Ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) seek to understand the origins, diversity, and distribution of organisms. All life evolves. All life sciences, along with evidence-based stewardship of life on planet Earth, depend on understanding the factors that influence the origin and maintenance of biological diversity ? from genomes to ecosystems. Understanding EEB helps society to make informed decisions about sustainable development, global climate change, invasive species, harvested natural resources, preservation of biodiversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem integrity, control of herbicide and pesticide resistance, antibiotic and drug resistance, and emerging infectious diseases.

Students exposed to these subjects come to realize that the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of life pose a constellation of engaging scientific problems that are both intellectually challenging and critical to humanity’s future. EEB graduates go on to successful careers in data science, research, medicine and healthcare, government ministries like MNR and DFO, environmental and conservation NGO’s and consulting firms, and many other industries. As members of one of the highest ranked EEB departments in the world and the largest EEB department in Canada, EEB students are uniquely positioned to enhance their scientific literacy as the future decision-makers and knowledge-creators in society.

The EEB Department offers a diverse collection of over 50 courses that explore biological diversity, conservation biology, molecular evolution, population and quantitative genetics, computational and statistical data analysis, genomics, animal behavior, the ecology of populations, communities, and ecosystems, mathematical theory in biology, environmental biology, and systematics. EEB faculty include Curators from the Royal Ontario Museum. Students participate in diverse learning environments within EEB courses: hands-on bench and computer lab practical’s, field trips, off-campus field courses in Ontario and internationally, small-class discussion seminars, and independent research projects with world-leading faculty researchers. Students enrolled in EEB courses and programs become part of a welcoming and supportive community of scholars.

The EEB Department offers five core Programs of Study (POS): Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (Specialist and Major); Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (Major), Environmental Biology (Major and Minor). Students enrolled in EEB programs are invited to participate in the EEB: PMP peer-mentorship program for Co-Curricular Record credit as a mentee in 2nd year or as a mentor in upper years, and to attend the EEB Info Session Series for advising about career options, applying for scholarships and grad school, and seeking out research opportunities.