Program Handbook

Updated September 19, 2024.

Program Description and Operations

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (EECB) is a graduate program in the life sciences at the �԰��ɫ��, Reno that promotes M.S. and Ph.D. education in theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of ecology, evolution and conservation biology. EECB is composed of a graduate faculty, a Program Director, one or more Assistant/Associate Program Directors, and an Advisory Board.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the theoretical and empirical basis of ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and related fields.
Students will obtain knowledge of the application of computer tools, conceptual and analytical models, data analysis techniques, and field and laboratory procedures.
Students will develop an ability to articulate scientific concepts and results in written, graphical, and verbal formats.

Graduate Faculty

EECB Graduate Faculty members direct doctoral and master’s students, teach graduate courses, or conduct scholarly research in the areas of ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and related fields.

Any University graduate faculty member conducting research in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology, as evidenced by recent publication in major journals, (e.g. Ecology, Evolution, Conservation Biology), or teaching graduate level courses in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology may apply for graduate faculty status in EECB. To apply, send a brief letter of interest and a curriculum vitae to the Program Director. Applications are evaluated by the EECB Program Director and membership is determined by a vote of the EECB faculty.

EECB Graduate Faculty members are admitted for five-year terms. Based upon research productivity and teaching/advising effectiveness, the EECB Program Director reviews and determines continued membership.

Ph.D. scientists outside of the University may be appointed to the EECB Faculty in a similar manner as stated above. These individuals can serve on EECB graduate student committees as regular members or co-advisors with a �԰��ɫ��, Reno-EECB faculty member but cannot serve as sole major professor for an EECB student.

The EECB Director can also appoint individuals to serve as members of individual M.S. or Ph.D. committees. Such individuals may serve as regular committee members, but not as co-advisors or faculty representatives of the University’s Graduate School. These individuals could be M.S.-terminal degree scientists in the case of an M.S. student committee.

Program Director

The EECB Program Director oversees the operations of EECB including:

nomination of EECB Graduate Faculty members,
coordinate recruitment and admission of students,
curriculum development and implementation,
budget and funding development,
oversee design and administration of written comprehensive exams,
oversee committee membership, and any other administrative activities, including the minimization of conflicts of interest in the decision-making process,
provide advice and resources to help resolve conflicts between faculty and students

The Program Director may recommend one or more Assistant/Associate Program Directors to the EECB faculty. The election of an Assistant/Associate Program Director requires a majority vote at an EECB faculty meeting.

The EECB Program Director is elected from the EECB Graduate Faculty with the approval of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Dean. The Program Director serves a three-year term, renewable, upon election, for a second or third term. The Program Director is reviewed by the EECB faculty every year, as overseen by the Graduate Dean.

Program Director:
Marjorie Matocq | EECB_Director@unr.edu

Assistant/Associate Program Director

Upon recommendation of the Program Director, the EECB faculty may elect one or more Assistant/Associate Program Directors. Assistant/Associate Program Directors shall represent the Program Director and the EECB Program as agreed upon by the Program Director and the Assistant/Associate Program Director.

Program Advisory Board

The EECB Program Advisory Board (PAB) consists of the following voting members: EECB Program Director and Chairs of departments with two or more active EECB Graduate Faculty. Also sitting on the Program Advisory Board, in a nonvoting capacity are the Assistant/Associate Program Directors. The EECB Program Advisory Board shall consider the financial matters of EECB and proposed by-law changes. In addition, the Advisory Board shall provide the Program Director with advice regarding program planning.

EECB Standing Faculty Committees

The �԰��ɫ�� Committee and Curriculum Committee will each consist of three faculty members, two elected by the faculty and one appointed by the Program Director. Service on these two committees is for a term of three years and is renewable. The Fundraising Committee will consist of three faculty appointed by the Director for a term of three years. The EECB Program Director serves ex-officio on all committees. The Program Director may appoint ad hoc committees as needed.

�԰��ɫ�� Committee

The EECB �԰��ɫ�� Committee evaluates all student applications to the EECB Program and recommends to the EECB Faculty and Director those students who are admissible. The Program Director will contact faculty to assess which sources of support are available for individual students. Once a faculty member commits to supporting a student through grants, Department teaching assistantship, or other funds, the Program Director will extend an offer of admission.

Curriculum Committee

The EECB Curriculum Committee evaluates and approves the graduate courses that are included in the EECB course listing and recommends to the faculty the structure of the EECB core curriculum.

Fund Raising Committee

The EECB Fundraising Committee is charged with the writing and submission of proposals to increase funding for EECB in general and the support of students in particular. Examples of target awards include federal funding for graduate programs, and fellowships that might be sponsored by state and federal agencies.

