Bachelor of ScienceBiodiversity, Ecology & Conservation
Why major in Biodiversity, Ecology & Conservation
The Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity, Ecology & Conservation (BEC) major at Jacksonville University emphasizes a skills-based approach to learning that will prepare graduates for employment in conservation, consulting, and industry. This major focuses on the development of student's knowledge and competencies of conservation, understanding of ecology as it relates to organisms' places in the environment, and technical skills in performing biodiversity surveys.
The BEC major is designed to ensure that students have a broad and balanced exposure to basic principles in ecology and biodiversity. The BEC major prepares students by focusing on conducting field experiments, on animal behavior, on geographic information systems, and on different ecological niches. This major allows for flexibility in course work that uniquely fits to a student’s interests.
About the BEC Major
The BEC major at Jacksonville University is designed to immerse students in the natural world through integrative hands-on learning and conducting field research. Courses in the BEC major will ensure that students have exposure to basic principles in the biological sciences, which is followed by courses in evolution, ecology, genetics, and organismal studies. The program incorporates elements of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and geographic information systems that will provide students with a foundation to succeed within the program and in their future careers.
In addition to the university core, students earning a Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation must complete a 16-credit-hour biology core, 26 hours of upper-level courses, and a series of allied courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Within the overall guidelines set by the major, students have flexibility to select upper-level courses that fit their interests.
Experiential LearningReal World Skills
Students in the BEC major will develop the skills to critically evaluate experimental data and to perform research out in the field. In addition to course work, students in the BEC major have opportunities to perform undergraduate research with faculty within the department. Additionally, students have opportunities to research and intern with Florida State Parks, City of Jacksonville, Florida Fish and Wildlife, White Oak Conservation, Florida Department of Environment, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and many more.
Potential CAreer Pathways
- Fish and Wildlife agent
- Zoologist
- Parks and recreation specialist
- Wildlife biologist
- Natural resource manager
- Botanist
- Field ecologist
- Environmental consultant
- Field naturalist
- Environmental analyst
- Field/research technician
- Conservation education
- Public Outreach
Contact Us
Dr. Nisse Goldberg
Professor of Biology & Marine Science
Dr. Natasha Vanderhoff
Associate Professor of Biology and Marine Science
Ready to Dive In?
Take the first step in earning your degree in Biodiversity, Ecology & Conservation (BEC) by submitting your JU application today.
Contact Information Department of Biology and Marine Science
Phone: (904) 256-7766