the organismal biology major provides students with a solid foundation in basic biological concepts, such as evolution, ecology, genetics and cell biology and also provides a foundation in physics, chemistry and mathematics. the three formal options within the major allow students to specialize in various ways, while focusing on the study of plants or animals through the choice of elective courses. the major provides a solid foundation for pursuing graduate degrees (m.s. or ph.d.) in biological fields, but also prepares students for a wide range of laboratory and field-based research positions in environmental resource assessment, management and conservation within federal, state and private agencies or organizations.