Undergraduate - Area of study Ecology and environmental management

Ecology explores the interactions between plants, animals and their habitats. The ecology and environmental management major has a particular focus on understanding ecosystems and ecological processes. Students learn how to apply scientific principles to understand natural systems. This understanding is applied to current questions regarding the past, current and future impacts of human activities on organisms, ecosystems and the environment. Graduates will be well prepared to make appropriate and informed decisions about the management and/or conservation of our environment, its ecosystems and the plants and animals that they support.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• understand the role of ecosystems and biodiversity in providing resources for human consumption
• apply their understanding of the earth's biological and physical resources to issues of sustainable and integrated natural resources management
• use ecological principles to address current issues in diverse environments including protected areas, production forests, agricultural landscapes, water catchments and marine environments
• apply regulations, policies and philosophies relating to a wide range of environmental management issues
• gather and analyse data from the field or laboratory, using modelling, statistical and mapping tools and make appropriate recommendations for environmental management
• communicate effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of formats and contribute to discussion and present information in written and oral forms
• work effectively and harmoniously alongside others and work collaboratively in small teams
• apply for employment, both nationally and internationally, in a range of areas requiring knowledge and skills of environmental management.