Program Description
From single-cell organisms to the most intelligent mammals on Earth, life exists all around us. While pursuing a biology major at Central Michigan University, you will be immersed into the lives of animals, plants and microorganisms, studying the science of how they interact with each other and their environment. With a biology major with a concentration in ecology, evolution and conservation, you will study, both in the lab and in the field, how different life forms coexist, all while forming the foundation of conservation efforts.
Points of Pride
- CMU is the only university in Michigan, and one of only two in the Midwest, to operate an island research station, the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island, located in Lake Michigan off the northern shores of the Lower Peninsula.
- With everything from 3-D printing to eDNA, CMU offers state-of-the-art technology and modern methods of research.
Put Your Degree to Work
With a biology degree in hand and a vast knowledge of the core biological concepts in evolution, cell biology, genetics, ecology and physiology of all organisms, you will see career opportunities in research laboratories, government agencies, consulting firms, conservation organizations and museums.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
Below is a list of potential careers, median salary over the course of the career and projected job growth.
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2026 |
|---|
| Forester/Conservation scientist | $60,970 per year | 6% (2,000 more jobs) |
| Wildlife biologist | $62,290 per year | 8% (1,500 more jobs) |
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Biology Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Concentration
This Biology Major will prepare students for graduate programs or careers in the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Natural Resource Management, or Conservation Biology.
Total: 64-74 semester hours
Core Courses I
(20 hours)
BIO 111
Foundations of Evolution and Diversity
4
Basic principles of evolution and the application of these principles to the history and diversity of life. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
BIO 112
Foundations of Cell Biology
4
Structure and function of bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic cells including biological molecules, bioenergetics, membrane transport, respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, and cell division. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with a C- or better. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: CHM 131.
BIO 211
Foundations of Genetics
4
Foundations and applications of molecular and transmission genetics in a diversity of organisms. Prerequisite: BIO 112 with a C- or better. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: CHM 132.
BIO 212
Foundations of Form and Function
4
An integrative and comparative survey of plants, animals and microbes, with emphasis on their form and function. Prerequisite: BIO 211 with a grade of C- or better. Pre/Co-requisite: BIO 213.
BIO 213
Foundations of Ecology
4
Study of the relationship between organisms and their environment. Prerequisite: BIO 112 with C- or better.
Core Courses II
(3 hours)
BIO 500
Biological Statistics
3
An introduction to biological statistics; emphasis on concepts of descriptive statistics and central tendency, inferential statistics, one-way ANOVA and correlation/linear regression. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or twelve (12) hours of biology. Recommended MTH 130.
Required Courses I
(3-4 hours)
Select one Ecology course from the following:
BIO 367
Introduction to Marine Sciences
3
This course will familiarize students with the biology of marine life. Physical factors, communities, and human impacts on the world’s oceans will be presented. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: CHM 131.
BIO 440
Wildlife Ecology
3
Examination of wildlife ecology as it pertains to the conservation and management of both game and nongame wildlife populations and their habitats. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 340.
BIO 518
Animal Behavior
3
Behavior in invertebrate and vertebrate organisms related to genetics, morphology, and the ecology of animal populations. Prerequisites: BIO 218 or graduate standing.
BIO 519
Invertebrate Diversity
4
An advanced review of the evolution and ecology of invertebrates emphasizing the identification, collection, and conservation of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Great Lakes region. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 218; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
A study of plants emphasizing physical and biotic interrelationships, and factors which govern their distribution. Field work stressed. Prerequisites: BIO 340; a plant identification course highly recommended.
Physical, chemical, and biological properties of inland aquatic ecosystems focusing on lakes. Topics include basin origin, light, mixing, organism diversity, nutrient cycling, and food webs. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 340; or graduate standing. Recommended: One of: CHM 120, 132, 161.
BIO 527
Limnological Methods
2
A quantitative examination of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of lake ecosystems. Pre/Co-Requisite: BIO 526.
BIO 555
Great Lakes Wetland and Aquatic Plants
4
The biology of wetland plants including: identification, systematics, and ecology. Students will visit wetlands throughout Michigan and learn to identify common wetland and aquatic plants. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or graduate standing.
The behavior, community organization, and ecological relationships of birds are examined through discussion of current literature, investigative field work, and other techniques. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or graduate standing. Recommended: BIO 515.
BIO 561
Wetland Ecology and Management
3
The study of wetland ecosystem structure and function. Chemical, physical, and biological processes will be put into the context of conservation, management, and restoration. Prerequisite: BIO 340.
Required Courses II
(3-4 hours)
Select one Evolution course from the following:
Note: Students who choose BIO 566 will also have to take the pre/co-requisite course BIO 565.
Structure, function, natural history, and control of insects. Identification to family level. Insect collection required.
BIO 306
Natural History of Vertebrates
3
Vertebrate natural history emphasizing evolution, systematics, identification and general ecology studied through lecture, discussion, field trips and laboratory work. Includes experience in specimen preparation. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218.
BIO 390
Comparative Animal Physiology
4
The study of the diversity of physiological mechanisms in animals, with emphasis on inter-species comparisons to highlight patterns of physiological adaptation. Prerequisites: BIO 218; CHM 132 or 161 or 342.
Mechanisms of descent with modification are discussed in a framework of microevolution, speciation, and macroevolution. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 326; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program, or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
Anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, natural history, and ecology of fishes with laboratory emphasis on fishes of the Great lakes region. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218; or graduate standing.
BIO 511
Aquatic Insects
3
Organismal biology of stream insects. Includes identification of insect orders, factors influencing their distribution, and the use of insect assemblages as indicators of water quality. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
An introduction to avian biology emphasizing evolution, systematics, and the annual cycle. Identification, song, and general ecology are studied through field trips and laboratory work. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218; or graduate standing.
BIO 519
Invertebrate Diversity
4
An advanced review of the evolution and ecology of invertebrates emphasizing the identification, collection, and conservation of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Great Lakes region. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 218; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
BIO 523
Ecology and Systematics of Freshwater Algae
3
Examination of the systematics and ecology of freshwater algae using a systems approach to identify native assemblages in wetlands, streams, lakes, and the Great Lakes. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 218; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
Survey of evolution, taxonomy, behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, conservation biology, and management as these relate to Class Mammalia. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218; or graduate standing.
Survey of extant amphibians and reptiles from standpoint of morphology, behavior, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Local collecting field trips required. Prerequisites: BIO 218 or graduate standing.
BIO 557
Woody Plants of Michigan
4
The biology of woody plants including their identification, anatomy and physiology, systematics, ecology and evolution. Students will learn Michigan native trees and shrubs. Prerequisites: BIO 203; or BIO 212, 213 with a grade of C- or better; or graduate standing.
BIO 562
Plant Systematics and Evolution
4
In-depth study, covering important topics in plant identification, evolution and systematics. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or graduate standing.
BIO 565
Microbial Diversity and Physiology
3
This course explores the diversity of microorganisms, including methods for classifying microorganisms and assessing their diversity, and a detailed survey of microbial metabolic diversity. Prerequisite: BIO 326 or Biology graduate status.
BIO 566
Microbial Diversity and Physiology Laboratory
1
This is an advanced laboratory course that explores experimental techniques used to study the diversity and physiology of microorganisms. This laboratory course accompanies BIO 565. Prerequisite: BIO 326 or Biology graduate status. Co-requisite: BIO 565.
BIO 575
Applied Bioinformatics
4
Application of bioinformatics techniques. Topics include: gene finding, pairwise and multiple sequence alignments of DNA and protein sequences, and the use of GenBank and BLAST. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better; or graduate standing in a Master’s or Ph. D. program in the College of Science and Engineering.
Required Courses III
(3-4 hours)
Select one Conservation course from the following:
Note: Courses may not double count toward Required Courses I, II, and III.
BIO 365
Environmental Contaminants
3
Survey of pesticide characteristics and residue problems, hazardous wastes, ground and surface water contaminants, air pollution and acid rain, and other environmental pollution concerns. Prerequisites: BIO 110 or 240; CHM 132 or 161. Recommended: CHM 345.
BIO 366
Freshwater Biology
3
An introduction to the ecology of freshwater systems with an emphasis on the natural history, identification, and collection of freshwater organisms. Prerequisite: BIO 110.
BIO 510
Fisheries Biology and Management
4
Analysis of fish populations, management of fisheries resources, and other problems related to freshwater fisheries. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
BIO 541
Wildlife Biology and Management
4
Presents the basic ecological principles and the varied techniques utilized in managing the wildlife resource. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 340; or graduate standing.
BIO 561
Wetland Ecology and Management
3
The study of wetland ecosystem structure and function. Chemical, physical, and biological processes will be put into the context of conservation, management, and restoration. Prerequisite: BIO 340.
BIO 585
Conservation Medicine
3
Examines various diseases and their importance to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Epidemiology and ecology of diseases are discussed within the framework of conservation medicine. Prerequisites: BIO 208, 340; or graduate standing .
Other Requirements I
(16 hours)
Note: You may only count one of MTH 130 or 132, not both.
CHM 131
General Chemistry I
4
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 is a first course for science majors. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Recommended: High school algebra or MTH 107; high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
CHM 132
General Chemistry II
4
Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131.
MTH 130
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
4
Sets, mathematical induction, functions, relations, theory of equations, analytic geometry. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Recommended: MTH 107, 109.
Limits, continuity, interpretations of the derivative, differentiation of elementary functions, applications of derivatives, antiderivatives, Riemann sums, definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: MTH 107, 109; or MTH 130. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
PHY 130QR
College Physics I
4
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131, PHY 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Quantitative Reasoning. Recommended: A high school math background that includes a good foundation in algebra and trigonometry, or MTH 109. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Other Requirements II
(7-14 hours)
Select two of the options below:
Notes: Students selecting Option B must also select Option A. Students who have taken MTH 132 to fulfill Other Requirements I may not select Option D.
OR2A-BIO:EEC
Option A
(4-8 hours)
OR2B-BIO:EEC
Option B
(3 hours)
OR2C-BIO:EEC
Option C
(6 hours)
OR2D-BIO:EEC
Option D
(4 hours)
OR2E-BIO:EEC
Option E
(4 hours)
Other Requirements III
(0 hours)
Capstone Exit Exam and Survey
This capstone experience may include taking the Biology Major Field Test, analyzing and interpreting data, and/or completing an exit survey.
Electives
(9 hours)
Select advanced level elective courses from the following in consultation with a Biology advisor. Courses selected in Required Courses I, II, or III may not count toward elective credit. At least 2 courses must be at the 400-level or higher.
Notes: Credit toward the Biology Major may only be earned in BIO 397, 497, and 597 with permission of advisor. Students who choose BIO 566 will also have to take the pre/co-requisite course BIO 565. Students who choose BIO 527 will also have to take the pre/co-requisite course BIO 526.
Structure, function, natural history, and control of insects. Identification to family level. Insect collection required.
BIO 306
Natural History of Vertebrates
3
Vertebrate natural history emphasizing evolution, systematics, identification and general ecology studied through lecture, discussion, field trips and laboratory work. Includes experience in specimen preparation. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218.
BIO 320
Biology of Microorganisms
4
General microbiology course that explores the cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and diversity of microorganisms. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better.
BIO 334/GEO 334
Soil Science
3
A lecture/field course introducing the physical, chemical, and biotic properties of soils, soil classification and mapping, and soil resource issues. Identical to GEO 334. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: CHM 120 or 131; one of the following: GEO 105, GEL 100, 101, 105, 130QR; or BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better.
BIO 337
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
4
Comparison of the anatomy of vertebrates and close relatives with emphasis on evolutionary interpretation, systematics, ontogeny, functional morphology and adaptation. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218.
BIO 365
Environmental Contaminants
3
Survey of pesticide characteristics and residue problems, hazardous wastes, ground and surface water contaminants, air pollution and acid rain, and other environmental pollution concerns. Prerequisites: BIO 110 or 240; CHM 132 or 161. Recommended: CHM 345.
BIO 366
Freshwater Biology
3
An introduction to the ecology of freshwater systems with an emphasis on the natural history, identification, and collection of freshwater organisms. Prerequisite: BIO 110.
BIO 367
Introduction to Marine Sciences
3
This course will familiarize students with the biology of marine life. Physical factors, communities, and human impacts on the world’s oceans will be presented. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: CHM 131.
BIO 390
Comparative Animal Physiology
4
The study of the diversity of physiological mechanisms in animals, with emphasis on inter-species comparisons to highlight patterns of physiological adaptation. Prerequisites: BIO 218; CHM 132 or 161 or 342.
BIO 391
Plant Physiology
4
The study of plant function including processes such as photosynthesis, water movement, growth and development, and plant response to environmental stress. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better; CHM 120, 127 or 132. Recommended: CHM 421 or 425.
BIO 397
Special Topics in Biology
1-6
Topics of special interest that are not normally included in existing courses. Prerequisites: Course prerequisites will be announced in the Course Search and Registration.
BIO 403WI
Undergraduate Research
3-4
Faculty-supervised research experience in the biological sciences. Requires planning with a faculty mentor the semester prior to enrollment. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; permission of department chairperson. Recommended: Cumulative GPA of B (3.0) or better in all BIO courses.
BIO 440
Wildlife Ecology
3
Examination of wildlife ecology as it pertains to the conservation and management of both game and nongame wildlife populations and their habitats. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 340.
BIO 495
Undergraduate Internship in Biology
1-4
An in-depth work experience in the student's area of interest performed under a trained professional in the selected area of biology for 6 to 24 weeks. Prerequisites: Signed Biology Major or Minor; 20 semester hours in Biology completed; minimum 3.0 GPA in biology.
BIO 497
Special Topics in Biology
1-9
Topics of special interest that are not normally included in existing courses. Specific topics and instructor’s prerequisites will be announced in Course Search and Registration. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; Completion of 56 semester hours; See Course Search and Registration.
Mechanisms of descent with modification are discussed in a framework of microevolution, speciation, and macroevolution. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 326; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology M.S., Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program, or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
Anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, natural history, and ecology of fishes with laboratory emphasis on fishes of the Great lakes region. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218; or graduate standing.
