.

In addition, students will be required to pass a comprehensive written and oral examination. After the written examination is completed, the student's oral exam will be conducted by the student's advisory/examining committee.

Students spend a minimum of two semesters teaching an undergraduate laboratory or lecture course, and complete a rigorous program that includes the writing of a dissertation.

Graduate fellowships for the EECB program are available on a competitive basis.

Students interested in an M.S. in EECB subject areas may pursue a master's degree through either the department of Biology or Natural Resources and Environmental Science. Information about these programs may be received by writing: Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557 or Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89512.

For More Information regarding the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, write or call:

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