Bachelor of Science - Conservation & Ecology Major

More than any other time in humanity’s history, there is a need for highly skilled, passionate conservation and ecology specialists to help protect and guide the bio-protection of our environment. This degree major offers a firm grounding in all the appropriate sciences, as well as important practical skills. If future-proofing the environment appeals to you, don’t waste a minute.

As the world changes, we need skilled experts to help sustain the health of the natural environment.

The Bachelor of Science- Conservation and Ecology major cultivates your potential by combining necessary academic learning with practical experience and industry connections.

Through your study and beyond, you’ll be able to contribute to the conservation and ecological activities of both private agencies and the New Zealand Government, as well as further afield.

As a recognised leader in land-based tertiary education, Lincoln is right at the cutting edge of this vital scientific field.

How you’ll grow

• Gain a solid scientific understanding of the causes and potential solutions to major conservation issues and challenges.
• Develop your knowledge of the biological sciences, including biology, ecology, geology, plant and animal science.
• Extend your skills with hands-on field trips and through practical laboratory work
• Learn from world-class scientists who are spearheading ground-breaking conservation and ecology research.

Career opportunities

This degree opens up careers in ecology, conservation, nature restoration and wildlife biology. You’ll be in demand amongst a wide range of organisations including local and regional councils, the Department Of Conservation, Predator-free New Zealand, Zero Invasive Predators, Fish and Game, the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Manaaki Whenua / Landcare Research, environmental consultancies, universities and non-governmental conservation organisations.

Upon successful completion of this degree programme, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science with a Conservation and Ecology major.

Graduate Attributes

Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field. Attributes in italics apply to the Major, the others apply to the BCom core courses.

Knowledge

• Describe the principles of ecological and evolutionary theory and their applications.
• Describe, in broad terms, New Zealand’s natural history.
• Describe the methods used in the identification of flora and fauna.
• Outline current scientific and public debates in ecology and conservation and critically evaluate opposing positions.
• Describe conservation management methods to managing and restoring threatened populations, species and ecosystems.

Skills

• Identify the main drivers of the decline of native biodiversity in New Zealand and internationally and the implications of this decline for people.
• Apply the scientific method and correctly interpret the results of scientific studies.
• Employ the scientific method to solve problems independently and as part of a team.
• Be competent in the use of statistics and biometrics, the design of experiments and data analysis, and transferable skills in data acquisition and processing.
• Collect, collate/synthesise, critically review information across a wide range of disciplines, and communicate information effectively in both written and oral form to both lay and expert audiences.
• Use self-directed learning in conjunction with a set of flexible and transferable skills to prepare for a future employment markets.
• Apply science methods in a real world context through exposure to industry and sectors that utilise this science.
• Use the requisite interpersonal and decision making skills to function as an effective member of interdisciplinary teams.
• Use the ability to relate to a diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and to respect their values and culture.
• Apply practical field and laboratory techniques used by professional ecologists and conservation managers.

Values

• Develop an awareness of the key principles and practices underpinning sustainable development for effective advocacy in environmental sustainability.
• Develop an awareness of the ethical implications of scientific research.
• Develop a sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship .
• Develop an awareness of Maori perspectives and their implications for conservation and ecology.
• Develop an awareness of the importance of cultural and indigenous knowledge.