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Contents

Subject Overview

Ecology pathway
If you’re on this pathway you’ll study the interactions between organisms and their environment.

You can study Ecology as a pathway within the Biological Sciences major in the Bachelor of Science (BSc).
As an Ecology student you’ll study courses in the following areas:
- Environmental science and management
- Statistics
- Conservation ecology and biosecurity
- Evolution and behaviour
- Marine and coastal ecology
- Quantitative ecology and modelling
Studying Ecology at the University of Auckland involves field trips to various locations to collect data and carry out research-based projects.

Knowledge and Skills

You can study Biological Sciences as a major in the Bachelor of Science (BSc).
Biology lies at the core of New Zealand’s economic and natural environments. The biological sciences have never been more important for preserving our economic prosperity and the natural biodiversity of our islands in the face of global threats such as climate change and population growth.
Discovery in the biosciences has advanced at breathtaking speed, leading to a new generation of therapies in health and medicine, sustainable consumer-focused products in ag biotech industries, and novel strategies for the protection of fragile ecosystems.

The Biological Sciences major captures the transformational potential of modern bioscience across all areas, giving students an integrated knowledge base across the discipline, with training in the relevant skillsets for employment in this area while offering the opportunity for specialist study choices in niche areas.

Potential Careers

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.

Jobs related to Ecology
- Conservation roles 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)
- Roles 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)

Schedule

Plan Schedules

Complete 165 points comprising:

  • 60 points for all Stage I Compulsory Courses, and
  • 30 points for all Stage II Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points from Stage II Biological Sciences Elective Courses, and
  • 15 points from Additional Stage II Elective Courses, and
  • 15 points for all Marine Ecology and Conservation Course, and
  • 15 points for all Terrestrial Ecology and Conservation Course, and
  • 15 points from Stage III Elective Courses

Stage I Compulsory Courses

Complete 60 points for ALL of the following:

Stage II Compulsory Courses

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Stage II Biological Sciences Elective Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

Additional Stage II Elective Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

Marine Ecology and Conservation Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Terrestrial Ecology and Conservation Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following: