Are you a UC Davis student interested in ecology, environmental science, wildlife, or a related field? Here are some helpful resources and programs for students that I encourage you to explore!
For first-year students (first-year transfer students or freshmen):
- First year seminars: These are seminar courses that are only open to first-year students (first-year transfer students or freshmen). The offerings vary each quarter, but there are often many science-related options (https://fys.ucdavis.edu/)
- CUREs: Some first-year seminars are CUREs (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences). These are courses where you will get to explore a research question and make scientific discoveries! You’ll get real research experience in these courses! (https://fys.ucdavis.edu/cures)
For Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen:
- SEEDS: SEEDS is the student ecology club (open to all majors). This is a great opportunity for students interested in ecology to meet other students, go on fun field trips, and get involved in ecology research. (https://davisseeds.weebly.com/)
- The EVE Scholars program: connects UC Davis students with summer research opportunities in Ecology and Evolution (EVE Scholars) — applications typically due in February.
- Summer Quarter at Bodega Marine Lab: https://marinescience.ucdavis.edu/academics/undergraduate-courses/summer-classes — application typically due in April.
- Fall Quarter at Bodega Marine Lab: (Fall Quarter at Bodega Marine Lab)
- List of EVE faculty with potential availability for undergrad researchers: Link — make sure you are signed into your UC Davis email for access
- Research guidance for environmental science Link
- NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): Paid summer undergraduate research experiences all over nation (NSF REU)
For Seniors considering graduate school:
- Ecology Grad Preview Program: https://eegradpreview.weebly.com/ (Free resources posted online year-round, but also a synchronous option with workshops and mentoring — application deadline typically early July)
- NSF GRFP Fellowship: https://www.nsfgrfp.org/ (Deadlines typically late October to early November)
- DOD NDSEG Fellowship: https://ndseg.sysplus.com/ (Deadlines typically late October)
- DOE Fellowship: For students with a computational component to their research (e.g. theoretical ecology) https://www.krellinst.org/csgf/ (Deadlines typically early January)
- Thinking about a gap year? Maybe a Junior Specialist position would be a good fit! (https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply?q=Junior+Specialist) — Deadlines vary, check back frequently for new postings. Peak application season typically in Spring Quarter. Check these postings early in your undergraduate career to learn about the types of skills that make candidates competitive, then ensure that you acquire those skills during your undergraduate education.
Coursework related to Ecology:
Check out courses in the following departments:
Quantitative coursework:
Interested in taking courses with a significant quantitative component, such as statistics or mathematical modeling? The following courses may be of interest! Senior or junior students are sometimes allowed to enroll in graduate-level courses if prerequisites have been met and with consent of the instructor/advisor — reach out to the instructor for more information.
- EVE 125 — Ecological Statistics (for future years, typically offered every year in Winter)
- EVE 225 — Linear Mixed Modeling in Ecology & Evolution (typically offered every year in Winter)
- WFC 70 — Data Literacy for Wildlife Biologists
- WFC 103 — Applied Statistics for Wildlife Research
- WFC 122 — Population Dynamics & Estimation (typically offered every year in Spring)
- WFC 124 — Sampling Animal Populations
- WFC 262 — Advanced Population Dynamics
- BIS 107 — Probability & Stochastic Processes with Applications to Biology
- ESP 121 — Population Ecology
- ESP 228 — Advanced Simulation Modeling
- ECL 231 — Mathematical Methods in Population Biology
- ECL 232 — Theoretical Ecology
- ECL 233 — Computational Methods in Population Biology
- ECL 224 — Data Management & Visualization in R
- ECL 234 — Bayesian Models: A Statistical Primer
Career planning:
For any career path you’re considering, it’s a good idea to browse relevant job listings very early in your undergraduate education to learn which skills make a candidate competitive. It’s important to spend time intentionally learning those skills (e.g. by taking courses, finding internships, getting research experience on or off campus, attending workshops, attending research training programs, participating in student organizations, etc.). Then by the time you graduate, you will be a competitive candidate for those jobs.
If you’re considering a government career, you can find job listings and qualifications at the following sites: