Description
The estimated number of described species on earth is between 1.5 and 1.8 million species. Many others await formal recognition. The study of the distribution and abundance of species and interactions among organisms and their environment is central to understanding how our earth works. The goal of ecology is to understand the principles of operation of natural systems and to predict their responses to change. Ecology helps us understand complex problems.
Australia is a mega-diverse region for biodiversity with an estimated 600,000 and 700,000 species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. About 84% of plants, 83% of mammals and 45% of birds are only found in Australia.
The world needs highly trained specialists to deal with the myriad of ecological problems from cane toads to endangered species - the unravelling of ecological parameters is paramount for sustainable ecosystems.
This innovative degree provides the opportunity to study the skills and techniques necessary for solving problems associated with a broad of range of ecological issues.
Well-qualified graduates may apply to complete the Bachelor of Science with Honours. BSc(Hons) graduates who achieve the appropriate level of Honours are eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Career Opportunities
Ecologist, Ecological Consultant, Research Assistant (Ecologist), Conservation Ecologist, Ecological Advisor
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee- EUR 15500 Year (National)
- EUR 15500 Year (International)
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
- English
Course Content
Course Aims
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. An ecologist is a biologist who studies the relationships between organisms and their environment. The aim of this three year degree is to train students to be practising ecologists. From this degree, graduates will be able to call themselves an Ecologist - government agencies, consulting firms, research laboratories, botanic gardens, museums, and in private industries such as those that produce energy, timber, and fish. Ecologists work outdoors or in laboratories and in this degree we aim to train a work-ready graduate through field and practical laboratories. A BEcol graduate will also be able to undertake a final Honours year that prepares them for HDR studies or provides them with additional qualifications for workplace entry.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline
The knowledge-base of ecology and ecological systems is taught from yr 1 through to yr3. In the Foundation Unit, ECOL100, the philosophy of ecological thinking (both European and indigenous) is the key starting point. This is taught via lectures including oral presentations from distinguished ecologists. Knowledge is also gained from an evaluation of literature and philosophers and assessed using on-line quiz formats, role playing and literature reviews. In later years ecological theory is imparted via lectures, practised in practicals and assessed via exams.
Communication Skills
Ecologists must be effective communicators. This is taught by developing the quality argument based on quality of evidence paradigm and it is instilled in all assessable tasks. It is taught using a variety of tools including scholarly writing, oral presentations and a debate format is planned for ECOL100 and ECOL300 activities.
Global Perspectives
As ecological systems are part of the biosphere, the global perspective is drawn upon in all areas involved with evaluating the utility of data sets. Ecological knowledge is built upon from information gathered from ecological systems in similar biomes. Thus teaching will draw upon case studies in the peer reviewed literature from biomes across the globe. With this is the up skilling of students so that their work (particularly at 3rd yr) meets best international practices.
Information Literacy
Students will be taught how to access the literature (especially on-line resources), how to evaluate the robustness of literature sources (discrimination skills) and how to critique available information. Students will then practise these skills through the generation of reports, oral presentations and data base establishment and management.
Life-Long Learning
The ability to be a critical thinker and an objective decision maker is a key life-long skill for Ecologists. This will be instilled be the experiential learning dimensions of the Units where reflection on performance reveals alternative pathways to explain phenomena.
Problem Solving
Ecologists are faced with problem solving in three key areas; the elucidation of the problem, the compartmentalizing of the problem and the testing of hypotheses around the problem. These basic principles are the backbone of the Bachelor of Ecology and all practical assignments are geared for the instillation of this key set of skills.
Social Responsibility
Now more than ever, and as concern for the environment intensifies, ecologists are increasingly being called away from the role of scientist and into policy and public consultation. Ecology is wrestling between two models of science: a science apart from society and a science directly engaged with society. The social responsibility of Ecologists in society will be one of the debate topics in the Foundation Unit ECOL100, and again in Year 3 after two years of training where the habits of evaluating the pros and cons of diverse arguments are recognised.
Team Work
All students undertaking practical work in the field and laboratory will be regularly working in teams. The foundations for this will begin in 1st year and continue through to 3rd year. The benefits of team work such as, the sharing of creativity; task solutions and satisfactions; skills development, peer support underpinning a diversity of ideas are positive attributes for the Bachelor of Ecology student. In addition to being practiced, the team will be assessed by group presentations.
English Language Requirements
IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 91
To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to
take an IELTS test. More About IELTSRequirements
A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy).
Assumed knowledge 2 units English and
Recommended study of 2 units Maths.
UNE offers Foundation studies in Mathematics for students who do not have the recommended background knowledge. International students must satisfy the UNE English language requirements.
Work Experience
No work experience is required.
Related Scholarships*
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
"The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."
- Alumni Study Travel Fund
Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of New England.
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