Overview
The Ecology Degree programme at the University of Otago offers five papers in Ecology at undergraduate level and eight papers at postgraduate level. Together these papers form the back-bone of the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science with Honours, Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Master of Science degrees in Ecology.
Undergraduate papers in Ecology
ECOL 111 - Ecology and Conservation of Diversity
The course provides an introduction to ecology. It examines species and population ecology, patterns of biodiversity, evolution, the management of threatened species, and how individuals interact with each other in populations and with their physical environment. Students collect and analyse data though field-based sampling and laboratory-based experiments to investigate the population ecology of a locally significant bivalve species.
ECOL 111 - Ecology and Conservation of Diversity
ECOL 211 - Ecology of Communities and Ecosystems
This course builds on the introduction to ecology presented in ECOL 111. It examines how species interact, how these interactions build communities, how natural and human induced disturbances affect the integrity and sustainability of communities, and how an understanding of community and ecosystem-level processes can aid the restoration and management of natural areas for conservation. Students conduct a small field-based research project, and examine how real communities and ecosystems are managed through visits to some local examples.
ECOL 211 - Ecology of Communities and Ecosystems
ECOL 212 - Ecological Applications
This course is about putting ecology into practise. Many issues facing human society are fundamentally ecological in nature, such as invasive species, food security, freshwater pollution and public health. This paper examines how we apply ecological methods and theory to deepen our understanding of pressing societal issues and identify management and policy solutions that may be valuable to society. A major component of the course is a weekend field camp in southern Otago where you will be introduced to practical scientific skills and will develop a research proposal of your own.
ECOL 212 - Ecological Applications
ECOL 313 - Ecology Field Course
This course is an application of the skills and techniques used in field ecology. It provides an initiation into ecological research involving formulating a research topic, methods of sampling and data collection, experimental design, equipment requirements and the proper use of equipment, analysis and interpretation of results in a subject of the students own choosing. This course is taught over an intensive seven-day period at a live-in field station in southern Otago, followed by a one-hour seminar, two statistics tutorials, and a one-day symposium during the first semester.
ECOL 313 - Ecology Field Course
ECOL 314 - Pacific Field Ecology
This course enables students to apply the skills and techniques of field ecology in a Pacific context. It provides an initiation into ecological research involving formulating a research topic, methods of sampling and data collection, experimental design, equipment requirements and the proper use of equipment, analysis and interpretation of results in a subject of the students own choosing. This course is taught at an intensive ~12 day period in a field setting, followed by seminars, statistics tutorials, and a presentations during the first semester. Currently taught on Rēkohu (Chatham Island).
ECOL 314 - Pacific Field Ecology
ECOL 321 - Ecology of Species Introductions and Invasions
The North and South Islands of New Zealand are the two most-invaded islands by exotic plants in the world, and introduced or self-invaded animals are also exceptionally common. Students will be introduced to national and international examples of invasion ecology, by way of demonstrating classical examples, exceptions, cutting-edge understanding of ecosystem functions, and will be exposed to the practicalities of management, control and potential removal of invasive species in an ecosystem context. Through invited guest lectures and field trips, students will benefit from real-life experience of people on the front line of invasion ecology, and will have the opportunity to build relationships with individuals and institutions that can help foster their future careers.
ECOL 321 - Ecology of Species Introductions and Invasions
Postgraduate papers in Ecology
ECO 411 - Reading Ecology
This literature-based paper focuses on learning best practice for publication by reading top-ranked journals in ecology. Workshops cover: independent research, statistics, scientific writing, modelling and biodiversity conservation.
ECOL 480 - Research Project
A supervised project involving research and leading to the production of a research report.
ECOL 490 - Dissertation
A supervised project involving original research and leading to the production of a dissertation.
ECOL 495 - Master's Thesis Preparation
Preparation of a thesis proposal/preliminary thesis research. Normally taken by students in the papers year for a Master's degree by papers and thesis.
ECOL 495 - Master's Thesis Preparation