Field Experience
Field Experience/EAP
Make the most of your EEB major by getting involved in field based courses and programs.
Gain valuable field experience in options that range from one quarter field courses to full immersion field quarters, or by participating in field based programs abroad. Participation requires planning ahead. Undergraduate Research Courses are another option for gaining valuable research/field experience.
Field Courses
Multiple field based courses in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments are offered.
Most require special preparation or are available only by application.
Field Quarters
Field quarters, or “Supercourses”, are intensive total immersion experiences for very motivated students. These courses provide 19- 20 units of credit. Three different field quarters, and a UC field quarter experience is also available. Enrollment is by application only.
Programs Abroad
The Costa Rica Monteverde and Queensland programs are preapproved programs that fulfill EEB major requirements. EEB majors also participate in many other programs.
Field Courses
Field courses provide unique opportunities to understand ecological and evolutionary processes through first hand experience in field environments.
Field experience can be in the form of five unit courses, more intensive ten unit courses, or immersion experience field quarters.
Five Unit Field Courses:
BIOE 128L Large Marine Vertebrates Field Course
BIOE 141L Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 155L Freshwater Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 158L Marine Ecology Laboratory
Ten Unit Field Courses:
BIOE 145 Plant Ecology + BIOE 145L Field Methods in Plant Ecology
BIOE 150 Ecological Field Methods + BIOE 150L Ecological Field Methods Laboratory
BIOE 161 Kelp Forest Ecology + BIO 161L Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
Completion of BIOE 75 Research Diving Certification is a prerequisite for enrollment in this course. Be sure to plan ahead to be SCUBA ready.
Field Courses
Field courses provide unique opportunities to understand ecological and evolutionary processes through first hand experience in field environments.
Field experience can be in the form of five unit courses, more intensive ten unit courses, or immersion experience field quarters.
Five Unit Field Courses:
BIOE 128L Large Marine Vertebrates Field Course
BIOE 141L Behavioral Ecology Field Course
BIOE 155L Freshwater Ecology Laboratory
BIOE 158L Marine Ecology Laboratory
Ten Unit Field Courses:
BIOE 145 Plant Ecology + BIOE 145L Field Methods in Plant Ecology
BIOE 150 Ecological Field Methods + BIOE 150L Ecological Field Methods Laboratory
BIOE 161 Kelp Forest Ecology + BIO 161L Kelp Forest Ecology Laboratory
Completion of BIOE 75 Research Diving Certification is a prerequisite for enrollment in this course. Be sure to plan ahead to be SCUBA ready.
Field Quarters
Field Quarters offer highly motivated students a total field immersion experience.
- These courses provide 15-20 units of credit and will fulfill elective requirements for the EEB majors.
- Students are not allowed to concurrently enroll in any other courses the quarter they undertake a Field Quarter (except for BIOE 153ABC).
- Entrance into field quarter courses is by application/interview typically two quarters in advance of the course.
BIOE 151ABCD Ecology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse (Only offered in Spring)
19 units
Prerequisites: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, 24, 100; and STAT 7 and 7L. Enrollment by application and interview two quarters in advance.
Why California
California is a global biodiversity hotspot and known for its diversity of ecosystems including islands, coastal scrub and sage, lagoons, sub-alpine and alpine forests, tundra, and desert islands, subtropical scrublands, and deserts. Unfortunately, human development and its impacts have profoundly impacted many parts of this ecological landscape – from direct development to contamination to introduced species. This course utilizes University of California Natural Reserve System as natural laboratories to teach advanced ecological principles and innovative approaches to conservation.
What is the course content?
Dr. Don Croll of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Dr. Gage Dayton of the UC Natural Reserve System will jointly teach this 19-unit supercourse. It will focus on field methods, ecology, and conservation. The course will be equivalent to the content of four on-campus courses. A large component of the course will consist of written and oral presentations. Through class lecture, discussion, student projects, and field research projects, you will gain an understanding of: 1) fundamental concepts in ecology; 2) principles of conservation biology; 3) geomorphology and climate, 4)) field research techniques; and 6) field techniques for conservation.
Course Costs and Aid
This course will require a course fee of approximately $1,597 for food, local travel, and field research supplies. We have been successful in securing additional financial aid for students who qualify and that the financial aid department has identified as meeting the need requirements. We can provide more details in our pre-application meeting and or talk to you one on one.
Please do not let the finances discourage you from applying. We work hard to support eligible students to cover the course fees. If you have questions, please reach out.
What is the approach?
The course will begin with lectures and field research based at the UCSC Reserves (Año Nuevo, Younger Lagoon, Campus, and in the Santa Cruz Mountains). Using this background, we will embark on three overnight extended field trips to further hone our conservation research skills and address more specific questions. We will spend a long weekend at a local reserve, return to Santa Cruz to write up your results, then go to our Big Creek Reserve located in the Big Sur Coast for approximately one week, return to Santa Cruz to write your papers and analyze data, then head to Santa Cruz Island for approximately one week to conduct your final research project, and finally return to Santa Cruz where you will write up for your final paper and give a presentation on your research.
