Ecology

About the Ecology Course

The degree course of the Ecology specialty is provided at the first (Bachelor of Arts in Ecology) and Second (Master of Arts in Ecology) levels of higher education.  Ecology is a bio-science that studies the interaction between organisms, plants, and the environment in which they live, both biotic and abiotic. It analyses the structure, function, and productivity of the supra-individual bio-systems, the populations, and the mixed systems, known as the ecosystems. It also deals with environmental protection, animal and vegetal biodiversity, genetic diversity, agriculture, and water purification or climate-change concerns.

Ecologists are mostly engaged in research, they analyze acquired data and provide reports about environmental issues. You can typically specialize in one ecological area such as aquatic ecology, biodiversity and taxonomy, and conservation biology among others.

Earning an Ecology degree at the International European University, Ukraine – Malta Campus can be incredibly beneficial for students, both personally and professionally. A degree in Ecology at  IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries, as many employers require or prefer candidates to have a bachelor’s degree at least. Additionally, earning a degree in Ecology at  IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are valuable in various fields.

Name of speciality – Ecology;

Level of Higher Education – First (Bachelor of Science in Ecology) and Second (Master of Science in Ecology) level;

The list of specializations and educational programs – Conservation Biology, Population Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Evolutionary Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Landscape Ecology, Biogeochemistry, Restoration Ecology, Urban Ecology, Marine Ecology, Forest Ecology, Global Change Ecology;

The total amount of credits from the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System – 240 credits;

Duration of studying – 4 years of full-time studying (Bachelor of Science in Ecology), 2 years of full-time studying (Master of Science in Ecology).

The Educational Process

Ecology is mainly a descriptive and experimental science and it utilizes methods from other disciplines including Math, Statistics, Physiology, and Geology. The study programm at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus blends lectures with field practice, data collection, and lab research. Ecology students at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus assimilate core principles of environmental systems and learn how to apply them to real-world management issues, particularly in the conservation field and in the assessment of human impact in the natural world.

This program provides a solid foundation in the principles of ecology, training in both pure and applied aspects of ecology, and an introduction to economic, legal, and policy issues related to the management of the environment. From the 2nd year on, students increasingly augment the core in ecology and policy with extensive restricted elective choices that allow the student to tailor the program to their interests. The major provides a sound science background for careers in conservation, resource management, ecological consulting, or nature interpretation used in teaching, government, non-government, or the private sector; or for further postgraduate training in fundamental ecology, environmental biology, and environmental management or policy.

After graduating students are able:

• To effectively apply basic principles of the natural and social sciences to current issues of natural resources and the environment;
• To understand and appropriately use the vocabularies of the natural and social sciences relevant to issues of natural resources and the environment;
• To write and speak clearly about technical issues related to their concentration of study in the EES program;
• To work collaboratively with other professionals in the disciplines of the major to address significant policy issues in natural resources and the environment;
• To choose and apply appropriate quantitative tools necessary to analyze significant issues related to their concentration of study in the EES program;
• To evaluate sources of technical information for credibility and relevance for addressing significant issues related to their concentration of study in the EES program;
• To identify significant ethical issues in natural resources and the environment and be able to address these issues in an informed and thoughtful manner;
• To learn basic concepts;
• To learn Auto Ecology and Population Ecology;
• To learn Dynamics of Population;
• To learn Ecology of Communities;
• To learn Functional and Structural Features of Communities;
• To learn Ecosystem and Characteristics;
• To learn Functional Characteristics of Ecosystems;
• To learn Ecological Cycles, Biological Accumulation;
• To learn The Great Ecosystems in the World;
• To learn Evolutional Ecology, Natural Selection, Genetic Variability;
• To learn Life Strategies, Gene Banks;
• To learn Applied Ecology;
• To learn Ecological Problems of Humanity, Protection of the Nature and Biological Variability;
• To learn Economics of Environment and Planning, Sustainable Development;
• To recognize that the distribution of organisms is a product of positive and negative interactions within and across trophic levels, including competition, mutualism, predation, and parasitism;
• To analyze interactions within the context of specific habitats and judge how the habitat shapes the distribution and abundance of species. Key factors that influence the habitat include climate, energy input, spatial/temporal complexity, and resource availability;
• To evaluate the relationships among ecological interactions, habitat context and the evolution of organism form and function. Distinguish how the evolution of organism form and function influences ecological interactions and habitat tolerance and judge how ecological processes in turn shape the evolution of organism form and function;
• To judge how organism function, habitat context and interactions within and across trophic levels influence the flow of energy and the movement and recycling of matter in communities and ecosystems;
• To judge how ecological processes across all scales are affected by human activities, and apply basic ecological principles to meet societal resource management and conservation goals;
• To gain experience developing ecological hypotheses and designing observational and experimental studies in field and laboratory settings;
• To gain experience with modeling, data collection techniques, and statistical analysis used to test ecological hypotheses;
• To synthesize information from the primary scientific literature; logically interpret the results of original research in the context of established ecological knowledge;
• To practice written and oral communication skills necessary to communicate research findings and interpretations to policymakers, scientists, stakeholders, and the general public.

