Bachelor of Ecology
Why study the Bachelor of Ecology at UNE?
The estimated number of described species on earth is between 1.5 and 1.8 million species. Many others await formal recognition. The study of the distribution and abundance of species and interactions among organisms and their environment is central to understanding how our earth works. The goal of ecology is to understand the principles of operation of natural systems and to predict their responses to change. Ecology helps us understand complex problems.
Australia is a mega-diverse region for biodiversity with an estimated 600,000 and 700,000 species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. About 84% of plants, 83% of mammals and 45% of birds are only found in Australia.
The world needs highly trained specialists to deal with the myriad of ecological problems from cane toads to endangered species - the unravelling of ecological parameters is paramount for sustainable ecosystems.
This innovative degree provides the opportunity to study the skills and techniques necessary for solving problems associated with a broad of range of ecological issues.
Well-qualified graduates may apply to complete the Bachelor of Science with Honours. BSc(Hons) graduates who achieve the appropriate level of Honours are eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Note: Trimester 3: Off Campus Part-time Only
Career Opportunities
Ecologist, Ecological Consultant, Research Assistant (Ecologist), Conservation Ecologist, Ecological Advisor
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Degree Snapshot
DURATION
3 Years Full-timeUp to 10 years Part-time
FEES
CSPInternational
2013 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Trimester 1, Off CampusTrimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus
How to Apply
Domestic Students
New domestic students to UNE apply to study on-campus through UAC or QTAC.
For more information, click hereNew domestic students to UNE apply to study off-campus directly to UNE
Former and current domestic UNE students apply to study on campus or off campus directly to UNE.
For more information, click here
International Students
International students apply directly to UNE through International Marketing and PathwaysFor more information, click here
Contact Us
So we know where to direct your enquiry, please tell us if you are a current or future student:
| Official Abbreviation | BEcol | ||||||||||||||||||
| Course Type | Undergraduate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commencing |
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| Course Duration |
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| Fees | CSP / International | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Credit Points | 144 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits | Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of The Sciences on completion of 48 credit points. Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with an Advanced Diploma of The Science on completion of 72 credit points. |
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| How to apply |
New domestic students to UNE apply to study on-campus through UAC or QTAC. For more information, click here
New domestic students to UNE apply to study off-campus directly to UNE Former and current domestic UNE students apply to study on campus or off campus directly to UNE. For more information, click here
International students apply directly to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways For more information, click here |
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| Intensive Schools | Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements |
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| Entry Requirements | A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy). Assumed knowledge 2 units English and Recommended study of 2 units Maths. UNE offers Foundation studies in Mathematics for students who do not have the recommended background knowledge. International students must satisfy the UNE English language requirements. |
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| Advanced Standing | Candidates are referred to the University's Advanced Standing Policy. Advanced standing may be granted on the basis of previous study completed at recognised tertiary institutions. |
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| Academic Colours |
Reseda (BCC77) |
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| Further Information | 
You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE |
Admission to Candidature
A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy).
The University of New England offers Foundation studies in Mathematics for students who do not have the recommended background knowledge.
International students must satisfy the UNE English language requirements.
Advanced Standing
Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Period of Candidature
The period of candidature shall be:
(a) three years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.
Course Requirements
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100 level and at least 36 credit points at 300 level or above.
Program of Study
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 90 cps |
| Listed Units | 42-54 cps |
| Elective Units | 0-12 cps |
| Total | 144 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
Award of Degree
Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be award the Bachelor of Ecology.
Exit Pathways
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in The Sciences on completion of 48 credit points.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Advanced Diploma in The Sciences on completion of 72 credit points.
Academic Progress
Candidates are referred to the University's General Rules Policy on Academic Progress.
Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.
| Course Aims |
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. An ecologist is a biologist who studies the relationships between organisms and their environment. The aim of this three year degree is to train students to be practising ecologists. From this degree, graduates will be able to call themselves an Ecologist - government agencies, consulting firms, research laboratories, botanic gardens, museums, and in private industries such as those that produce energy, timber, and fish. Ecologists work outdoors or in laboratories and in this degree we aim to train a work-ready graduate through field and practical laboratories. A BEcol graduate will also be able to undertake a final Honours year that prepares them for HDR studies or provides them with additional qualifications for workplace entry. |
| Learning Outcomes |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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| Graduate Attributes |
Knowledge of a Discipline
The knowledge-base of ecology and ecological systems is taught from yr 1 through to yr3. In the Foundation Unit, ECOL100, the philosophy of ecological thinking (both European and indigenous) is the key starting point. This is taught via lectures including oral presentations from distinguished ecologists. Knowledge is also gained from an evaluation of literature and philosophers and assessed using on-line quiz formats, role playing and literature reviews. In later years ecological theory is imparted via lectures, practised in practicals and assessed via exams.
Communication Skills
Ecologists must be effective communicators. This is taught by developing the quality argument based on quality of evidence paradigm and it is instilled in all assessable tasks. It is taught using a variety of tools including scholarly writing, oral presentations and a debate format is planned for ECOL100 and ECOL300 activities.
Global Perspectives
As ecological systems are part of the biosphere, the global perspective is drawn upon in all areas involved with evaluating the utility of data sets. Ecological knowledge is built upon from information gathered from ecological systems in similar biomes. Thus teaching will draw upon case studies in the peer reviewed literature from biomes across the globe. With this is the up skilling of students so that their work (particularly at 3rd yr) meets best international practices.
Information Literacy
Students will be taught how to access the literature (especially on-line resources), how to evaluate the robustness of literature sources (discrimination skills) and how to critique available information. Students will then practise these skills through the generation of reports, oral presentations and data base establishment and management.
Life-Long Learning
The ability to be a critical thinker and an objective decision maker is a key life-long skill for Ecologists. This will be instilled be the experiential learning dimensions of the Units where reflection on performance reveals alternative pathways to explain phenomena.
Problem Solving
Ecologists are faced with problem solving in three key areas; the elucidation of the problem, the compartmentalizing of the problem and the testing of hypotheses around the problem. These basic principles are the backbone of the Bachelor of Ecology and all practical assignments are geared for the instillation of this key set of skills.
Social Responsibility
Now more than ever, and as concern for the environment intensifies, ecologists are increasingly being called away from the role of scientist and into policy and public consultation. Ecology is wrestling between two models of science: a science apart from society and a science directly engaged with society. The social responsibility of Ecologists in society will be one of the debate topics in the Foundation Unit ECOL100, and again in Year 3 after two years of training where the habits of evaluating the pros and cons of diverse arguments are recognised.
Team Work
All students undertaking practical work in the field and laboratory will be regularly working in teams. The foundations for this will begin in 1st year and continue through to 3rd year. The benefits of team work such as, the sharing of creativity; task solutions and satisfactions; skills development, peer support underpinning a diversity of ideas are positive attributes for the Bachelor of Ecology student. In addition to being practiced, the team will be assessed by group presentations.
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