Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Study in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is offered by the School of Life and Environmental Science. Units of study in this major are mostly available at standard and advanced level.
About the major
Ecology and evolution are important concepts that underlie a broad range of the biological sciences. Ecology investigates the processes that govern the biological interactions between individuals and that operate on ecosystem scales. Evolution is a unifying theme that explains the patterns we observe in the natural world, ranging from genomes to the diversification of life through time.
The fields of Ecology and Evolution intersect at multiple levels and are critically relevant to real-world challenges, including wildlife conservation.
In this major you will learn about evolutionary and ecological processes and how these influence the population dynamics of animals, plants, and other organisms. This knowledge forms the basis for the effective management and conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and habitats.
Requirements for completion
A major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 18 credit points of 3000-level core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units
A minor in Wildlife Conservation is available and articulates to this major.
First year
The core units in first year Biology, Life and Evolution (BIOL1XX6) and From Molecules to Ecosystems (BIOL1XX7), provide students with an understanding of the concepts that are central to Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. These units will provide a broader context within which these concepts can be interpreted, including the scientific framework, hypothesis testing, and experimental design. First year Biology units also provide sufficient background in (bio)chemistry for this major.
Second year
In the second year, Biology Experimental Design and Analysis (BIOL2X22) provides students with sufficient background to design complex ecological and evolutionary experiments in the field, including multifactorial experiments, and to analyse and interpret their data. Ecology and Conservation (BIOL2X24) builds on the broad introduction to Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in the first year.
Third year
In the third year there will be dedicated units on Ecology (BIOL3X07), Evolutionary Biology (BIOL3X33), and Australian Biodiversity and Systematics (BIOL3X34). Selective units include the field units Marine Field Ecology (BIOL3008) and Terrestrial Field Ecology (BIOL3009). For those students who need an on-campus experience, units include Animal Ecological Physiology (BIOL3X45) and Animal Behaviour (BIOL3X46). Throughout, there will be emphasis on experimental design and analysis, building on the material taught in the second year. In your third year you must take at least one designated project unit.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.
Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: completion of 36 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework.
Honours units of study will be available in 2020.
Contact and further information
W http://sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/about-us/index.shtml
T 1800 793 864
Address:
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Level 5, Carslaw Building (F07)
The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Professor Frank Seebacher
T +61 2 9351 2779
E
Professor Simon Ho
T +61 2 9351 8681
E
Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology will be able to:
- Use biological language to discuss, explain and apply ecological and evolutionary processes and their role in wildlife conservation.
- Independently identify and interpret ecological and evolutionary literature.
- Use statistical tools and concepts to analyse and interpret ecological and evolutionary data.
- Describe and explain the meaning of ecological and evolutionary experimental results within the context of the current literature.
- Communicate the objectives and hypotheses being tested in experimental investigations.
- Create coherent arguments in oral presentations and written reports using evidence from experiments and the literature.
- Analyse the effectiveness of species conservation strategies and conflicts from multiple perspectives.
- Analyse conservation issues using ecological and evolutionary principles from individual species to global populations and communities.