Faculty Meetings

The EECB Faculty shall meet a minimum of once per semester. Additional meetings may be called by the Program Director. Meeting notices will be sent at least one week prior to the meeting date. All EECB Graduate Faculty and two representatives of the EECB student association may vote at the meetings. A quorum shall be ten voting members. Online voting may occur to augment faculty representation.

EECB Colloquium Series

The EECB colloquium series (EECB 794) will be coordinated by the EECB graduate students with the guidance of the EECB Program Director. EECB students and faculty should attend these seminars and reception on a weekly basis. Students should work with their faculty mentors to regularly nominate speakers for this series. These invited scientists greatly augment the topics to which students will be exposed and provide an unparalleled opportunity for academic networking.

Handbook/bylaws Changes

Proposed changes to the graduate program handbook can be submitted to the Program Director within one week of the start of each semester. The Director will propose these changes to the faculty at the subsequent faculty meeting for discussion and then voting. Suggested handbook changes will be shared with the faculty at least two weeks in advance of the faculty meeting in which the change will be discussed. Handbook may be changed by a 2/3 vote of the EECB Faculty. Voting may occur online to augment faculty representation.

�԰��ɫ�� and Degree Progression

�԰��ɫ�� Standards

Applications to the EECB Program are completed through the University’s Graduate School Application Portal. Application materials include complete transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework, a personal statement that includes a diversity statement, three letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores for international students. Additional advice on how to apply to EECB, especially suggestions for the personal statement can be found on our prospective students page.

Students with a science background will typically have taken the following courses, but EECB welcomes students from non-science academic backgrounds who have an interest in interdisciplinary studies. Exceptions to this coursework can be made in consultation with the prospective major advisor and EECB Program Director.

Coursework in physical sciences (6 credits), university mathematics including calculus (6 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (6 credits), and biology (24 credits, including genetics, evolution, and ecology), or equivalent evidence of ability to succeed in a graduate program in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.
Minimum GPA (on a 4.0 point scale) of 3.0 for M.S. or Ph.D.
Official , , , , or English exam scores if your educational history is from a non-English speaking country (a list of countries exempt from testing can be found on the admissions page). Minimum score requirements follow those of the University’s Graduate School.

Entry into the EECB program requires that a student have a faculty sponsor/advisor prior to admission. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact EECB faculty prior to or early during the application process because final admission will require sponsorship by a faculty member.

Students admitted to the EECB Program may be offered financial support from one of the following sources: scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships. If a student's job performance (as a teaching or research assistant) and progress towards the degree is satisfactory, support from one or more of these sources may be provided for up to five years total.

All domestic degree-seeking students enrolled in six or more credits will be automatically enrolled in the student health insurance program unless otherwise requested. Students who receive a 20-hour per week teaching or research assistantship have 100% coverage of registration, tuition and health insurance. See the graduate student fees and tuition page for more information.

Degree Requirements and Coursework

Program of Study and Coursework

Each student will complete an entrance interview with a provisional advisory committee of 2-3 EECB faculty (the student's advisor and 1-2 other faculty chosen by the advisor and student). The entrance interview should occur during the first semester and be recorded in the . In preparation for the entrance interview, students should share their transcripts, CV, brief statement of research and career interests so that the provisional advisory committee can suggest needed coursework, workshops or other activities that will help the student achieve their goals. This plan is considered preliminary and subject to change as student interests and needs shift throughout their program. In preparation for the entrance interview or shortly thereafter, it is highly recommended that a student and their faculty advisor develop an Individual Development Plan to guide their progression.

A student will select an Advisory Committee and complete the Declaration of Advisor/Major Advisor/Committee Chair form no later than the end of the second semester.

Ph.D. Advisory committees will consist of the major professor; at least two members of the EECB Graduate Faculty, one additional faculty member from any University program or Department, and one member having University Graduate Faculty status from outside of the faculty advisor's home department (but can still be an EECB member). This latter individual typically serves as the Graduate Faculty Representative. One or more additional qualified members (from on or off campus) may be appointed by the EECB Director. No committee shall have fewer than five members. This committee will also serve as the Examining committee for the oral component of the comprehensive exam.

M.S. Advisory Committees will consist of the major professor and two other members of the graduate faculty selected by the student and major professor. One of the two other members should be from outside the major advisor’s Department but can still be an EECB member. The EECB Director can appoint a qualified, M.S.-terminal degree holder to serve on a MS student committee, upon recommendation of the faculty advisor, student, the remainder of the student’s committee, and with approval from the Graduate School. No M.S. committee shall have fewer than three members.

