University of the Sunshine Coast

Bachelor of Science (Ecology)

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, so naturally it's embedded in our learning, teaching, and research. A degree in Science from UniSC will allow you to explore your passions while contributing to real-world projects and experiments. We'll get you ready for a career in your chosen industry with plenty of hands-on practical experience, including laboratory work, fieldwork, and workplace learning.

For a major in Ecology, students must successfully complete 8 courses:

1. Animal Form, Function and Evolution - In this course you will learn the principles of evolution as relates to animal ecology. This course will introduce you to major concepts underlying the study of animal biology, including molecular and population genetics, selection, adaptation, physiology, and how these concepts among others contribute to our understanding of the diversity of animal life. You will learn about the history of experimental evolution, and design and perform your own experimental simulations in a laboratory context.
2. Invertebrate Biology and Ecology - Invertebrates are critical in providing ecosystem goods and services vital to the biosphere. This course builds on your introductory knowledge of the diversity, form and function of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. You explore the evolution, anatomy, and adaptations of all the invertebrate phyla. You are introduced to their taxonomic diversity, distribution, adaptations to the environment, population management, conservation, and pest status. Through local field projects in field ecology, you learn the methods and skills needed to study invertebrates.
3. Plant Diversity and Ecology - This course explores the evolution, diversity, and historical biogeography of Australian plants and vegetation communities as well as the biology, ecology, physiology, and adaptations of Australian plants. It includes an introduction to plant classification featuring major Australian plant families. The ecology of Australian plant communities is explored; including effects of fire and nutrient levels on community structure, composition, and diversity. Practical sessions develop skills in plant identification, field surveys, and data analysis and incorporate several field trips.
4. Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology - This course introduces you to the diversity, ecology, and evolution of the terrestrial vertebrates through the disciplines of herpetology, ornithology, and mammalogy. You will develop an appreciation of the scope and relevance of these disciplines via learning materials and laboratory classes. You will participate in a local field project where you will apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in ethical wildlife research.
5. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation - During this course you will develop your knowledge of wildlife ecology and conservation biology via lectorials and fieldwork. During lectorials you will use regional and global case studies to identify the threats confronting wildlife, and explore mitigation options. One third of all wildlife species are threatened and effective monitoring of these populations is a critical activity of conservation biologists. You will integrate the theory, tools, and practices of wildlife monitoring to analyze data collected during field classes.
6. Agricultural and Forest Ecology - One of the planet's most pressing problems is to ensure food security for around 9 billion people - 2 billion more than the world's current population - while dealing with climate change. There is increasing pressure on our natural resources for food and fuel, when there is an urgent need to manage resources sustainably. In this course, you will investigate the ecology of agricultural and forest systems. You explore different types of agricultural and forest ecosystems, their use for food and fuel, and ways to increase their sustainability and minimize the effects on surrounding ecosystems.
7. Plant Growth and Reproduction - Plants enable other life forms on the planet and drive all ecosystems. This course explores concepts of plant adaptations to the environment. You will learn about the mechanisms that enable plants to survive, grow, and reproduce in the harshest environments, and examine key processes and applications such as flowering, pollination, fruit production, germination, plant growth regulators, root function, soils and plant nutrition, photosynthesis and carbon sequestration, plant water relations, transpiration, carbon partitioning, nursery propagation, and plant tissue culture.