Overview
Ecology is the scientific study of organisms and their relationships within their environments. The diversity of Otago’s ecosystems, habitats, plants and animals is reflected in the programme’s teaching. Ecology is taught by staff from across the University (e.g. Botany, Marine Science, and Zoology).
All Ecology papers have fieldwork components. We explore local habitats and learn about national and international ecological/environmental issues.
You will learn by conducting your own research from day one.
Career opportunities
Pressing environmental and ecological issues combined with government and public concerns means there is a clear need for scientifically-trained ecologists.
Our graduates work around New Zealand and the world for government institutions (Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries), Crown Research Institutes (Landcare Research, NIWA), councils, consultancies, tourism operations, in secondary and tertiary teaching, and for non-governmental organisations.
Contact details
Website otago.ac.nz/ecology/
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Science (MSc)
Papers
See the full list of Ecology (ECOL) papers.
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Ecology
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOL 112 Animal Biology BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World ECOL 111 Ecology and Conservation of Diversity STAT 110 Statistical Methods, or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics At least one of: | 18 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | ECOL 211 Ecology of Communities and Ecosystems ECOL 212 Ecological Applications STAT 210 Statistical Methods 2 One of BTNY 201, BTNY 202, BTNY 203, CHEM 201, CHEM 205, CHEM 206*, GENE 222, GEOG 282, GEOG 284, GEOG 285, GEOG 286, GEOG 287, GEOG 288, GEOG 289, GEOG 290, GEOG 298, GEOG 299, GEOL 252, GEOL 263, GEOL 272, MARI 202, OCEN 201, STAT 260, STAT 270, SURV 208, ZOOL 221, ZOOL 222, ZOOL 223 | 18 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | ECOL 313 Ecology Field Course or ECOL 314 Tropical Field Ecology Two of AQFI 352, BTNY 301, GEOG 390, GEOL 372, MARI 301, MARI 302, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319 One other paper from AQFI 352, BTNY 302, BTNY 303, CHEM 304, ECOL 313, ECOL 314, GENE 312, GEOG 388, GEOG 390, GEOG 392, GEOG 393, GEOG 394, GEOG 395, GEOG 397, GEOG 398, GEOG 399, GEOL 372, MARI 301, MARI 302, STAT 311, SURV 411, ZOOL 313, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319 or another suitable 300-level paper approved by the Programme Director. | 18 36
18 |
| Plus | 126 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science Students majoring in Ecology must pass STAT 110 or STAT 115 and STAT 210 before taking 300-level ECOL papers | 126 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Ecology
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: |
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Ecology
| Papers |
|---|
Master of Science (MSc) in Ecology
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
Minor subject requirements
Ecology as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BHealSc, or BASc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), or Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | ECOL 111 Ecology and Conservation of Diversity | 18 |
| 200-level |
ECOL 211 Ecology of Communities and Ecosystems ECOL 212 Ecological Applications |
18 18 |
| 300-level |
Two of BTNY 301, BTNY 303, ECOL 313, ECOL 314, GEOG 390, GEOG 397, GEOL 372, MARI 301, MARI 302, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319 |
36 |
| Total | 90 |
