Ecology Concentration
The Ecology concentration is a course of natural science study for students interested in investigating and preserving the Earth's biodiversity. This concentration provides the necessary foundation for students to work as a field or research technician or pursue graduate degrees in such fields as ecology, conservation biology, and restoration ecology. Students with this major generally aspire to careers working as a research scientist for state and federal governments, non-governmental organizations, and environmental consulting firms, or for a career as a middle school or high school science teacher or university professor.
Ecology Concentration: example course plan (first 3 semesters)
This is an example course plan based on the 2023-2024 University Catalog; your actual
schedule may deviate from this example. Your faculty advisor will work with you to
select appropriate courses.
As an IWU student, it is your responsibility to track your progress each semester
towards completing graduation requirements using the MyIWU degree audit tool.
Fall Semester
- ENST 100 Environment & Society (AV)
- BIOL 101 General Biology (LSL)
- Gateway Colloquium (or ENST 230 Earth Systems Science (PSL) if Gateway is taken in the Spring semester)
- Second Language Course
- Physical Education (PEX)
Spring Semester
- BIOL 102 General Biology (LSL)
- One ES course from approved list designated as:
- General Education Course* (or Gateway if not completed in the Fall semester)
- Second Language Course
- Physical Education (PEY)
May Term
- Optional*
Fall Semester
- BIOL 324 Principles of Ecology (WI) (if offered, or alternatively an Ecology elective)
- One ES course from approved list designated as:
- General Education Course*
- Second Language Course
- Physical Education (PEY)
Additional Information for Spring Semester
- During the 4th semester (Spring of Year 2) Ecology majors should take ENST 230 Earth Systems Science (PSL), if not taken in Year 1, and also ENST 200 Geographic Information Systems/GIS (FR) to fulfill a Methods requirement for the major.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad and should consult with the Director of the Environmental Studies Program to decide on a case-by-case basis which semester(s) would be most appropriate.
Additional Information
- Though BIOL 101-102 is not required for the Nature and Society concentration or the Global Sustainability, Policy & Justice concentration, students should enroll in BIOL 101-102 their first year if they are interested in pursuing the Ecology concentration. BIOL 102 is a prerequisite for taking upper level biology courses. Due to course sequencing, without taking the introductory biology sequence (BIOL 101-102) in the first year, it may be impossible later in their undergraduate career to pursue the Ecology concentration.
Abigail Jahiel - Professor of Environmental and International Studies
Department - Environmental Studies