Ecosystem Health and Biosecurity
Qualifications
Overview
Major studies in Ecosystem Health and Biosecurity investigates the impact of change and human activity on the natural processes of our ecosystems; a complex network of living organisms interacting with the physical environment.
Disturbances to our natural resources, such as air quality, food pollination and production, soil nutrients, and clean water in turn affects the health of other connected ecosystems, including our own mental and physical wellbeing.
This programme allows you to learn about the interconnection of the natural world and methods to manage and sustain these, with opportunities to get out into the field and work directly with affected communities.
- Course choices throughout the programme allow you to specialise in a particular area of ecology; from marine biology or forestry through to climate change or evolution.
- Many of UC’s research centres, such as Te Taiwhenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratory, Geospatial Research Institute, and Centre for Integrative Ecology specialise in ecological health projects for industry.
UC offers a major in Ecosystem Health and Biosecurity as part of the Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours.
Ecosystem Health and Biosecurity major
The following courses are required throughout the degree:
200-level
- BIOL 273 New Zealand Biodiversity and Biosecurity
- BIOL 275 Field Ecology
- BIOS 201 Issues in New Zealand Biosecurity
Plus one course chosen from:
- BIOL 213 Microbiology
- GEOG 201 Environmental Processes: Principles and Applications
- SOIL 203 Soil Fertility
- WATR 201 Freshwater Resources
300-level
Plus two courses chosen from:
- BIOL 332 Genetics, Evolution and Ecology of Invasive Species
- BIOL 336 Ecological and Evolutionary Models
- BIOL 371 Evolutionary Ecology
- BIOL 375 Freshwater Ecosystems
- BIOL 377 Global Change and Biosecurity
- BIOL 378 Population Ecology and Conservation
- BIOL 383 Behavioural Ecology
- BIOL 384 Marine Ecosystems
400-level
Choose at least 30 points from the following:
We rely heavily on the natural world providing for our survival, health, and economic wellbeing. The dynamic nature of our ecosystems demonstrates that we need professionals with expertise on how these function, and in finding tangible solutions to maintain their health and integrity.
You will find your knowledge suited to a variety of areas: law and policy, conservation and restoration efforts, resource management, urban and civil planning, pest control and biosecurity, business sustainability, ongoing research, and in consultancies, advisories, and public education to help inform communities of better practices.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Environmental Science.
Contact us
Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment
Phone +64 3 369 0655
Email earthandenvironment@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Level 2, Beatrice Tinsley building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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