University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The University of Texas at El Paso’s College of Science opened the spring 2020 semester with its newest undergraduate degree offering – a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB). The new degree is the campus’ latest effort in an ongoing mission of providing competitive academic and research opportunities at one of the most reasonable prices for a U.S. top tier university. The new EEB program, which is housed in the Department of Biological Sciences, will benefit students preparing for careers or advanced degrees in such fields as ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, zoology, plant science, conservation biology, or wildlife management. The 24 semester hours of required coursework offer students opportunities in topics such as introduction to research, desert ecology and population genetics. Sixteen courses are part of the formal degree plan, while many other electives can be applied. The program was created to meet the demand for more trained professionals in ecology and evolutionary biology that can fill jobs as science teachers, educators, and in government positions at agencies such as the National Park Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Marketable Skills

  1. Communication: Reach mutual understanding through the effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings.
  2. Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues to solve problems and develop informed opinions.
  3. Organization: Use resources effectively and efficiently to stay focused on different tasks.
  4. Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues.
  5. Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question.
  6. Time management: Prioritize goals and organize time to be more productive and efficient.

Learning Outcomes 

  1. Students are expected to have basic knowledge about the facts and principles of biology appropriate to their chosen path within this broad academic field.
  2. Students will develop their critical thinking skills, enhancing their problem-solving abilities by direct application of factual knowledge and scientific methodologies as necessary.
  3. Students are expected to be familiar with modern biology techniques.
  4. Students are able to design experiments (or otherwise test scientific hypotheses).
  5. Students are expected to carry out basic experiments or other hypothesis testing in the laboratory and/or the field.
  6. Students will be able to communicate orally, in writing, and develop collaborative skills.

Fast Track

The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs.  Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here

Degree Plan

University Core C42
Designated Core C
Calculus I
Life and Physical Sciences
Required:
Principles of Earth Sciences
and Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
and
Principles of Earth Science
and Laboratory for Geology 1212
Select one of the following sequences:
General Physics I
and General Physics II
OR
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
and
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Required Courses: 130
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
Prof Development in Eco Evol
Genetics
Evolution
Ecology Laboratory
and Ecology
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Calculus II
Elementary Statistical Methods
Select eight lower-division hours from: 2,C8
General Botany
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
Vertebrate Zoology
Invertebrate Zoology
Upper-division courses #14
Select one course from the following:
Plants and People
Plant Ecology
Plant Diversity & Systematics
Upper-division course #23
Select one course from the following:
Genetic, Env & Evol - Anim Beh
Animal Ecology
Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles
Birds and Mammals
Major Electives
Select seven to nine credit hours of which seven must be upper division hours of BIOL, BOT, MICR, or ZOOL 9
Field of Study:
Select twenty-four hours with at least thirteen hours must be upper-division; any courses in CHEM, ESCI, GEOG, GEOP, or additional courses in BIOL, BOT, MICR or ZOOL are recommended; courses from all other subjects require departmental approval. (BIOL 1103, 1104, 1203, 1303, 1304 and MICR 2330 are not allowed.) 24
Total Hours120
C

Courses require a grade of C or better.

Concentrations

7-12 Life Science Certification 

The two Secondary Education Concentrations are for —Biological Sciences majors wishing to achieve secondary education certification as they complete the BS degree.  These options require a minor in Secondary Education that follows certification tracks for either Science or Life Science for grades 7-12. The major and minor requirements for these tracks are the same, but the additional science requirements are different for the Science versus Life Science certification. Adequate scores on state-administered examinations after completion of all coursework are also required for teacher certification. A UTEP overall and content area GPA must be at least 2.75 for admission to the Educator Preparation Program. 

