Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity, Minor College of Biological Sciences

Learn about the diversity of life of Earth, including diversity in genes, physiology, shapes, sizes, and behaviors. You will learn about how this diversity emerged, as plants, animals, and microbes became adapted to the environment and to each other. You will learn to predict whether  populations of interacting organisms will persist over time.

Faculty Advisor

Laci M. Gerhart, Ph.D.

Advising

Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) in 1023 Katherine Esau Science Hall (formerly Sciences Laboratory Building); 530-752-0410.

Only one course used to satisfy a requirement for the minor may be applied toward a student’s major.

EVE 100Introduction to Evolution4
EVE 101Introduction to Ecology4
Courses selected for the Biodiversity and Advanced Ecology or Evolution sections must add up to at least 10 units.10
Biodiversity
Choose one:
Insects Systematics
Phylogenetic Analysis of Vertebrate Structure (Discontinued for winter 2026) **
EVE 108/PLB 108 DISCONTINUED FOR WINTER 2024 **
(Discontinued for winter 2026) **
Biology of Invertebrates
Biology of Invertebrates Laboratory
Experimental Invertebrate Biology
Paleobotany (Discontinued for winter 2026) **
Microbial Diversity (Discontinued for fall 2026) **
Microbial Diversity Laboratory (Discontinued for fall 2026) **
Introduction to Nematology
Plant Morphology & Evolution
Introductory Mycology
California Plant Communities
Biology & Conservation of Wild Mammals
Laboratory in Biology & Conservation of Wild Mammals
Biology & Conservation of Wild Birds
Laboratory in Biology & Conservation of Wild Birds
Biology & Conservation of Fishes
Laboratory in Biology & Conservation of Fishes
Herpetology
Herpetology Laboratory
Advanced Ecology or Evolution
Choose two:
Population & Quantitative Genetics
Phylogeny, Speciation & Macroevolution
Animal Communication
Marine Ecology
Plant Ecology
Population Biology of Invasive Plants & Weeds
Global Change Ecology
Human Genetic Variation & Evolution
Ecology of Tropical Latitudes (Discontinued for winter 2026) **
Principles of Systematics (Discontinued for winter 2026) **
Biogeography
Evolution of Ecological Systems (Discontinued for winter 2026) **
Evolution of Animal Development (Discontinued for winter 2026) **
Microbial Phylogenomics; Genomic Perspectives on the Diversity & Diversification of Microbes
Experimental Ecology & Evolution in the Field
Experimental Ecology & Evolution in the Field
Ecology & Evolution of Animal-Plant Interactions
Laboratory or field course: At least one of the courses taken to fulfill these requirements must include a 6-hour per week laboratory or field component or two courses with a 3-hour per week laboratory or field component.
Total Units18
**

Course(s) discontinued; see your advisor for course options.