ECOLOGY05 Ecology and conservation biology

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environments, which is central to understanding the diversity and organisation of life at the main recognised levels (genes, species and ecosystems). Conservation biology seeks to understand human impacts on these natural patterns and processes, and to devise practical means to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem functions such as how nutrients move through nature. The escalating global crisis in biodiversity loss is regarded by many people as the most critical and pressing issue ever to face humanity.

You will engage with the key principles of the discipline, underpinning the exploration of the broad range of fascinating and practically important biological questions that can be addressed by the study of biodiversity. Because lecturing staff are also high quality researchers and teaching occurs in advanced laboratory and field settings, the curriculum is able to address the latest methodologies, technologies and analyses.

You will be equipped with intellectual, practical and communication skills to gain employment in diverse situations. You may come to engage in research for universities and organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial and Research Organisation (CSIRO), or to continue onto more specialised postgraduate studies. You may gain employment developing conservation policy for government environment agencies, in environmental consultancy, work for non-government organisations active in wildlife and habitat management, or helping mining and engineering companies to limit their environmental footprint. You may find your calling in science communication and other forms of outreach.

Availability

Ecology and conservation biology is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major or minor.