The research focus of the Ecology, Evolution and Systematics faculty is aquatic biology with research strengths and programmatic themes that link freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem studies. The objectives of the Aquatic Biology Program, the graduate program in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, are to provide quality training and research opportunities to young scientists in the fields of ecology, evolution and systematics. Graduate students in the Aquatic Biology Program take courses and conduct research in aquatic ecosystem processes, ecology of plants, fishes, invertebrates, and microorganisms, and systematics of vascular plants, fishes, and invertebrates. Interdisciplinary research may be conducted through the Center for Freshwater Studies , an interdepartmental research coalition between the Departments of Biological Sciences, Civil Engineering, Geology, Geography, and Law, and its NSF IGERT Ph.D. Program in Freshwater Sciences. Students also have opportunities for collaborative research with groups in the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Section in Molecular and Cellular Biology and the Coalition for Biomolecular Products.

 

Most graduate students admitted to the program receive financial aid in the form of a stipend and tuition waivers. The most common forms of financial support are Teaching Assistantships, although some Research Assistantships are also available. Students with outstanding academic backgrounds may qualify for Aquatic Biology and IGERT Fellowships as well as Graduate Council Fellowships which provide full financial support without a teaching obligation.

 

Applications for admission to the Aquatic Biology Program in the Department of Biological Sciences include a statement of purpose, official transcripts of all coursework, three letters of recommendation, and scores from the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Application forms and instructions are available online at the Graduate School website , or paper applications may be obtained by contacting the Graduate School at:

Graduate School Admissions

University of Alabama

Box 870118

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Applications are accepted at all times during the year, although most students begin their studies in the Fall semester.