Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Ecology
Dunedin, New Zealand
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Ecology
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree which enables each student to develop his or her own interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. Students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as subjects from other disciplines across the University.
Why study Ecology?
Global citizens need to understand our planet's ecology. Ecological information can help us improve our environment, manage our natural resources, protect our biodiversity, and enhance human health.
There are few places equal to Otago when it comes to studying Ecology the marine inlets, mountains, national parks (Fiordland, Mt Aspiring), and World Heritage Sites (Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand), on our doorstep provide unique and diverse outdoor laboratories in which to work.
Ecology provides broad and transferable training through a range of subjects relating to plants, animals, and the environment. Hands-on and research-based learning means that our graduates are well-placed to take advantage of the wide variety of job opportunities that exist both here and overseas, and that they are up-to-date with global ecological trends and developments.
Our degree Program allows you to maintain a high level of flexibility which allows your interests to evolve. This means you can keep your career options open because you are not required to specialise too early.
Ecological researchers are really active at Otago, so our students are taught be experienced people at the front lines of research in Ecology, evolution, conservation and biodiversity, as well as by researchers from overseas.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Every Program of study for the degree
- shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points
- shall include at least 180 points for papers above 100-level, of which at least 72 points shall be for papers above 200-level
- shall satisfy the requirements for at least one of the major subjects listed above. No paper above 200-level may count for more than one Major Subject Requirement
- may include one or more optional minor subjects which satisfy the Minor Subject Requirements listed in Science Schedule A, or Arts and Music Schedule A, Commerce Schedule A, or Applied Science Schedule A, or BHealSc Schedule Part 2. No paper may count for both a Major and a Minor Subject Requirement or for more than one Minor Subject Requirement unless that paper is at 100- or 200-level and is specified as compulsory for both Requirements.
- may include papers which are not listed in Science Schedule C either:
- up to 90 points; or
- as specified in the Science Major Subject Requirements and/or the Science subjects in the Minor Subject Requirements; or
- as specified in the Minor Subject Requirements.
Major Subject Areas
For a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree you must major in at least one of the following subjects:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Ecology
- Economics
- Electronics (no new enrolments)
- Energy Science and Technology
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Food Science
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geology
- Human Nutrition
- Information Science
- Land Planning and Development
- Mathematics
- Marine Science (enrolments for 2022 will be available for this subject from the end of July 2021)
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Oceanography (not offered from 2022)
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Psychology
- Sport Development and Management
- Statistics
- Surveying Measurement
- Zoology
Minor Subject Areas
Selecting a minor subject is not compulsory and there may be other combinations of papers more appropriate to your degree. There are no particular subject requirements for the other papers of your degree, but if you wish you may have another subject specified as a minor subject in your degree by passing the prescribed papers for any of the listed subjects.
Full list of available minor subject areas.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The career opportunities available to Ecology graduates reflect the breadth of training offered. Our graduates are spread far and wide in jobs as diverse as nature guides, resource management consultants, and information technologists. The Department of Conservation, Crown Research Institutes, local and regional councils, tourism operations, secondary and tertiary teaching institutions and a range of environmental non-governmental organisations all employ graduates here in New Zealand and around the world.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) is also available.
A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career.
Program delivery
Application Details
Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their official high school or foundation transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades); scanned copies of the relevant official transcripts of previous university study; and provide proof of their identity: this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.