Bachelor of Applied Science (Ecology)

Overview

• Specialise in conservation of rare and endangered species and ecosystems, management of invasives and other pest species, and sustainable exploitation of wild populations
• Gain practical experience in ecological science with classes in both the laboratory and in the field  
• Prepares you for a career in research and monitoring with government departments, wildlife conservation and national parks, primary industries, pest management, fisheries, forestry and museums
• Graduate eligible for membership of the Ecological Society of Australia or the Australian Wildlife Management Society

Details

Ecology is the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Ecologists seek to understand why animals, plants or micro-organisms are found where they are. They investigate why they are common or rare, or what makes their numbers change from time to time and place to place. As an applied science, ecology is used to design strategies for the management of populations of organisms ranging from iconic endangered animals to species that are harvested for food, or insects that are vectors of diseases impacting on human health or agriculture.
The ecology major at QUT allows you to gain a broad range of scientific skills, including the specialist techniques required for conserving endangered wildlife, solving problems with invasive species and other pests, managing our local and national fisheries, and evaluating issues associated with the sustainability of our natural resources in the face of climate change and increasing human impact on the environment.

Why choose this course?

The ecology major at QUT has been designed to provide the background theory and hands-on skills required for dealing with the real-world problems and issues tackled by professional ecologists. Lectures are supported by classes in the laboratory and the field where the emphasis is on gaining practical experience in designing and carrying out field studies and experiments, and analysing and interpreting the information.
This degree provides you with the framework, theory and skills that can be applied across all ecological systems, from human modified environments such as agricultural ecosystems to more pristine areas such as rainforests and coral reefs. Teaching staff maintain links with government organisations and industry, via research and consultancy work, to ensure the course is up to date and relevant.

Career outcomes

Ecologists find rewarding careers in research and monitoring with government departments responsible for sustainability, wildlife conservation and national parks, primary industries, pest management, fisheries, forestry and museums. They also find work in private firms engaged in research and consultancy. Positions include conservation officer, sustainable resources officer, wildlife manager, fisheries biologist, scientific or technical officer, teacher or research scientist. Employment in more specialised areas is available, usually requiring study beyond the first degree.

Professional recognition

Professional recognition is achieved through membership of a scientific society, for example, the Ecological Society of Australia or the Australian Wildlife Management Society and participation in its meetings and professional activities.

Units

Year 1
You will undertake introductory core studies in a range of scientific areas including life sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics and environmental science to give you a solid foundation for your future studies. You will also gain key basic knowledge about the natural systems that exist on plant earth and the way these systems interact.

Year 2
You will focus on background concepts important for understanding ecology and the environment. You will examine in detail the fundamental concepts in ecology and evolution, and the basic processes important in the formation of the physical environment that are fundamental to understanding natural resource systems. You will learn about the dynamics of plant and animal populations and the interactions that influence them, and the basic methods used to describe and monitor populations. A background in fundamental genetics and evolution will provide the framework for understanding and interpreting variation in biological systems. You will expand on basic concepts of data handling and analysis so that you have a sound knowledge of experimental design and its application to experimental studies in ecology and environmental science. You will also learn how to design and conduct ecological field studies and analyse and communicate information.

Year 3
The fundamental knowledge of ecology, evolution and experimental design is extended to develop the theoretical and applied knowledge used by practising ecologists. You will cover in detail the three main areas where ecology is applied – approaches to the conservation of rare and endangered species and ecosystems, the management of invasives and other pest species, and the sustainable exploitation of wild populations. These aspects are also covered in guest lectures by industry professionals, and by involving you in detailed case studies and field projects that examine particular management questions in ecology.

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

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