About The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona was established as a land-grant institution in 1885 and has grown to a campus of about 350 acres. The campus is unusually attractive with the preservation of the original red-brick architecture. The grounds have been landscaped in a southwestern style that reflects the influence of our multicultural population. Tucson has more than 300 sunny days per year, more than any other geographic area in the US.
The scientific environment of the University is rich and varied, with a wide range of biologically-oriented departments on the main campus, in the Arizona Health Sciences Center (College of Medicine), and in the College of Agriculture. The University of Arizona is ranked among the top public institutions in the nation in overall industry and grant-supported research. The University library has grown rapidly to a prominent position and now ranks highly among academic libraries in the country.
Location
The University of Arizona is located near the center of Tucson, a city of about 750,000 people. Tucson is well served by major airlines and is about one hour's drive from Mexico. The city is at an altitude of 2600 feet, located within a large saguaro "forest," and is literally at the foot of the Santa Catalina and Rincon mountains. The range in elevation found in the nearby mountains provides a variety of field sites and habitat types -- from prime Sonoran Desert through oak woodlands and into mixed conifer forest -- as well as opportunities for year-round recreation. This environment is ideal for a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, fishing, swimming, and even downhill skiing on the summit of Mt. Lemmon, only 30 miles from the University. The climate in fall, winter, and spring is usually extremely pleasant. Summers are hot, but the dry climate ensures a greater degree of comfort than midday temperatures suggest.
Tucson offers a wide range of cultural activities and has a national reputation for fostering its art community. The University is the home for the nationally famous Center for Creative Photography. Tucson is also host to the Arizona Theater Company, an excellent opera company, and a symphony orchestra. A Downtown Arts District is designated for future development. A wide selection of ethnic restaurants, dance clubs, street fairs, and small theaters provides myriad opportunities for night-time and weekend entertainment. The UA has a wide variety of athletic sporting events. Tucson is very proud of its highly ranked men's basketball, Golf, Track and Field, and women's 7 times national champion Softball team. Tucson's Spanish, Mexican, Native American, and pioneer influences have endured, adding charm and cultural diversity to this unique southwestern city.
Graduate study within the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology represents a unique and challenging experience. Apart from the outstanding research opportunities, it is possible to maintain an active cultural and recreational balance because of the accessibility of the surrounding environments.