What is Ecology?
Ecology is the scientific study of plants and animals (including humans), and their interactions with the environment around them. It encompasses terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Ecology plays an essential role in the conservation and the management of threatened species and ecosystems around the world.
The fundamentals of ecology include a sound knowledge of evolution, and how evolutionary processes drive the diversity of life on earth. An understanding of how plants and animals adapt to their environments enables ecologists to predict how these populations might respond to the increasing pressures of environmental and climate change.
Biodiversity itself is also studied as part of ecology. The origins and organisation of life from tiny single-celled plants and animals, to massive fig trees and ancient oaks, to ants and whales, and everything in between are relevant.
Population and community ecology studies population growth, species interactions, community patterns and dynamics, food webs and the effects of disturbance and scaling on the biodiversity of habitats and regions.
What does an ecologist do?
An ecologist studies plants, animals and their natural habitats.
Ecologists are usually passionate about conservation, and may focus on many of the different challenges facing life on today’s planet. For example, ecologists may study the effects of deforestation, infrastructure expansion, habitat fragmentation, over-hunting and invasive species.
Ecologists may also study evolutionary and biological processes to explain patterns of plant and animal diversity. They may investigate how these patterns and ecological principles can be proactively applied to sustain life and increase biodiversity.
Working as an ecologist, you will combine theoretical and scientific knowledge with practical application and field work.
Ecologists must understand the basic features of most animals and plants, as well as how to apply morphological, physiological and behavioural knowledge to understand the diversity of life and ecosystems.
Ecologists are adept at collecting field data, too, and may use a variety of modern data collection tools and techniques to collect samples from land, oceans or freshwater environments. Generating, recording and interpreting data from multiple primary sources is all in a day’s work for an ecologist.
As an ecological researcher, you may also employ a range of other research methods to address ecological questions or test new ecological hypotheses.
Ecologists may specialise in particular disciplines, or particular organisms, animals or types of ecosystems. For example, at JCU, budding ecologists may complete a subject in tropical entomology, focusing on a number of tropical insect systems, and their biological control and integrated pest management.
Explore your study options in Ecology
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Embrace the exciting world of science. Pair your scientific study with experiences like no other — explore environments like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest or conduct research in state-of-the-art labs. Learn how to train an AI algorithm to identify flora and fauna species or dig into the earth’s history to find prehistoric remains. Graduate career-ready with advanced practical skills and a drive for discovery.
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- Cairns: February, July
Gain a solid foundation for university study as you build academic skills, confidence and knowledge. Take classes relevant to your study goals and get a taste of university life in this qualification designed to help you meet the entry requirements of your desired degree. Enter university prepared for success after this one-year course.
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- Cairns: February, July
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Build upon your undergraduate science degree or broaden your professional experience with hands-on learning in your field of interest. You’ll expand your capacity for research, investigation, analysis and communication as you hone your skills in fully-equipped research facilities alongside experienced lecturers. Embrace the opportunities for practical learning and field work and make connections with those working in your industry.
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- Cairns: February, July
Gain valuable hands-on, industry relevant experience in state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. Build upon your existing qualifications in science and boost your professional experience with in-depth knowledge.
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- Cairns: February, July
Advance your professional career in science with independent research or a focused industry project. Through your studies, you will expand your knowledge and understanding of the problems facing natural environments, and their solutions, using the complex reef and terrestrial environments of the tropics as examples. You will also expand your practical, analytical and communication skills, and gain first-hand experience through tailored professional internships or research projects that can lead
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Advance your professional career in science with independent research or a focused industry project. Through your studies, you will expand your knowledge and understanding of the problems facing natural environments as well as their solutions, using the complex reef and terrestrial environments of the tropics as examples. You will also expand your practical, analytical and communication skills, and gain first-hand experience through your course work classes. You can concentrate your studies by
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
What jobs can you do by studying Ecology?
Ecology jobs may have many different names and can be found in many different types of organisations.
When you study ecology at JCU, you will graduate ready to work anywhere from global consulting giants to small, specialised firms, from conservation societies to research foundations, from private sector institutes to government departments.
Ecologists or ecology skills may be required in several kinds of industries including agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biomedicine, infrastructure and development, resources and mining, tourism and more.
The kinds of ecology jobs you could hold with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and Ecology from JCU include:
- Ecologist
- Conservationist
- Wildlife consultant
- Ecological researcher
- Environmental consultant
- Sustainability officer
- Environmental officer
- Environmental project manager
- Zoologist
- Forestry manager
- Botanist
- Biosecurity or quarantine officer
- Agricultural practitioner.
Why study Ecology at JCU?
Combining two related disciplines into a single Major, JCU’s Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and Ecology allows students to develop double skillsets, acquiring a deep and multifaceted understanding of the natural world and all living creatures within it. When you study Zoology and Ecology at JCU, you will learn from lecturers with global standing in the science community.
Offered at both JCU Townsville and JCU Cairns, the Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and Ecology integrates the unique environments of tropical north Queensland into hands-on ecology learning opportunities, with fieldwork undertaken at every year level.
Based in one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia, ecology students at JCU experience working in remote tropical rainforests, islands and savannas, to learn about biosecurity, behavioural ecology and conservation biology.
World-class field stations at Orpheus Island and Daintree provide unique opportunities and lifetime experiences. Marine ecology students may have an opportunity to undertake research on the Great Barrier Reef.
JCU prides itself on producing work-ready graduates who understand the fundamentals of scientific theory and principles, alongside their practical application. As a JCU student, you will have the opportunity to receive subject credit for a Work Integrated Learning experience.
When you study ecology at JCU, you will gain demonstrated experience in the design and analysis of field research and survey projects; an ability to work collaboratively; experience in tropical field studies; and a greater awareness of the in-situ study of behaviour, ecology and evolution.
Dale Perkins
Student
Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology and Ecology
"My passion for gardening suggested to me that botany might be a great field of study, and as such, a degree in Zoology and Ecology made sense. I chose JCU because it employs some of the leading contributors to the ecological community, it has access to the Daintree Rainforest Observatory Research Station and Cairns is one of the most beautiful tropical places on earth."