Discover what kind of biologist you want to be.
You'll develop a range of technical and practical skills both in the field and in the laboratory while working with biology faculty. You might focus on molecular genetics, neurobiology, ecology, or conservation. More importantly, you will do all of this in a supportive learning environment where you can explore the breadth of the biological sciences and discover what kind of biologist you want to be.
Explore authentic research questions for which no one knows the answers. In one introductory course, students examined the impact of global warming on coral populations, performed DNA sequencing, and wrote proposals for research projects that would expand the world's scientific knowledge about coral biology.
Cornell Summer Research Institute: fighting antibiotic resistance
According to the CDC, antibiotic resistance happens when germs like bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. It’s an issue that impacts 2.8 million people each year. Cornell students worked with biology professor, Catherine Volle, to delve into this issue.
This work will contribute to the issue of antibiotics resistance that scientists around the world are studying.
Ecology and evolutionary biology course and degree requirements
In this major pathway you will take courses where you will study in the laboratory and in move into field work with your professor. Learing research methods will set you up for research projects while at Cornell and also for a futre in graduate school if that's the path you take next. The course progression for this program is designed so that courses build on one another and you'll have many opportunities for fieldwork and research
Courses in Ecology and EvolutionarY Biology
Major capstone
Majors regularly complete a capstone project in which they investigate a biological problem by reviewing literature, collecting and interpreting data related to the problem, and writing a research report on their findings.
Research in the lab and the field
You'll have dedicated lab space in Cornell's science buildings and you'll also spend time in prairies, woodlands, ponds, and streams. Learning about ecology and biology on Cornell's One Course At A Time curriculum means practicing science in “real-time.” Daily labs allow you to immerse yourself into the process of analyzing the molecular genetics of cells and organisms, gathering samples from local ecosystems for lab analysis, and observing plant life in developed lab habitats.
Take advantage of opportunities to collaborate with your professors and other professional biologists. Our faculty are involved in long-term research projects and work collaboratively with students both during the school year and during the Cornell Summer Research Institute. Students frequently present their work at Cornell’s annual Student Symposium or at professional conferences, and some have contributed to papers in scientific journals as undergraduates.
Exploring ecology around the globe
The One Course calendar lends itself to the study of biology on extended off-campus trips. Our students pursue off-campus study experiences like:
- Ecology at the Wilderness Field Station in northern Minnesota
- Conservation biology in Costa Rica or the Philippines
- Coral biology in Belize or the Bahamas
- Plant-insect interactions in South American rainforests
Internships in ecology and evolutionary biology
You will have the opportunity to take part in internships throughout your academic journey at Cornell. Our students have explored a wide range of future careers through internships near home, across the country, and into the wider world. Examples include:
- Coastal Ecosystem Research at the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory
- Land Stewardship with the Nature Conservancy of Iowa
- Mote Marine Lab and Big Cat Rescue in Sarasota, Florida.
- Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
What are Cornell students doing in internships? Check out their blogs
Career opportunities in ecology and evolutionary biology
Combine your ecology major with a secondary education certification and you'll be well on your way to a career in teaching biology. If you're not sure that teaching is the right combination with your biology degree but you're curious, talk to the education faculty, ecology and evolutionary biology faculty, or your academic advisor to discuss what education course might let you explore this possible career path.
The Berry Career Institute can help you identify what you’ll pursue with your understanding of how biological systems impact the world around us and how to find the answers to your own questions through research methods.
Careers in Science & Research Environmenal Careers Careers in Education