How it applies to your major:
EEB Majors:
- Students enroll in BIOE 151A,B,C, and D (20 credits*) via permission number.
- Satisfies a minimum of three, and possibly as many as four, electives for BS majors (whether Topical or General depends on the major. Consult with an advisor before enrolling.)
- For Biology BA majors, this series will NOT fulfill as many electives for the major as for BS majors. Please consult with an advisor before enrolling.
- Senior Comprehensive Requirement (1 upper division field course).
- Successful completion of BIOE 151B fufills one DC Requirement course for students in EEB Department majors.
ENVS Majors:
Check with the ENVS undergraduate advisor for specific equivalencies for major/graduation requirements.
For more information contact Gage Dayton at ghdayton@ucsc.edu.
Upcoming Offerings: Spring 2025
Information Session (in person preferred):
Thursday, November 7th, 5pm
Ocean Health Building Room 201 (on the Coastal Science Campus)
The meeting Zoom link is here if you’re unable to attend in person.
How to apply:
Applications are now closed for Spring 2025.
*Please note that enrolling in more than 19 credits cannot be done until the first day of class. Because this experience is a 20-credit experience, it is the student’s responsibility to enroll in the first three classes in a timely manner, and then in the fourth class on or as soon as possible after the first day of class, and before the add/drop/swap deadline.
BIOE 159 Marine Ecology Field Quarter
20 units*
Prerequisites: Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Admission by application and interview two quarters in advance.
The Marine Ecology Field Quarter is a course that combines 4 modules including a field component into a quarter-long lecture-field course that is split between UCSC campus and a field station. Currently the field locations are Corsica, France and Sitka, Alaska. This course provides total immersion in marine ecology for very motivated students. It is specifically designed for students that are anticipating a career in marine biology/ecology and/or those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in marine ecology or conservation. In addition the curriculum is designed to ensure students make accelerated progress to their degree. All students in the class develop a research project during first five weeks on campus and then spend five weeks of immersion in directed research in isolated locations off campus (Corsica, or Sitka; past locations include the Gulf of California in Mexico, South Africa, and Moorea in French Polynesia).
For students who intend to SCUBA dive, BIOE 75 (Scientific Diving) or the equivalent AAUS Scientific Diving certification is a prerequisite. Note that several SCUBA courses are prerequisites to BIOE 75. Visit http://www2.ucsc.edu/sci-diving/ to learn about the schedule of these courses and the physical exam options. For those who intend to snorkel/skin dive, UCSC Skin Diving certification is a prerequisite. Visit the Scientific Skin Diving website to learn about the schedule of these courses and the physical exam options.
BIOE 159ACDF Sitka, AK – Upcoming Offerings: Winter 2027
How it applies to your major:
- Students enroll in BIOE 159A,C,D, and F, which will appear in their transcript.
- Successful completion of Sitka program provides equivalency of four upper division courses comparable to: BIOE 108, BIOE 158L, BIOE 159F Global Change Ecology (Topical or EEB General Elective) and one Marine Biology Topical Elective.
- Students will receive credit for one of their two required DC Requirement courses with successful completion of BIOE 159A.
- How to apply: Check this site in Fall 2026 for information for the planned Winter 2027 experience.
BIOE 159ABCE Corsica, FR – Upcoming Offerings: Fall 2025
How it applies to your major:
- Students enroll in BIOE 159A,B,C, and E, which will appear in their transcript.
- Successful completion of these courses provides students major requirement credit of four upper division courses comparable to: BIOE 108, BIOE 127/L, BIOE 158L, and BIOE 140. Check with an advisor about how courses apply to your specific academic plan/plan for degree completion.
- Students will receive credit for one of their two required DC Requirement courses with successful completion of BIOE 159A.
- How to apply: Applications were due Friday, April 4, 2025 and are now closed. If you applied, faculty will be in touch with additional information.
- Check back here in Winter 2027 for information on the planned Fall 2027 experience.
*Please note that enrolling in more than 19 credits cannot be done until the first day of class. Because this experience is a 20-credit experience, it is the student’s responsibility to enroll in the first three classes in a timely manner, and then in the fourth class on or as soon as possible after the first day of class, and before the add/drop/swap deadline.
BIOE 75 Scientific Diving – Upcoming Offerings: Fall 2025
Information Meeting: April 8th, 5 pm – 6 pm, OHB 118 (on the Coastal Science Campus) or via Zoom
The meeting will be recorded and shared along with course information for those unable to in person or virtually on the day. Please note: this course is technically a “fall quarter” course, but will start and end before the fall academic quarter begins and is tentatively scheduled for July 31 – August 29. More information can be found on the website at scientificdiving.ucsc.edu/
Natural Reserve System California Ecology and Conservation
19 units
Prerequisites: All students must pass an introductory ecology or biology course prior to acceptance. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
California Ecology and Conservation is a UC wide course offered through the Natural Reserve System. It is an intensive program of study with a focus on field methods, ecology, and conservation. A total of 27 students will be accepted, ideally three from each of the nine general campuses.
