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Ecology

College of Sciences

	QUICK JUMP
	Ecology
	Study Options
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Ecology and Biology Facilities
	Careers in Ecology
	Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
	Contact Information

Ecology

Ecology provides a broad understanding of ecological issues that can be applied to fields such as environmental and wildlife biology. • Offered at WSU: Minor • Available at: Pullman

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Study Options

There are two paths of study in ecology at Washington State University: • A minor in ecology (described here) to complement a major in another discipline • A bachelor’s degree in biology with an option in ecology/evolutionary biology

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Requirements and Core Courses

—Ecology Minor Ecology is a 16 credit minor offered by the School of Biological Sciences. Course requirements as outlined in the appropriate General Catalog must be met to earn this minor. Biol 372—General Ecology Biol 405—Principles of Organic Evolution Nine hours from:      Biol 322––Invertebrate Biology      Biol 330––Principles of Conservation      Biol 332––Systematic Botany      Biol 410––Marine Ecology      Biol 411––Limnology      Biol 412––Biology and Management of Fishes      Biol 423––Ornithology      Biol 428––Mammalogy      Biol 432––Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles      Biol 447––Behavioral Ecology      Biol 460––Plant Ecophysiology      Biol 462––Community Ecology      Biol 463––Field Ecology      Biol 474––Human Ecology      Entom 441–– Insect Ecology      ES/RP 404––The Ecosystem      MBioS 446––Epidemiology      MBioS 446––Epidemiology      MBios 450––Microbial Physiology      MBioS 452––Environmental Microbiology      NATRS 430––Introduction to Wildland Fire      NATRS 435––Wildlife Ecology      NATRS 450––Conservation Biology      SoilS 431––Soil Biology

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Ecology and Biology Facilities

Biology students have access to the following outstanding lab facilities: • Conner Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, which has 600 specimens on display and more than 65,000 specimens in research collections • Owen Science and Engineering Library, the largest of its kind in the Northwest • The Ownby Herbarium, which contains 277,000 specimens of preserved plants • The Science Learning and Instruction Center, a resource center for science majors that provides computer access, science software and videos, old tests, and other study aids • The Electron Microscopy Center • The 800-acre Hudson Biological Preserve at Smoot Hill, 15 miles from Pullman, that serves as a biological field station • The James Entomological Collection, comprising more than a million specimens of insects • Mycological Herbarium, which contains more than 65,000 specimens of fungi • Prominent laboratories researching fish genetics, reptiles, reproductive biology, and cancer cures.

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Careers in Ecology

An ecology background opens wide and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences. Related specializations include such disciplines as botany, biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, zoology, ecology, and related fields such as agriculture and medicine. Some biologists are generalists with broad training in all aspects of biology. With a bachelor’s degree, career possibilities include technician or health technologists, work in testing and inspection for government or private industry, or employment as sales or service representatives for companies that manufacture chemicals or other technical products. Many others teach at the secondary level or pursue careers in technical writing or scientific illustration. Biological scientists with advanced degrees teach at the college level or conduct basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry. Others have careers in consulting, management, or administration.

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Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• A good high school preparation in biology, chemistry, and physics • Strong reading, writing, reasoning, and computer skills

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Biology majors are eligible for scholarships offered by the College of Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences. Additionally, a variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs are available to assist qualified students with education costs.

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Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You

• Natural resource sciences

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Contact Information

School of Biological Sciences

Washington State University 312 Abelson Hall P.O. Box 644236 Pullman, WA 99164-4236 Phone: 509-335-3553

sbs@wsu.edu

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Strengths of the Program

• Study in well-equipped modern labs.
• Pursue opportunities to participate in faculty research projects.
• Learn research techniques and operate advanced equipment.
• Take both traditional and modern courses in the field.
• Learn from experts in such areas as cell biology, molecular evolution, plant population genetics, photosynthesis, electron microscopy, and physiological ecology.
• Join other science, math, and engineering students in the Gannon-Goldsworthy residence hall—share courses with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s own computer lab.

Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us