Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Intended learning outcomes

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Major graduates should demonstrate:

• knowledge from a range of disciplines from genetics through organismal biology to ecosystem science, by enabling students to complete a sequence of specialist subjects in each, as well as integrated subjects in which the students develop an understanding of the application of ecological methods to solving current problems in evolution, ecology and biodiversity;
• skills in survey, experimentation and modelling of ecological and evolutionary processes, which are crucial to being prepared to make contributions in research, education or in consulting roles in natural resources management and environmental consulting industries;
• understanding of the global nature of the science of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the opportunity for and importance of generality provided by regions and continents. They will demonstrate an awareness that current Ecology and Evolutionary Biology knowledge and thought is dominated by the English-speaking northern hemisphere, temperate countries and regions, and the effect this has on access to region-specific knowledge;
• understanding of the role of the cultures of science practice in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology specifically the role of theory, of models, of mathematics, of observational and experimental (both field and lab) empirical work. They will understand the role of history in their science;
• preparedness to engage as scientists to problems of climate change and other global challenges;
• preparedness for the workplace through experience participating in group research projects and working groups;
• ability to communicate about the theory, practice and evidence in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology orally, and in different modes of written presentation.