Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology graduate program at UCSC reflects the remarkable local and global diversity of species and environments studied by our faculty and students. The vision of the EEB graduate program is to provide a nurturing, creative, and intellectual environment conducive to the development of world-class scientists. Our graduate program encourages close working relations between students and faculty in an informal atmosphere conducive to rapid learning and professional growth. Interdisciplinary collaborations with oceanographers, geologists, toxicologists, economists and others enable students to explore the conceptual connections between related fields as they acquire mastery in their areas of specialization.

All curricular requirements are aimed at preparing students for timely and successful completion of a doctoral dissertation. The Ph.D. curriculum in EEB includes: 1) required coursework, 2) the comprehensive exam, 3) the qualifying exam, 4) two quarters of teaching experience, 5) submission of at least one paper for publication, 6) the research, writing, and defense of the dissertation.

Ph.D. students must take BIOE 200A and 200B in the fall of the first year, and BIOE 279 and BIOE 203 in the winter of the first year. In addition, two quarters of BIOE 215 and one additional quarter of BIOE 203 should be completed by the end of the second year. BIOE 281, 294, and 297/299 (Independent Study) must be taken every quarter the student is in residence. All students must be enrolled in a minimum of 10 credits per quarter, unless on approved part-time status. EEB recommends enrolling in 15 credits every quarter.

Because learning to teach is a fundamental aspect of graduate training, Ph.D. students must serve as TA or GSI (Associate In, or Teaching Fellow) for at least two quarters during their graduate career. All graduate students will attend the pedagogy workshop Making the CAISE: Creating Active and Inclusive Section Experiences before beginning their first TAship.