The Graduate Program on Comparative Biology was established in 1997 within the “Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP-USP). The main objective of this program is to produce specialists (professors, technicians, researchers) with a graduate-level understanding of evolutionary history of organisms and respective mechanisms of adaptation to the environment.

The Comparative Biology graduate program is interdisciplinary, connecting research groups from distinct areas. At the core of the Comparative Biology program is the understanding of the evolutionary story of organisms, their phylogenetic interrelationships, and the adaptative mechanisms present in a given environment. Complementary to that, the program also foster a research line embracing History, Philosophy and Education in Ecology and Evolution. Its interdisciplinary nature stems from the integration of research groups dedicated to complementary areas, which are organized in three major fields: 1) Evolution of Biodiversity; 2) Ecology and Conservation of Biodiversity; and 3) History, Philosophy and Education in Evolution and Ecology.

The post-graduation program on Comparative Biology periodically organizes scientific meetings, such as the Comparative Biology Meeting and the Darwin Day, which are open to the public, especially to secondary level and university students from institutions other than University of São Paulo. During these events, core concepts on Comparative Biology, Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution, History, Scientific Philosophy and Biology Education, are discussed by faculty and students.

Furthermore, members of the program also contribute to the general public, the media specially, by participating on interviews and news coverages. Likewise, when requested, expert opinions in the form of technical reports, are given regarding problems related to systematics and evolution, in addition to environmental impacts on a broad diversity of levels.

The main objective of the Comparative Biology Graduate Program, located at the Department of Biology – FFCLRP/USP, is enhancing the education of teachers, researchers, technicians and other human resources as individuals highly qualified in Biological Sciences. The course structure encompasses a basic core formed by mandatory disciplines and a broader group disciplines that students can choose from, in addition to a practical work aiming the composition of a dissertation (Master degree) or a thesis (Doctoral degree). Students and teachers can also complement their formation attending weekly seminars, offered in conjunction with the Graduation Program on Entomology (FFCLRP/USP (http://1cafecomciencia.blogspot.com.br), and participating on Darwin Day and Comparative Biology Meeting, both organized by students regularly enrolled on the program.

The Graduate Program on Comparative Biology comprises three broad research areas: 1) Evolution of Biodiversity; 2) Ecology and Conservation of Biodiversity; and 3) History, Philosophy and Education in Evolution and Ecology.

2013 – 2016 = 6

2010 – 2012 = 5

2007 – 2009 = 5

2004 – 2006 = 5

2001 – 2003 = 4

Meetings Schedule

Location:

Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Bairro Monte Alegre

Ribeirão Preto, SP-Brazil

CEP 14051-901