Overview

Research

Mentored independent research is at the core of both the MS and PhD degrees in Ecology and Evolution. EE does not have a rotation system, so incoming students generally join their advisor's lab and begin developing research plans in their first semester.  However, it is not uncommon for students to be co-advised on thesis/dissertation projects that bridge labs and even disciplines.

Coursework

EE graduate students tailor individual programs of study that support their research and professional development goals, so required courses are limited to our seminar series and two core courses.

Seminars -- Every semester, all active students enroll in BIOB 594_02 (Ecology & Evolution Seminar, Wednesdays @ 4) and BIOB 594_03 (Noon Seminar, Wednesdays @ 12 noon), and attend both weekly.  MS and PhD students in their first semester also take a reading/discussion course associated with the EE Seminar Series (BIOB 594_01, Wednesdays @ 3), and all students are encouraged to participate in that group beyond their first year.  

Core Courses -- Ecology and Evolution offers two core courses, BIOB505 (Core 1) and BIOB506 (Core 2), which together cover the fundamentals of ecology, evolution and organismal function, in alternating Falls. PhD students take both, in overlapping cohorts in 1st and 2nd years. MS students are required to take one, but welcome to take both. 

Additional Coursework -- Grad-level seminar-style courses and discussion groups meet regularly to discuss topics of shared interest, and can be initiated by students/faculty. In addition, most topical 400-level courses (e.g., Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Comparative Animal Physiology, Plant Evolution) in the Biology major may be taken for graduate credit with supplement.  Grad courses focused on modeling and data analysis (e.g., Using R for Biostatistics, Programming for Genomics) are often offered through Biology, Wildlife, Forestry, or Math.

See the UM Catalog for listing of recurrent courses, seek guidance from faculty and students about courses outside EE (or even off-campus) that might be useful in gains skills and knowledge, and watch for announcements of special topics offerings.

Examinations

PhD students advance to candidacy after successfully defending a dissertation proposal (generally by end of the 2nd year) and passing comprehensive exams (written and oral, generally taken by Fall of the 3rd Year). MS students advance to candidacy after successfully defending a thesis proposal (generally by end of 1st year).