How it applies to your major:
- Students enroll via UCEAP in XBIO or XENV 188.
- Provides equivalency* of BIOE 150, BIOE 150L and one EEB General Elective.
- Students will receive credit for one of two DC Requirement courses in EEB majors upon successful completion if the course is taken Spring 2023 and following. The course is unavailable as a DC requirement if taken prior to Spring 2023.
Course equivalency listed above is only for purposes of tracking the number of major courses completed.
Upcoming offerings:
Applications for Spring 2025 were due October 25, but rolling admissions continues.
Summer 2025 applications are due February 10th.
Offered annually Fall, Spring and Summer.
ENVS 107ABC Natural History Field Quarter
15 units
Natural History Field Quarter (NHFQ) focuses on studying natural history and land management issues all over California. NHFQ is taught every spring quarter. Applications for this course are due early fall quarter.
For more information about NHFQ, please visit the Natural History Field Quarter page on the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History webpage. Information about the structure of the course, the current-year application, and upcoming informational meetings and due dates can be found there.
Questions regarding NHFQ can be directed to Chris Lay, the Administrative Director of the Norris Center and NHFQ instructor. He can be reached via email (cml@ucsc.edu), or phone: (831) 459-4763.
How it applies to your major:
- Students enroll in ENVS 107A, 107B, and 107C.
- Satisfies three general electives and one lab/field course requirement for Ecology and Evolution BS, Marine Biology BS, and Plant Sciences BS.
- The NHFQ is currently not applicable in the Biology BA.
This field quarter DOES NOT satisfy a DC requirement for the major.
Offered annually Spring quarter
Upcoming offerings: Applications for Spring 2025 Natural History Field Quarter (NHFQ) closed Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Education Abroad/EAP
Education Abroad Programs (EAP) offer qualified students unique opportunities to broaden their educational horizons.
The EEB Department encourages interested students to participate. It can be possible to participate in EAP and graduate on time.
It is important to plan early for EAP opportunities.
Begin your exploration of the possibilities at the UCSC International Education Office. You can learn about EAP, how to apply, when to apply, financial aid availability, and available programs and their requirements. You can also consider Independent Programs or UC Summer Abroad. If you need help choosing a program, meet with a Programs Abroad Advisor.
It can be possible to satisfy requirements of your EEB major while abroad.
Two EAP programs of particular interest to EEB students are pre-articulated:
Tropical Biology & Conservation – Monteverde Institute Costa Rica
Completion of the program provides EEB majors the equivalency of 3 courses including one lab.
- Biology BA – 3 Biology Electives
- Ecology & Evolution BS – 2 ECEV Topical Electives, 1 EEB General Elective
- Marine Biology BS – 3 EEB General Electives
- Plant Sciences BS – 2 PLNT Topical Electives, 1 EEB General Elective
Marine Biology & Terrestrial Ecology Program – University of Queensland
Completion of the program provides EEB majors the equivalency of 3 courses including one lab.
- Biology BA – 3 Biology Electives
- Ecology & Evolution BS – 1 ECEV Topical Elective, 2 EEB General Electives
- Marine Biology BS – 2 MABI Topical Electives, 1 EEB General Elective
- Plant Sciences BS – 3 EEB General Electives
One Summer Session Faculty-led Global Seminar is approved to fulfill major requirements:
Global Seminar: Evolution and Fish Biology in Southern Africa—Applicable to EEB-Sponsored Majors Only. Students fulfill one upper division lab/field requirement by successfully completing this global seminar.
- Biology BA – BIOE 109 + one EEB General Elective (or 2 EEB General Electives if BIOE 109 has been previously completed)
- Ecology & Evolution BS – BIOE 109 + one elective comparable to BIOE 127/L (or 2 electives if BIOE 109 and/or BIOE 127/L has been previously completed)
- Marine Biology BS – BIOE 109 + one elective comparable to BIOE 127/L (or 2 electives if BIOE 109 and/or BIOE 127/L has been previously completed)
- Plant Sciences BS – BIOE 109 + one elective comparable to BIOE 127/L (or 2 electives if BIOE 109 and/or BIOE 127/L has been previously completed)
- This Global Seminar (BIOE 157B) fulfills one of two DC Requirement courses for EEB Department majors.
- STUDENTS IN ALL OTHER (NON-EEB) MAJORS must check with their undergraduate major program to determine what, if any, major, lab and/or DC requirements these courses would fulfill. Appeals may be required, so it is recommended you check well before deciding to enroll in the classes.