Each student, with the advice of their Advisory Committee, will take specialized courses that are appropriate for the student's area of research emphasis. In addition, the EECB Program has a set of core requirements that are intended to ensure that all students enrolled in the program receive a broad education in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, and a solid foundation in research methods and experimental design. Once the student’s study plan is established, typically no later than the end of the third semester for M.S. students and end of the fourth semester for Ph.D. students, they will complete the Program of Study form and will update any changes throughout their program with the Change in Program of Study form.

EECB M.S. Requirements

Core courses

EECB 703 Principles of Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (3 credits)
EECB 750 Research Design (4 credits)
2 credits of EECB 794 Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Colloquium (must be taken two times for one (1) credit each time)

In compliance with Graduate school requirements, M.S. students must complete 30 graduate units. A minimum of 9 credits will be at the 700-level, exclusive of thesis credits. At least 18 units earned in courses offered by the �԰��ɫ��, Reno. Students will enroll in 6-10 thesis units. With the Program Director approval, internship/externship experiences can count for thesis units. A written research thesis, a public thesis presentation, and a thesis defense are required. There is no comprehensive exam. There is no teaching requirement.

Thesis, Public Presentation and Defense

Candidates for the M.S. degree must register for at least 6-10 thesis credits and must submit a thesis satisfactory to the Advisory Committee. The completed thesis document must be submitted to the Advisory Committee at least two weeks prior to the public presentation and thesis defense. The thesis must represent an original and independent investigation. It should reflect a mastery of research techniques, as well as the student's ability to select an important problem for the investigation, study it competently, express findings in an acceptable manner, and provide the foundation for further research. Final approval of the thesis is by the Graduate School.

The student is required to present a formal seminar to members of the EECB program. Normally, the seminar will precede the final thesis defense. The presentation must be publicly advertised at least one week in advance through the EECB listserv. It is strongly recommended that presentations and defenses be scheduled during the regular academic year, rather than during winter and summer breaks. The Advisory Committee will conduct the final oral examination of the student's thesis and general knowledge of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. If more than one negative committee vote is cast, the examination is failed. In case of failure, the Advisory Committee, with the approval of the Program Director, may permit the examination to be retaken once following additional work by the student.

EECB Ph.D. Requirements

Core courses

EECB 701, Research Rotation I (3 credits, or equivalent content). One research rotation is required of students without an M.S. or equivalent graduate degree. None is required of students holding an M.S. or equivalent graduate degree. Rotations are intended to provide students with extensive graduate-level experiences in laboratory, field, or classroom settings, in areas other than the student's field of specialization. Equivalency will be determined by the student's advisory committee.
6 credits in statistics, three of which may be undergraduate credits. Courses that satisfy this requirement are determined by the student's advisory committee.
EECB 703 Principles of Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (3 credits)
EECB 750 Research Design (4 credits)
4 credits from EECB 794 Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Colloquium (must be taken four times for one (1) credit each time)
Teaching Requirement: All EECB graduate students are expected to participate for two (2) semesters in the teaching of undergraduate laboratories or courses. Teaching experience gained prior to admission to EECB may be used to meet this requirement and exceptions can be made to accommodate specific student training programs.

In compliance with University Graduate School requirements, each student must complete at least 60 graduate credits, including the EECB core curriculum, of which at least 40 credits must be in coursework. A minimum of 18 credits of 700-level courses beyond the baccalaureate, exclusive of dissertation credits, is required for the doctoral degree. A maximum of 24 credits in course work with grades of B or better from a master's degree program or previous post-baccalaureate graduate studies program may be counted toward the Ph.D. degree, with the approval of the faculty advisor, EECB Director, the Graduate Dean, and the Office of �԰��ɫ�� and Records.

The enrollment requirement is a minimum of six semesters of graduate study beyond the bachelor's degree. At least two successive semesters, excluding summer sessions, must be spent in full-time residence on campus at the �԰��ɫ��, Reno.

Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal

Each EECB Ph.D. student must submit a formal dissertation proposal to their Advisory Committee. The proposal may be modified and resubmitted, with the guidance of the Advisory Committee, until this committee finds the proposal acceptable. Acceptability is based, in part, on the Advisory Committee's judgment that the proposal reflects a sufficient knowledge and understanding of relevant topics on the part of the student. The committee may require changes to any aspect of the dissertation proposal as it sees fit. The formal submission of the Dissertation proposal to the Advisory Committee must occur at least two weeks prior to the oral component of the comprehensive exam.

