The EEB major is designed to provide students with core disciplinary training while giving them the flexibility of interdisciplinary electives to meet their academic goals. 

New Graduate Student Orientation

Theses and Dissertations

Learning Outcomes

All students will demonstrate

• A mastery of the required coursework
• An understanding of the central issues and current research in the discipline
• Breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline
• An ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals
• An awareness of the societal and ethical issues surrounding the discipline

Curriculum Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree requirements: 72 credits | Time-to-degree: 5 years or less

• Conceptual Foundations in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB 5110) - 4 credits
• Ecology & Evolutionary Biology courses - 6 credits
• Seminar (EEB 6980) - 2 credits
• Statistics/quantitative methods course - 3-4 credits
• Dissertation research - variable credits*
• Elective courses/additional research (credits as needed to reach 72 required)

*No established minimum; at discretion of Academic Plan Committee and student.

EEB Graduate Courses

Current Seminars

Spring 2026

EEB Seminar in Biodiversity Science: Patterns, Processes and Applications

EEB 6980 – SPRING 2026 – 1 CREDIT  Tuesdays from 3:10 - 4:00 pm in 145 Bessey Hall (date/location tentative and open to change based on student interest & availability)

Description of the Course

This course is based on group discussions of foundational and emerging topics in the field of biodiversity science. Selected readings to incorporate ecological, evolutionary, and conservation perspectives across scales of biological organization.

Course goals and learning objectives

1. Broaden understanding of biodiversity patterns, processes, and scientific applications.
2. Facilitate scientific discussions in a small group setting.
3. Critically evaluate concepts and their support in the primary literature.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor: Dr. Charlie Loewen

Email: cloewen@iastate.edu

Office hours: Immediately after each class, or by appointment.