Ecology
Overview
Ecology is the study of plant and animal distributions and their interactions with each other and their environment. It requires a good understanding of plant and animal biology, including an appreciation of the natural history of organisms, and of environmental factors such as climate and topography, which help define habitats.
General ecological principles apply in all environments and they form the basis of JCU's Ecology programs. Students undertake detailed ecological studies in a variety of habitats to gain an understanding of how each works. Thus ecology may be separated by habitats - e.g. rainforest ecology or marine ecology. Similarly, the study of ecology may be focused at various scales, such as populations of individual species, communities, whole ecosystems, catchments or landscapes. It may involve field observations and field or laboratory experiments.
At JCU there are opportunities to study ecology at all these scales and several different ecosystems, giving a sound basis for employment or further study.
Research projects @ JCU in Ecology
Other Related Degrees
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Bachelor of Conservation Biology
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Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
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Bachelor of Science (Zoology)
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Bachelor of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
Joint Degree Options
Joint degrees give students expertise in a complementary discipline in reduced time (generally four or five years) and can enhance career prospects. At JCU this degree can be combined with:
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Bachelor of Arts
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Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
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Bachelor of Engineering
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Bachelor of Laws
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Bachelor of Psychology
Postgraduate Coursework Degrees
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Graduate Certificate of Science
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Graduate Diploma of Science
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Masters of Applied Science
Postgraduate Research Degrees
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Masters of Science
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Doctor of Philosophy
Career Opportunities
Ecologists are employed as researchers, academics, teachers, environmental assessors and consultants in universities, research organisations, government agencies and environmental consultancy firms. Research ecologists must undertake further study. They observe and experiment in laboratories and natural habitats, analyse data, and synthesise information to better understand ecological interactions. In universities, they may also teach and supervise ecology students.
Accreditation and Recognition