  • Education Concentration Required
    This minor requires the Secondary Education concentration.
    Background Check Required
    A complete background check is required of all students who wish to receive teacher certification in the State of Texas. Students will be required to pass a background check before certification will be conferred by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC).
    Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better)
    Required Courses: 1
    MATH 1411Calculus I4
    Select one of the following sequences:3
    Principles of Earth Sciences
    and Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
    AND
    Principles of Earth Science
    and Principles of Earth Sciences
    OR
    General Physics I
    and General Physics II
    OR
    Introductory Mechanics
    and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
    AND
    Introductory Electromagnetism
    and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
    University Core Curriculum
    Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
    Biology Major
    Required Courses:
    BIOL 1107Topics in Study of Life I1
    BIOL 1108Organismal Biology Laboratory1
    BIOL 1305General Biology3
    BIOL 1306Organismal Biology3
    BIOL 3193Prof Development in Eco Evol1
    BIOL 3320Genetics3
    BIOL 3321Evolution3
    CHEM 1305
    CHEM 1105
    General Chemistry
    and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
    4
    CHEM 1306
    CHEM 1106
    General Chemistry
    and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
    4
    CHEM 2124Lab for Organic Chemistry 23241
    CHEM 2324Organic Chemistry3
    MATH 1312Calculus II3-4
    or STAT 2480 Elementary Statistical Methods
    Required:4
    Ecology
    and Ecology Laboratory
    Select two courses of the following:8
    General Botany
    General Microbiology
    and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
    Vertebrate Zoology
    Invertebrate Zoology
    Select one of the following:4
    Mammalian Physiology
    and Vertebrate Physiology Methods
    Molecular Cell Biology
    and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
    Select one of the following:4
    Genetic, Env & Evol - Anim Beh
    Animal Ecology
    Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles
    Birds and Mammals
    Select three hours from the following or another course with advisor approval:3
    Desert Ecology
    Special Problems
    Field Biology
    Additional Coursework:
    Select one or two additional hours of coursework1-2
    Secondary Education Minor
    Required Courses:
    BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
    EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
    RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
    SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
    SCED 4368Teaching Science in Sec School3
    SCED 4691Student Teaching in Sec School6
    Total Hours120
1

Although the UTEP choice is larger, these choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major.

2

A total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework is required of all Bachelor of Science degrees

C

Course requires a grade of C or better

7-12 Science Certification

The two Secondary Education Concentrations are for —Biological Sciences majors wishing to achieve secondary education certification as they complete the BS degree.  These options require a minor in Secondary Education that follows certification tracks for either Science or Life Science for grades 7-12. The major and minor requirements for these tracks are the same, but the additional science requirements are different for the Science versus Life Science certification. Adequate scores on state-administered examinations after completion of all coursework are also required for teacher certification. A UTEP overall and content area GPA must be at least 2.75 for admission to the Educator Preparation Program. 

Background Check Required
A complete background check is required of all students who wish to receive teacher certification in the State of Texas. Students will be required to pass a background check before certification will be conferred by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC).
Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better)
Required Courses: 111
Calculus I
Select one of the following sequences:3
Principles of Earth Sciences
and Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
AND
Principles of Earth Science
and Laboratory for Geology 1212
OR
General Physics I
and General Physics II
OR
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
AND
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
University Core Curriculum
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
Biology Major
Required Courses:
BIOL 1107Topics in Study of Life I1
BIOL 1108Organismal Biology Laboratory1
BIOL 1305General Biology3
BIOL 1306Organismal Biology3
BIOL 3117Ecology Laboratory1
BIOL 3193Prof Development in Eco Evol1
BIOL 3316Ecology3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3321Evolution3
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
MATH 1312Calculus II3-4
or STAT 2480 Elementary Statistical Methods
Select two Courses of the following:8
Human Anat/Physiology I
and Human Anat/Physio Lab I
General Botany
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
Vertebrate Zoology
Invertebrate Zoology
Select one of the following:3
Plants and People
Plant Ecology
Plant Diversity & Systematics
Select one of the following:3
Genetic, Env & Evol - Anim Beh
Animal Ecology
Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles
Birds and Mammals
Additional Coursework:
Select an additional 4 upper-division hours of BIOL (except BIOL 3351 and 3357), BOT, MICR, or ZOOL 24
Secondary Education Minor
Required Courses:
BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
SCED 4368Teaching Science in Sec School3
SCED 4691Student Teaching in Sec School6
Upper Division Requirement
Select a total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework 2
Total Hours120
 

Course List

1

Although the UTEP choice is larger, these choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major.

2

A total of thirty-seven hours of upper division coursework is required for all Bachelor of Science degrees.

C

Course requires a grade of C or better

1

This area requires forty hours in total.

2

At least two of the following are strongly recommended: BOT 2410 General Botany, ZOOL 2406 Vertebrate Zoology, ZOOL 2466 Invertebrate Zoology

C

Course requires a grade of C or better

4-Year Sample Degree Plan

BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (starting with Pre-Calculus)

BS ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY (STARTING WITH PRE-CALCULUS)
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I (*)3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science (*)3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 1865 (*)3
MATH 1508Precalculus5
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
Spring
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 2 (*)3
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 1865 (*)3
COMM 1301Public Speaking (*)3
MATH 1411Calculus I (*)4
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
SOPHOMORE
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics (*)3
PHIL 2306Ethics (*)3
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 (*)
4
BOT 2410General Botany4
or ZOOL 2466 Invertebrate Zoology
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics (*)3
ART 1300Art Appreciation (*)3
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 (*)
4
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
ZOOL 2406Vertebrate Zoology4
JUNIOR
Fall
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology (*)3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3192Professional Development Sem.1
BIOL 3316
BIOL 3117
Ecology
and Ecology Laboratory
4
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
Field of Study Course3
Spring
BIOL 3321Evolution3
BIOL 3342Plants and People3-4
or BIOL 3417 Plant Ecology
or BOT 3437 Plant Diversity & Systematics
Major Elective3
Field of Study course3
SENIOR
Fall
Major Elective3
Field of Study course3
Field of Study course3
BIOL 4324Genetic, Env & Evol - Anim Beh3-4
or BIOL 4327 Animal Ecology
or ZOOL 4476 Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles
or ZOOL 4478 Birds and Mammals
Spring
Field of Study Course3
Field of Study course3
Field of Study course3
Field of Study course3
Total Hours125-127

BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (starting with Calculus)

BS ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY (STARTING WITH CALCULUS)
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I (*)3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science (*)3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 1865 (*)3
MATH 1411Calculus I (*)4
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
Spring
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 2 (*)3
COMM 1301Public Speaking (*)3
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 1865 (*)3
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
SOPHOMORE
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics (*)3
PHIL 2306Ethics (*)3
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 (*)
4
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
ZOOL 2466Invertebrate Zoology4
or BOT 2410 General Botany
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics (*)3
ART 1300Art Appreciation (*)3
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 (*)
4
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
ZOOL 2406Vertebrate Zoology4
JUNIOR
Fall
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology (*)3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3192Professional Development Sem.1
BIOL 3316
BIOL 3117
Ecology
and Ecology Laboratory
4
Field of Study course3
Spring
BIOL 3321Evolution3
BIOL 3342Plants and People3-4
or BIOL 3417 Plant Ecology
or BOT 3437 Plant Diversity & Systematics
BIOL 4324Genetic, Env & Evol - Anim Beh3-4
or BIOL 4327 Animal Ecology
or ZOOL 4476 Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles
or ZOOL 4478 Birds and Mammals
Field of Study Course 3
SENIOR
Fall
Major Elective3
Major Elective3
Field of Study course3
Field of Study course3
Spring
Field of Study Course3
Field of Study course3
Field of Study course3
Field of Study course3
Total Hours120-122

BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology- 7-12 Life Science (starting with Pre-Calculus)