BIO 510
Fisheries Biology and Management
4
Analysis of fish populations, management of fisheries resources, and other problems related to freshwater fisheries. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
BIO 511
Aquatic Insects
3
Organismal biology of stream insects. Includes identification of insect orders, factors influencing their distribution, and the use of insect assemblages as indicators of water quality. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
An introduction to avian biology emphasizing evolution, systematics, and the annual cycle. Identification, song, and general ecology are studied through field trips and laboratory work. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218; or graduate standing.
BIO 518
Animal Behavior
3
Behavior in invertebrate and vertebrate organisms related to genetics, morphology, and the ecology of animal populations. Prerequisites: BIO 218 or graduate standing.
BIO 519
Invertebrate Diversity
4
An advanced review of the evolution and ecology of invertebrates emphasizing the identification, collection, and conservation of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Great Lakes region. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 218; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
BIO 523
Ecology and Systematics of Freshwater Algae
3
Examination of the systematics and ecology of freshwater algae using a systems approach to identify native assemblages in wetlands, streams, lakes, and the Great Lakes. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 218; or admission to the Biology M.S., Conservation Biology M.S., or Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program.
A study of plants emphasizing physical and biotic interrelationships, and factors which govern their distribution. Field work stressed. Prerequisites: BIO 340; a plant identification course highly recommended.
Physical, chemical, and biological properties of inland aquatic ecosystems focusing on lakes. Topics include basin origin, light, mixing, organism diversity, nutrient cycling, and food webs. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or BIO 340; or graduate standing. Recommended: One of: CHM 120, 132, 161.
BIO 527
Limnological Methods
2
A quantitative examination of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of lake ecosystems. Pre/Co-Requisite: BIO 526.
Survey of evolution, taxonomy, behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, conservation biology, and management as these relate to Class Mammalia. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 218; or graduate standing.
BIO 541
Wildlife Biology and Management
4
Presents the basic ecological principles and the varied techniques utilized in managing the wildlife resource. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 340; or graduate standing.
Survey of extant amphibians and reptiles from standpoint of morphology, behavior, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Local collecting field trips required. Prerequisites: BIO 218 or graduate standing.
BIO 555
Great Lakes Wetland and Aquatic Plants
4
The biology of wetland plants including: identification, systematics, and ecology. Students will visit wetlands throughout Michigan and learn to identify common wetland and aquatic plants. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or graduate standing.
BIO 557
Woody Plants of Michigan
4
The biology of woody plants including their identification, anatomy and physiology, systematics, ecology and evolution. Students will learn Michigan native trees and shrubs. Prerequisites: BIO 203; or BIO 212, 213 with a grade of C- or better; or graduate standing.
The behavior, community organization, and ecological relationships of birds are examined through discussion of current literature, investigative field work, and other techniques. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a C- or better; or graduate standing. Recommended: BIO 515.
BIO 561
Wetland Ecology and Management
3
The study of wetland ecosystem structure and function. Chemical, physical, and biological processes will be put into the context of conservation, management, and restoration. Prerequisite: BIO 340.
BIO 562
Plant Systematics and Evolution
4
In-depth study, covering important topics in plant identification, evolution and systematics. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or graduate standing.
BIO 565
Microbial Diversity and Physiology
3
This course explores the diversity of microorganisms, including methods for classifying microorganisms and assessing their diversity, and a detailed survey of microbial metabolic diversity. Prerequisite: BIO 326 or Biology graduate status.
BIO 566
Microbial Diversity and Physiology Laboratory
1
This is an advanced laboratory course that explores experimental techniques used to study the diversity and physiology of microorganisms. This laboratory course accompanies BIO 565. Prerequisite: BIO 326 or Biology graduate status. Co-requisite: BIO 565.
BIO 567WI
Biogeochemistry
3
Examines the molecular mechanisms by which microorganisms drive the cycling of Earth’s major elements. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; or BIO 208; CHM 132; or graduate standing in a CST program.
BIO 575
Applied Bioinformatics
4
Application of bioinformatics techniques. Topics include: gene finding, pairwise and multiple sequence alignments of DNA and protein sequences, and the use of GenBank and BLAST. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 with a C- or better; or graduate standing in a Master’s or Ph. D. program in the College of Science and Engineering.
BIO 585
Conservation Medicine
3
Examines various diseases and their importance to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Epidemiology and ecology of diseases are discussed within the framework of conservation medicine. Prerequisites: BIO 208, 340; or graduate standing .
BIO 597
Special Topics in Biology
1-9
Topics of special interest that are not normally included in existing courses. Specific topics and instructor’s prerequisites will be announced in Course Search and Registration. Prerequisites: BIO 212, 213 both with a grade of C- or better; completion of 56 semester hours; or graduate standing; additional instructor prerequisites will be announced in the Course Search and Registration.
