Ecology

Ecology is the study of the distribution and abundance of life and the interactions between organisms and their environment.

The BSc specialising in Ecology brings together material from a number of different areas including Environmental Science, Biological Science, Marine Science and Geography.

In the first and second year of this interdisciplinary programme you will focus on core ecology, environmental science, environmental management and statistics courses.

In year 3 you can branch off into one of the following study options:

• Conservation Ecology and Biosecurity
• Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
• Marine and Coastal Ecology or
• Quantitative Ecology and Modelling.

Studying ecology at The University of Auckland involves field trips to various North Island locations to collect data and/or carry out research-based projects. Field experience is an important part of the programme. To get an idea of the types of practical work you will carry out in this specialisation, see the 2011 schedule of field trips.

Graduates of the BSc in Ecology will posses:

• A mastery of the broad conceptual, theoretical and philosophical elements of ecology.
• An understanding and appreciation of the methodologies involved and the current issues and debates in the field of ecology.
• Skills in critical analysis, problem solving and independent judgement.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Ecology major

All students must take the following core courses at stages I and II:

• 105 points: BIOSCI 101, 104, 206, 209, ENVSCI 101, 201, STATS 101 OR 108
• 15 points: BIOSCI 102, 103
• 15 points: GEOG 101, 102
• 45 points: BIOSCI 202, 203, 204, 205, 207, 208, 210, GEOG 201, 205, 210, GEOL 202, 205, MARINE 202, STATS 210, 220

Taking a suitable range of these courses will allow you to branch off into one of the following stage III study options (click for more course information):

• Conservation Ecology and Biosecurity
• Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
• Marine and Coastal Ecology
• Quantitative Ecology and Modelling

In practice, ecological principles and methods are fundamental to the management of resources, including the utilisation and conservation of species and ecosystems.  This degree provides you with a qualification that certifies you have field, laboratory and analytical skills required by many organisations and companies in New Zealand and overseas.  Often graduates further specialise with an MSc or PhD depending on their career goals.

Potential careers include:

• Conservation careers with councils and government departments (e.g. Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
• Biosecurity and pest management (e.g. MAF Biosecurity NZ, Regional Councils)
• Ecological and environmental research roles in crown research institutes (e.g. Landcare Research, NIWA, Cawthorn Institute)
• Careers in ecological restoration (in terrestrial and aquatic environments)
• Environmental policy, consulting and science advisory roles (e.g. MfE, NGOs)
• Teaching careers in ecology
• Environmental education and community liaison (e.g. DOC, Councils)

For further information, refer to the Ecology brochure

or contact

Faculty of Science Student Centre
Ground Floor, Building 301, 23 Symonds Street
Phone: + 64 9 373 7599 ext 88199
Email: scifac@auckland.ac.nz

• Ecology student testimonials
• How to apply
  
• General Education requirements for undergraduates
• University of Auckland Field Club's Facebook page