Corequisite majors: Evolution Ecology & Organismal Biology or Biodiversity Conservation
This Specialisation provides a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts in evolution and ecology, as they apply to both plants and animals. The courses offered give students the opportunity to extend their knowledge in the areas of behavioural ecology, marine ecology and zoology, and to grapple with the controversial issues in evolutionary biology. A solid grounding in evolution and ecology are essential for students intending to pursue higher degrees in these areas. In addition, students who have an interest in field based careers (rangers, ecological surveyors and consultants, field research) or in wildlife management (conservation and environmental policy, sustainable resource management) require the understanding of field research techniques and ecological and evolutionary theory on which these professions are based.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe and explain, in depth, the fundamental concepts in evolution and ecology and identify areas of uncertainty and controversy in the discipline.
- Classify, compare and describe plant and animal species and describe the processes involved in their evolutionary and ecological interactions.
- Access and critically assess the primary research literature in the field.
- Formulate testable hypotheses for evolutionary and ecological problems based on their conceptual understanding and design experiments to test the hypotheses.
- Apply the practical skills necessary to carry out research, based on their experiences of field studies, and /or working in a research team.
- Deploy statistical techniques of analysis within one or more areas of ecological research, including the use of databases and statistical packages.
- Be conversant with the specialist terms that are used by evolutionary and ecological scientists, as well as being able to communicate information and concepts clearly and concisely to interested lay persons.
Other Information
What courses should you take in first year if interested in this specialisation?
This major can only be taken in conjunction with one of the majors listed below. The courses you must take in first year will depend on the major:
- Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology: BIOL1003, BIOL1004 and BIOL1009
- Biodiversity Conservation Major: CHEM1101, CHEM1201, BIOL1003 and BIOL1004
Additional advice:
- Students should choose appropriate second year courses to ensure they meet prerequisite requirements for third year electives.
- For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of Evolution and Ecology.
- This specialisation has a general evolution and ecology focus, and also includes courses specifically relating to animal evolution and ecology. Students who have a specific interest in plants should compare this specialisation with the Plant Science Specialisation that is offered.
Academic or enrolment advice:
Students can seek further advice from the academic contact for this specialisation (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au)
Back to the topRequirements
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with the following majors
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units of courses from the following list. A maximum of 12 units total across major and specialisation may come from completion of research project/special topic courses (BIOL3023, BIOL3208, BIOL3209). For the course to contribute towards the specialisation, the topic must be in the field of Evolution and Ecology
BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)
BIOL3109 Developmental Biology (6 units)
BIOL3130 Quantitative Ecology (6 units)
BIOL3131 Behavioural Ecology (6 units)
BIOL3132 Field Studies in Behavioural Ecology (6 units)
BIOL3142 Biomedical Parasitology (6 units)
BIOL3178 Recovering Threatened Species and Ecosystems (6 units)
BIOL3206 Evolution of Biodiversity (6 units)
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)
BIOL3210 Appreciating Parasites: from Molecules to Ecosystems (6 units)
BIOL3213 Australian Wildlife (6 units)
BIOL3303 Advanced Field Studies in Functional Ecology (6 units)