Ph.D. Comprehensive examination

Ph.D. students are required to take a written and oral comprehensive examination. The written comprehensive exams will be offered over the course of two days every spring semester at a time determined at the beginning of each academic year. The schedule will be as follows: Day 1, 8 - 11 a.m., Ecology; Day 1, 1 - 4 p.m., Evolution; Day 2, 8 - 11 a.m., Conservation Biology; Day 2, 1 - 4 p.m., Quantitative Methods. If the scheduled time of the exam (spring semester of the student's second year) conflicts with field work or travel, advisors may choose to reschedule the exam for a particular student during the fall semester of the same calendar year. The advisor in this case would have to work with the exam committee to have the exam created and processed in a fair way.

Exams will draw from a test bank as described below and will be closed book without notes or internet access. For each of the 4 topics, students will choose 3 out of 5 questions, with an optional modification based on specialized research interests, as described below. The written answers will be graded anonymously by a rotating exam committee of EECB faculty to be appointed by the Director. This committee is also responsible for assembling the exam each year. A student must retake any section that is failed and will have the option to do that in a test session every fall semester. Dates of make-up exams will be determined at the beginning of each fall semester. Students must pass every section of the written exam to advance to candidacy.

Optional Comprehensive Exam Modification

For advisors and committees wishing to have students tested on more specialized content in the written exam, they may opt for students to have 2 tailored questions in each of the 4 subject areas. The students will answer the specialized questions in addition to the general test bank questions. For example, for each subject area, the students would answer 3 out of 5 test bank questions and 1 out of 2 specialized questions. Given the extra question for each section that the students must answer, they will be allowed 1 hour of extra time per additional question (i.e. the exam period will be 8 a.m. to Noon or 1 - 5 p.m.). Advisors choosing this path must supply the specialized questions to the exam committee at the beginning of the academic year; if questions are not supplied, then students default to the full test bank plan with no specialized questions.

Comprehensive Exam Test Bank

The bank of questions for the written comprehensive exam will be a public resource. Suggested changes to the test bank should be submitted to the Program Director by September 15. Proposals need to be co-developed by a team of at least two members of EECB (all students proposing changes to the test bank should have advanced to candidacy). A proposal can suggest wording clarification or question replacements for no more than four questions across the entire exam. Upon review of submitted suggestions, the EECB faculty will approve up to no more than four question modifications/replacements during the Fall meeting. Students will first be exposed to the bank of questions during Principles of EECB, a course they should take in their first semester. A subset of test bank questions will form the final exam for Principles of EECB, while the full test bank will be used to formulate the written comprehensive exam. The expectation for depth and quality of answers is higher for the comprehensive written exam as compared to the Principles of EECB final exam. View the sample comp exam test questions.

Grading Appeals

After review of the graded exams, students who have failed one or more sections of the exam and wish to appeal the results must do so in writing to the EECB Director within two weeks after notification of the results of the exam. Appeals will be decided by the EECB Director and the EECB Grading Committee. If the student's appeal is rejected, the student may then appeal the results to the Dean of the Graduate School.

Oral Comprehensive Examination

The oral comprehensive examination will be taken no later than six months after successful completion (passing) of the written exam and after submission of the dissertation proposal to the advisory committee. It is then the responsibility of the student to submit a request to his/her advisor to organize the oral examination, which will be conducted and evaluated by the student's Advisory Committee. If more than one negative vote is cast by members of the advisory committee, the oral examination is failed. In case of failure, the examination may be retaken once, provided the Advisory Committee determines that additional study is justified and the student continues such studies for an additional period, not to exceed one year. Appeals proceed as above, with written appeal to the EECB Director within two weeks of notification of the results of the exam. Appeals will be decided by the EECB Director and Curriculum Committee, who will consult with the student and the examination committee before issuing a decision. If the student's appeal is rejected, the student may then appeal the results to the Dean of the Graduate School.

Candidacy

Upon passing both the written and oral components of the comprehensive exam, a student is considered to have advanced to candidacy once they file the Doctoral Degree Admission to Candidacy form.

Dissertation, Public Presentation and Defense

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must register for at least 24 credits of dissertation research and must submit a dissertation satisfactory to the Advisory Committee. The completed dissertation document must be submitted to the Advisory Committee at least two weeks prior to the dissertation defense. The dissertation must represent an original and independent investigation. It should reflect a mastery of research techniques, as well as the student's ability to select an important problem for the investigation, study it competently, express findings in an acceptable manner, and provide the foundation for further research. At least one chapter of the dissertation must be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, following timely review by the student's committee, before the dissertation is approved. This requirement can also be met by a paper submission, from work conducted while an EECB student, that is not part of the dissertation. The thesis or dissertation can include first-authored papers from the student completed during their time in EECB. The series of published and unpublished papers that are included in the thesis or dissertation will form a conceptually cohesive unit, typically accompanied by a general introduction or discussion, as approved by the Advisory Committee. Final approval of the dissertation is by the Graduate School.

