Program Overview

Introduction to Ecology

Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment. In reality, modern ecology is much broader than this, encompassing studies on individuals, species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, and includes behaviour, evolution, physiology, and increasingly molecular biology. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the study of Ecology is especially important. As a small group of islands separated from larger land masses, Aotearoa's flora and fauna evolved unique characteristics in the absence of mammals. The invasion of Aotearoa by humans and the organisms (including mammals) that they introduced has dramatically altered its ecology, leading to drastic reductions in numbers, or even extinctions, of the original animals and plants. In addition, global climate change is affecting the ecology of Aotearoa, altering the distribution of both native and introduced organisms.

Program Overview

At UC, the Ecology major is designed for those wishing to focus on any combination of ecology, behaviour, or evolutionary biology. There is a strong emphasis on field-based research, so students learn practical skills in a real-world environment. A network of field stations allows research to be undertaken in a wide range of environments across Te Waipounamu, the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. The staff have strong collaborations with researchers and institutions across the globe, enabling international research projects.

Courses and Programs

UC offers the following postgraduate programs in Ecology:

• Bachelor of Science with Honours
• Postgraduate Certificate in Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Bachelor of Science with Honours

The Ecology major in the BSc(Hons) includes:

• BIOL411 Research Preparation
• BIOL412 Research Proposal
• ECOL480 Project
• 45 points of courses chosen from BIOL438 and BIOL 423429
• The remaining 15-point course may be selected with approval from the Programme Coordinator.

Postgraduate Certificate in Science

To complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Science majoring in Ecology, students must:

• Complete at least 45 points of courses chosen from BIOL 420438 for the major.
• Complete a total of 60 points for the PGCertSc from Ecology and/or other Science courses.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science majoring in Ecology requires:

• BIOL411 Research Preparation
• BIOL412 Research Proposal
• At least another 60 points of courses chosen from BIOL438 and BIOL 423429.
• The remaining courses may be selected with approval from the Programme Coordinator.

Master of Science

Part I of the MSc in Ecology is made up of:

• BIOL411 Research Preparation
• BIOL412 Research Proposal
• At least another 60 points of courses chosen from BIOL438 and BIOL 423429.
• The remaining courses may be selected with approval from the Programme Coordinator. Students will need a B+ Grade Point Average to proceed to Part II of the degree. Part II requires ECOL690 MSc Thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In the PhD, students will complete a thesis of original research in the Ecology field (ECOL790 PhD Thesis).

Career Opportunities

Ecologists can take up a wide range of careers working for organisations such as Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation, city or regional councils, universities, and Crown Research Institutes, as well as with private companies such as environmental consulting agencies. Their work can take them to a wide range of beautiful and unique areas in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.