BS ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY - 7-12 LIFE SCIENCE CERTIFICATION (Starting with Pre-Calculus)
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
MATH 1508Precalculus3-5
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
Spring
MATH 1411Calculus I4
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
SOPHOMORE
Fall
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
BOT 2410General Botany4
PHIL 2306Ethics3
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Spring
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
ZOOL 2406Vertebrate Zoology4
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
JUNIOR
Fall
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3193Prof Development in Eco Evol1
BIOL 3316
BIOL 3117
Ecology
and Ecology Laboratory
4
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
Spring
BIOL 3321Evolution3
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
CHEM 2324
CHEM 2124
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324
4
RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
Additional Coursework2
SENIOR
Fall
BIOL or ZOO Elective3
BIOL Elective3
EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
SCED 4368Teaching Science in Sec School3
Spring
SCED 4691Student Teaching in Sec School6
Total Hours124-126

BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology- 7-12 Life Science (starting with Calculus)

BS ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY - 7-12 LIFE SCIENCE CERTIFICATION (Starting with Calculus)
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
MATH 1411Calculus I4
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
Spring
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods3-4
or MATH 1312 Calculus II
SOPHOMORE
Fall
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
BOT 2410General Botany4
PHIL 2306Ethics3
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
Spring
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
BIOL Elective3
ZOOL 2406Vertebrate Zoology4
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
JUNIOR
Fall
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3193Prof Development in Eco Evol1
BIOL 3316
BIOL 3117
Ecology
and Ecology Laboratory
4
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
Spring
BIOL 3321Evolution3
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
CHEM 2324
CHEM 2124
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324
4
RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
Additional Coursework2
SENIOR
Fall
BIOL or ZOOL Elective3
EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
SCED 4368Teaching Science in Sec School3
Spring
SCED 4691Student Teaching in Sec School6
Total Hours120-121

BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology- 7-12 Science Certification (starting with Pre-Calculus)

BS ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY - 7-12 SCIENCE CERTIFICATION (Starting with Pre-Calculus)
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
MATH 1508Precalculus5
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
Spring
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
MATH 1411Calculus I4
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
SOPHOMORE
Fall
BOT 2410General Botany4
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
PHIL 2306Ethics3
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Spring
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
ZOOL 2406Vertebrate Zoology4
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
JUNIOR
Fall
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3193Prof Development in Eco Evol1
BIOL 3316
BIOL 3117
Ecology
and Ecology Laboratory
4
BIOL or BOT Option3
Spring
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
BIOL 3321Evolution3
BIOL, BOT, MICR, or ZOOL Elective4
RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
Upper Division Coursework2
SENIOR
Fall
BIOL 4327Animal Ecology3
EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
SCED 4368Teaching Science in Sec School3
Spring
SCED 4691Student Teaching in Sec School6
Total Hours126

BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology- 7-12 Science Certification (starting with Calculus)

BS ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY - 7-12 SCIENCE CERTIFICATION (Starting with Calculus)
FRESHMAN
Fall
MATH 1411Calculus I4
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
Spring
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods4
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
SOPHOMORE
Fall
BOT 2410General Botany4
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
PHIL 2306Ethics3
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Spring
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
ZOOL 2406Vertebrate Zoology4
JUNIOR
Fall
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3193Prof Development in Eco Evol1
BIOL 3316
BIOL 3117
Ecology
and Ecology Laboratory
4
BIOL, BOT, MICR, or ZOOL Elective4
Spring
BIOL 3321Evolution3
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
BIOL or BOT Elective3
RED 3342Content Area Literacy3
Upper Division Coursework2
SENIOR
Fall
BIOL 4327Animal Ecology3
EDPC 3300Intro to Youth Dev & Spec Ed3
BED 4317Tch & Empwr ELLs in Sec Schls3
SCED 3311Curriculum Plan-Secondary Schl3
SCED 4368Teaching Science in Sec School3
Spring
SCED 4691Student Teaching in Sec School6
Total Hours121