Overview
Overview
This course is one of 16 majors offered in the Bachelor of Science.
Environmental biologists and ecologists are essential for mitigating the impacts of land degradation, ecosystem disruption and species decline caused by activities such as resource extraction and land-use change.
In this course, you will gain deep knowledge in zoology, botany, ecology and genetics, with a focus on how living systems respond to and influence environmental change.
You’ll develop environmental monitoring skills through field activities, alongside laboratory and computer-based skills. You'll also learn experimental design and statistics, and develop the critical-thinking and communication skills needed for environmental research.
Your final year of study includes a capstone experience that provides hands-on experience in field or laboratory data collection and environmental problem-solving. Together with a work-integrated learning unit, these experiences will ensure that you can apply your expertise to real-world environmental issues as soon as you graduate.
This course gives you the flexibility to study specialisations that match your broader scientific interests – for example, in geology or chemistry. You can also obtain a full-spectrum environmental science degree by doing a double major with Marine Science or Environmental Science, which focuses on the abiotic aspects of environmental management.
You can study Environmental Biology and Ecology as a double degree with Applied Geology, Environmental Engineering, Commerce, Innovation, Law and various Arts majors.
Advanced Science (Honours)
Environmental Biology and Ecology is also available as an Advanced Science (Honours) major. This advanced course focuses on project-based learning, leadership and entrepreneurship, and includes a research project in honours year (fourth year).
What jobs can the Environmental Biology and Ecology course lead to?
Globally, environmental biologists and ecologists are increasingly needed to address and prevent negative impacts on the natural environment caused by urban development and industrial activity. In Western Australia, there is increasing demand for expertise in ecological impact assessment, biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration.
Careers
- Environmental biologist
- Ecologist
- Conservation consultant
- Mine restoration consultant
- Natural resource manager
- Remediated lands consultant
- Sustainability consultant
Industries
- Environment and conservation
- Mining and energy resources
- Urban and regional planning
- Government policy and planning
- Research and development
What you'll learn
- Exhibit a well-developed depth and breadth of knowledge, critical understanding and application in environmental biology and ecology, including at organism and ecosystem levels,GC1
- Select, innovate and apply field, laboratory, and data techniques to address problems in the understanding of organisms and ecosystems via the design and development of investigations, and the accurate and ethical collection, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation of data and other forms of evidence, demonstrating awareness of limitations and reliability, GC2
- Synthesise, critically evaluate, and communicate information, arguments and ideas around biology, evolution, adaptation, ecosystems and ecological management, demonstrating awareness of underlying assumptions and scientific merit; communicate across written, visual and oral modes, in face to face and digital contexts, and for a range of purposes and audiences, GC3
- Be adaptable within evolving professional contexts within the biological, ecological, environmental and adjacent sectors, demonstrating awareness of global citizenship and sustainability principles, their role in environmental science and management, and a capacity to engage with complex global problems and stakeholders from a range of disciplines, backgrounds and communities, GC4
- Demonstrate a coherent and reflective understanding of the nature of environmental biology and ecology, the core ethics, the social and cultural context of biological thought, ecosystems, and ecological practice, and the contributions of different global knowledge systems, including Indigenous perspectives and practices, especially around connection between humans and ecosystems and ecosystem management, GC5
- Demonstrate integrity and reflective and ethical professional behaviours, including responsible self-direction and collegial collaboration; working safely in diverse environments, including laboratory and field sites; showing respect for others’ voices, knowledge, ownership and agency, including cultural protocols and IP; and cognisance of all appropriate regulatory, cultural and professional considerations within and adjacent to the biological, ecological and environmental sectors, GC6