Ecology

Ecology explores the relationships between living organisms and their environments, and how these systems sustain life on Earth. You will study the diversity of species, how ecosystems function, and how evolution shapes the natural world. From coral reefs to sustainable farms, and from genetic variation to global conservation efforts, this field helps you explore the science behind life’s complexity and resilience. You gain the tools to analyze ecological systems and contribute to solutions for today’s environmental challenges.

Opening up Ecology courses

None of the Ecology courses require a gateway course, so you can take Ecology courses at any level without first having to do something else.

Courses in Ecology

100-level

The Living Planet: An Introduction to Biodiversity

The biosphere consists of millions of living species. In this course we will travel through the tree of life, starting with bacteria and single-celled eukaryotes such as reef-building dinoflagellates and disease-causing apicomplexans. Next, we will look at the multicellular groups: plants, seaweeds, fungi and animals. We will also investigate the relevance of biodiversity for human society in fields such as food and food security, economy, climate and health.

100-level

Protecting Nature: The Science of Conservation

This course explores environmental conservation through biological and social science perspectives. Topics include biodiversity importance, threats to ecosystems, conservation methods, and tools to monitor and protect nature. It also covers national and international laws, policies, and initiatives aimed at preserving ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future for current and future generations.

200-level

Ecosystems Uncovered: How Nature Works

Ecology is the scientific study of the distribution and abundance of organisms and the interactions that determine distribution and abundance. This course focuses on the basic principles of ecology. We will assess how organisms are impacted by environmental conditions and resources, and study the ecological principles that govern individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Two weeks will be spent on ecological modelling, as an important tool for understanding and predicting ecological systems. We will conclude with some actual cases of applied ecology.

200-level

From Origins to Diversity: The Science of Evolution & Leadership

Evolution is the unifying theory in biology. As such, an understanding of evolutionary biology is vital for understanding the natural world. In this course, we will discuss key concepts in evolution such as population genetics, variation and selection, speciation, macro-evolution and the origins of life. The importance of evolutionary concepts to all other fields of biology will be emphasized, as well as important implications of evolutionary processes in fields like human health and climate change.

300-level

Marine Biology

This course focuses on the ecological processes that take place in the seas and at the boundaries of sea and land, gives an overview of marine systems like estuaries, rocky shores and coral reefs, and assesses the impacts of human activities on these systems. A substantial part of the course consists of guest lectures from marine scientists, lab visits, excursions, and some field work, indicated to provide the students with current and socially relevant examples of research that is taking place in this field. Finally, the students will demonstrate their mastering of the topic in an essay.

300-level

Sustainable Farming & Innovation

Food production and waste is a leading cause of environmental harm. This is why finding solutions that promote sustainable food production are so important. In this course we will discuss the environmental impacts of agriculture, and explore various sustainable agriculture approaches, including agroecology, organic farming, conservation agriculture, precision agriculture, sustainable livestock farming, agroforestry, permaculture, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and sustainable supply chain management.

Also consider these options:

Environment & Sustainability

The other fields within the Environment & Sustainability cluster.

Environment & Sustainability

Explore Economics!

To understand how environmental and economic systems interact.

Economics

Explore Life Science!

To connect big-picture ecosystems with the life processes that sustain them.

Life Science

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The UCR Program Builder is designed to help you easily plan your academic program. Step by step, the tool guides you through selecting courses, building a balanced curriculum, and meeting UCR’s academic requirements.

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Ecology

Ecology

Opening up Ecology courses

Courses in Ecology

Courses in Ecology

The Living Planet: An Introduction to Biodiversity

The Living Planet: An Introduction to Biodiversity

Protecting Nature: The Science of Conservation