The student is required to present a formal seminar to members of the EECB program. Normally, the seminar will precede the final oral exam. The presentation must be publicly advertised at least one week in advance through the EECB listserv. It is strongly recommended that presentations and defenses be scheduled during the regular academic year, rather than during winter and summer breaks. The Advisory Committee will conduct the final oral examination of the student's dissertation and general knowledge of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. If more than one negative committee vote is cast, the examination is failed. In case of failure, the Advisory Committee, with approval of the Program Director, may permit the examination to be retaken once following additional work by the student.

Required Coursework Schedule and Timeline

The EECB program has minimal required courses to allow students and their faculty mentors to tailor each student’s program to meet their career goals. Depending on the scope of the thesis or dissertation research and student progression, M.S. students typically complete their degree in 2-3 years and Ph.D. students complete their degrees in 4-6 years.

It is strongly recommended that EECB 703 Principles of Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology be taken during the first semester of the M.S. or Ph.D. to allow immediate introduction to the faculty as well as community-building among students.

It is recommended that students take EECB 750 Research Design prior to taking the comprehensive exam but once they have a strong statistical background either from their previous coursework or through courses such as NRES 710 and/or NRES 746.

It is strongly recommended that students attend EECB Colloquium throughout their entire program in addition to the semesters in which they formally enroll (EECB 794).

The Research Rotation (Ph.D. only; EECB 701) can be completed anytime during a student’s program, preferably before the final semester.

Graduation and Degree Completion

Students should familiarize themselves with all graduation filing deadlines, guidelines and forms as updated on the Graduate School website, including Final Review Approval and Notice of Completion forms.

Dismissal from Program

The EECB program follows the University’s Graduate School academic standing and dismissal policy. Students are to read through the policy thoroughly to become familiar with good standing, satisfactory progress, probation and dismissal, and continuous enrollment.

Leave of Absence

Continuous Enrollment: To maintain “good standing” all graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of three (3) graduate credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. International students may be required to enroll in nine graduate credits each fall and spring semester depending on the requirements of their visa. All students holding assistantships (whether teaching or research assistantships) are required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits each semester they hold the assistantship.

Leave of Absence: Students in good standing may request a leave of absence by completing a Leave of Absence form during which time they are not required to maintain continuous registration. Usually, a leave of absence is approved for one or two semesters. The leave of absence request may be extended by the student filing an additional leave of absence form. Students applying for a leave of absence should not have any “incomplete” grades which could be changed to “F” and have a detrimental impact on their cumulative GPA. Requests for leave of absence must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the leave is to begin.

Reinstatement: When a student has been absent for one semester or more without an approved leave of absence, he or she may request reinstatement via the Reinstatement form. This form allows the program the option to recommend the student be re-admitted to their graduate program based on their previous admission OR require the student to re-apply for admission which would require students to submit a new application for admission and pay the application fee. The Notice of Reinstatement to Graduate Standing must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the reinstatement is to begin.

Conflicts or Complaints

EECB students have multiple sources of support across the University’s campus. Depending on the nature of the conflict or complaint, the sources of support that a student should seek include: their major professor, their Advisory Committee, the EECB Program Director, the Chair of their Department, the Graduate Student Association, and the Graduate Dean. In conflicts involving a student and their major professor, students should consult with the Program Director. If the Program Director is the student’s major professor, a student might wish to consult with a member of their Advisory Committee. If a resolution is not achieved, the student has the option of contacting the Graduate Dean or the Director of Graduate Student Services & Senior Advisor at the Graduate Student Association. Students should contact the Department Chair (e.g. Biology, NRES, Geography) if the issue is related to their teaching assistantship.

If the conflict or complaint includes harassment or discrimination, the individuals listed above are required to report the incident to Title IX. If a student experiences harassment or discrimination, they should contact the University’s Title IX Office where they can submit an or a formal complaint. Reports can be submitted by a bystander.

Students can also reach out to Employee Relations in the University’s Human Resources Office at employerrelations@unr.edu. They offer to serve as a neutral third party in facilitating conversations between students and their supervisors/advisors.

Students should seek the University’s free Counseling Services whenever they need additional support. Same day appointments and drop-in services are available.

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association represents all graduate students and promotes the welfare and interests of the graduate students at the �԰��ɫ��, Reno. The GSA works closely with appropriate university administrative offices, including the Graduate School and Student Services. The GSA government functions through the Council of Representatives, Executive Council and established committees.

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