Compulsory Subjects

The curriculum covers a comprehensive range of subjects. The major subjects (or modules) are:

• Pre-calculus;
• General Chemistry;
• Principles of Biology;
• Calculus;
• General Chemistry;
• Organic Chemistry;
• Biochemistry;
• Physics;
• Mechanics;
• Professional Development for Careers in Ecology;
• Population and Community Ecology;
• Population Biology of Infectious Disease;
• Ecosystem Ecology;
• Freshwater Ecosystems;
• Physiological Ecology;
• Behavioral Ecology;
• Evolutionary Ecology;
• Evolutionary Biology;
• Genetics;
• Introduction to Statistics;
• Elementary Biostatistics;
• Zooarchaeology;
• Biology of Protists;
• Ichthyology;
• Invertebrate Biology and Ecology;
• Insect Natural History;
• General Entomology;
• Mycology;
• Plant Taxonomy;
• Vertebrate Natural History;
• Herpetology;
• Ornithology;
• Mammalogy;
• Soils and Hydrology;
• Ecology Laboratory;
• Ecological Methodology;
• Methods in Marine Ecology;
• Spatial Analysis of Natural Resources and Laboratory;
• Geographic Information Science.

Career Perspectives

Ecology graduates from IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus practice in governmental agencies, in the private sector, or in non-profit organizations. As environmental awareness is globally growing, the offer of green jobs is also increasing. Career prospects include zoologists, conservancy officers, molecular biologists, laboratory managers, or environmental consultants. After completing the professional education program of the specialty «Ecology» at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus a specialist can perform professional work as:

• Park Ranger;
• Field Ecologist;
• Restoration Ecologist;
• Park Naturalist;
• Marine Biologist;
• Environmental Consultant;
• Environmental Protection Specialist;
• Natural Resource Manager;
• Laboratory Assistant;
• Environmental Field Technician;
• Wildlife Specialist;
• Ecology Professor;
• Sustainability Consultant;
• Wildlife Biologist;
• Environmental Planner;
• Environmental Science Teacher;
• Environmental Chemist;
• Wildlife Biologist;
• Wildlife Biologist;
• Environmental Geologist;
• Geographer;
• Environmental Lawyer;
• Meteorologist.

Why Study Ecology in Europe?

If you’re looking to study Ecology in Europe, the International European University, Ukraine – Malta Campus is an excellent option for international students. Our Life Sciences School is consistently ranked among the TOP-10 Life Sciences Schools in Europe, and the quality of education is top-notch. Studying Ecology at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus offers a fantastic opportunity to obtain a high-quality degree from one of the best universities in the EU.

At IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus, international students gain access to award-winning teaching methods and internationally recognized qualifications used worldwide. Pursuing a degree in Ecology from IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus involves practicing Ecology skills through various classroom discussions, group activities, and individual assignments. By studying Ecology at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus, students acquire the skills and knowledge to communicate effectively in Ecology.

Career Perspectives in Europe

Earning a degree in Ecology from IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus can prepare you for various career opportunities in the public and private sectors. Graduates can find work in sciences, medicine, education, and many other fields, or even start their businesses. Studying Ecology at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus can also increase your earning potential and make you stand out in the job market.

Application Process for Ecology Degree in Europe

The application process for an Ecology Degree at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus is easy and fast compared to other European Ecology universities. International students are provided with full support along the way, making it easy to collect necessary documents, submit the application, and obtain a Student Visa.

Rich Cultural Experience in Europe

At IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus, international students get to experience Maltese culture, which is rich in history and tradition. Exploring the islands is an eye-opening experience for students who have never left their home country before. During their time abroad, students can also travel around Europe, which allows them to see how other cultures live and what they value most about life. Pursuing an Ecology Degree abroad offers unforgettable experiences, such as visiting museums or historical sites, trying new foods from around the world, learning how people celebrate holidays differently, meeting new friends from all over the world who share similar interests, and many more!