Academics
Interdisciplinary Biology Track: Ecology & Evolution
Provides an in-depth education in ecology and evolution through course work, field work, advanced statistical skills, and research.
Quick Links
Several of the required courses in the Ecology and Evolution Track are offered both in Chicago and at MBL:
BIOS 20198 Biodiversity is taught both during Spring Quarter on the Chicago Campus, and as part of MBL Spring Quarter in Biology.
The following field ecology courses are available to fulfill the requirement in this track:
| Course | Location/Program | Quarter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS 20196 | Ecology and Conservation | Chicago | Autumn |
| BIOS 27710 | Ecology | MBL - Semester in Environmental Science | Autumn |
| BIOS 27751 | Biological Oceanography | MBL - Spring Quarter in Biology | Spring |
| BIOS 27725 | Biogeography | MBL - September Term in Biology | September Term |
The MBL Spring Quarter application priority admission deadline is November 1. Rolling Admission Deadline is January 1. Apply HERE.
The MBL September Term application deadline is March 1.
Experiences & Opportunities
Explore the available opportunities for learning outside of the classroom.
MBL Spring Quarters in Biology & Neuroscience
The MBL Spring quarter offers students a variety of courses with opportunities in biology, neuroscience, physics, and art.
MBL September Courses
In September, the College offers five courses at The Marine Biological Laboratory. Each course is taught by UChicago and MBL faculty.
Semester in Environmental Science
During Autumn Quarter, MBL and UChicago partner to offer students a 15-week experience rooted in environmental research, policy, and management through the Semester in Environmental Science (SES) program.
Field Trips
In addition to field courses, courses like BIOS 23233: Ecology and Evolution in the Southwest - Field School or BIOS 23100: Dinosaur Science take students outside of Chicago.
Research and Fellowship Opportunities
Learn more about the opportunities for research and fellowships in E&E including BSCD Summer Innovation Fellowships and MBL Metcalf Summer Research Fellowships (SURF).
Career Advancement for E&E Students
Careers in Biological Sciences and Climate and Energy Careers provide opportunities to explore E&E career pathways, network with alumni, and engage with employers through treks, programs, and internships. Schedule an appointment on Handshake to learn more!
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Buzzard Bay Coalition
- Cascade Forest Conservancy
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Climate Impacts Research Centre
- Consortium on Ocean Leadership
- Institute for Applied Ecology
- Kew Royal Botanical Gardens
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Marine Biological Laboratory
- Morton Arboretum
- NOAA – Alaska Fisheries Science Center
- Shedd Aquarium
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Boeing
- Conservation International
- Conservation Law Foundation
- Current
- LanzaTech
- Marine Biological Laboratory
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- NOAA - Alaska Fisheries Science Center
- Openlands
- Ramboll
- Salk Institute
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
- Seattle Aquarium
- US Senate - Environmental and Public Works Committee
UChicago students intern with Metcalf internship employer partners and organizations including national laboratories, museums, zoos, aquariums, legal firms, and non-profits where they gain experience and exposure to roles and organizations leading efforts in ecology and evolution. University of Chicago internship hosts have included:
Career Advancement offers programs and events that allow students to engage with alumni and employers to inform their career paths, build their professional networks, and learn about potential future opportunities of interest. Through panels and info sessions, local site visits in Chicago, and career exploration treks to exciting cities such as Boston, Seattle, and San Diego, UChicago students gain exposure to biological sciences employers, career paths, and opportunities. Employer hosts and alumni speakers have included:
Dave Lerner, Program Director of Careers in Biological Sciences, dlerner@uchicago.edu.
Ecology and Evolution Track Director, Dr. Cathy Pfister
Email: cpfister@uchicago.edu
Senior Advisor, Dr. Chris Andrews
Email: candrews@uchicago.edu