The Department of Evolution and Ecology offers several ways for undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience while earning academic credit. Whether you are interested in assisting with an ongoing research project, completing an internship, or conducting an honors thesis, these opportunities allow you to work closely with faculty mentors while developing valuable research and professional skills.
Research Units (EVE 099 & EVE 199)
Research units provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to work alongside an EVE faculty member or graduate student on independent or collaborative research in the laboratory, field, library, or other research settings. Students may assist with ongoing projects or pursue a topic of special interest under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
These courses offer an opportunity to develop specialized knowledge, gain practical research experience, and build lasting mentoring relationships with faculty.
Students interested in research are encouraged to explore EVE faculty research interests and contact faculty members whose work aligns with their interests.
Finding Research Opportunities
Research opportunities may be available through:
- Contacting EVE faculty members or graduate students directly.
- Announcements distributed by EVE undergraduate advisors.
- The UC Davis Career Center.
- The UC Davis Undergraduate Research Center.
Registering for Research Units
The Department of Evolution and Ecology uses the College of Biological Sciences CBSSURE system for students earning research units under the mentorship of an EVE faculty member. CBSSURE is the online system used to submit research unit requests. Only students who have been authorized by their faculty mentor may access the system and register for research credit.
How to Register
1. Meet with your faculty mentor
Before submitting your request, discuss your research project with your faculty mentor. Together, you will determine the information that will be entered into CBSSURE, including:
- Topic: The focus of your research project.
- Course Plan: A description of the work to be completed, including research activities, readings, and expected outcomes.
- Grading Criteria: The criteria that will be used to evaluate successful completion of the research units.
Some faculty mentors may provide pre-filled options within CBSSURE.
2. Submit your request
Log in to the CBSSURE Student Portal and complete the required information.
3. Receive approval
After submission, your request will route through the departmental approval process. Once approved, you will receive an email containing the CRNs needed to register for your research unit(s).
Research Unit Options
EVE 099
For lower-division students who have completed fewer than 84 units.
EVE 199
For upper-division students who have completed 84 or more units.
- Students enrolled in EVE 199 also receive EVE 189 (1 unit of faculty mentorship).
- Students must register for both EVE 189 and EVE 199.
- Research units are awarded at approximately 1 unit for every 3 hours of research per week (30 hours over the quarter equals 1 unit).
EVE 000
For students participating in research who do not wish to earn academic credit. This course is used for administrative tracking only.
Consult your BASC advisor for information about unit limits that apply to special study courses.
Internship Credit (EVE 92 & EVE 192)
The Department of Evolution and Ecology offers academic credit for qualifying internships arranged through the UC Davis Career Center.
To be eligible for academic credit, internships should:
- Be directly related to evolution, ecology, biodiversity, or a closely related biological discipline.
- Provide meaningful educational and intellectual experiences that extend beyond routine or technical work.
- Include a written component, such as a journal, report, or paper.
- Include an evaluation from the internship supervisor when appropriate.
- Comply with university guidelines for unit credit, which may not exceed 1 unit for every 3 hours of work per week.
Please note that EVE 192 units may not be applied toward the upper-division laboratory requirement for the B.S. degree.
Research Honors (EVE 194HA, 194HB & 194HC)
The EVE Research Honors sequence provides qualified undergraduate students with the opportunity to complete an intensive, faculty-mentored research project over three quarters.
Students work closely with an EVE faculty advisor to conduct original research culminating in an honors thesis. Participation is intended for students who meet university honors eligibility requirements and have completed the required number of units as outlined in the UC Davis General Catalog.
Students interested in pursuing Research Honors should first discuss the opportunity with an EVE faculty mentor before beginning the honors enrollment process.
Need Help?
For assistance with CBSSURE, contact the CBSSURE Help Team at [email protected].
For questions about undergraduate research opportunities, internship credit, or research honors, please contact the Department of Evolution and Ecology undergraduate advising office.