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Ecology for Environmental Science Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Study the complex relationships between living organisms and research new solutions
to restore balance and create healthy ecosystems.
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you interested in environmental and conservation issues?
Do you have a strong background in physical, life and natural sciences? If so, you
should pursue a Bachelor of Science in ecology for environmental science at the University
of North Texas. We are the first university in the region to offer this degree program.
Ecologists increase our understanding of the natural world and potential environmental
impacts. The knowledge ecologists provide is used by other scientists, teachers, policy
makers, citizens and managers.
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Request More InfoWhy Earn an Ecology for Environmental Science Degree?
The Bachelor of Science with a major in Ecology is a four-year degree designed to prepare students for careers in biological sciences and professional programs, focusing on environmental science, conservation and research.
The Ecology for Environmental Science degree program will expose you to a wide range of courses and facilities that focus your understanding from an ecological perspective. You will also gain experience with applied aspects like ecotoxicology.
Your course work will focus on advanced biology, chemistry, physics, math, geography, economics, technical writing and philosophy. You will learn about:
- Biological diversity and how ecosystems work, including organismal life history, conservation and how to apply your knowledge to address environmental issues facing our society
- Developing and managing sustainable communities
- Public environmental education
Faculty members are active researchers in many fields including:
- Aquatic and terrestrial ecology
- Conservation genetics
- Contaminant effects on freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems
- Satellite remote sensing
- Wildlife biology
Marketable Skills
- Hypothesis-based research
- Computer-based proficiency
- Application of appropriate statistical methods
- Performance of field-based research
- In-depth knowledge of ecological principles
Ecology for Environmental Science Degree Highlights
Undergraduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences have the opportunity
to investigate these topics through hands-on-research experiences while learning the
latest skills and professional ethics from distinguished faculty and professional
researchers.
The program utilizes resources from multiple departments across campus, including
the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Department of Geography.
Among the other resources are well-equipped analytical and biological laboratories,
UNT’s Sub-Antarctic Field Research Station in Chile and the UNT Water Research Field
Station. These resources provide additional research possibilities available only
to UNT students or allow for hands-on experience.
The department's full-time staff of professional advisors can answer your questions
and help you stay on track for your career goals.
The Life Sciences Complex is a world-class research and teaching facility for biochemistry
and molecular biology, developmental physiology and genetics, and plant science. It
features more than 176,000 square feet of state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, offices,
meeting rooms, and communal spaces.
The Environmental Education, Science, and Technology Building (EESAT) is a 117,000
square foot environmentally friendly facility providing lab, classroom, office, and
exhibit facilities for UNT's Environmental Science programs, the Institute of Applied
Science, and the Elm Fork Education Center.
Career Outlook
With a bachelor’s degree in this area, you could have a career as a(n):
- Field or research technician
- Laboratory assistant
- Outdoor educator
- Park naturalist
- Volunteer coordinator
- Wildlife biologist
Job opportunities are expected to grow substantially during the next several years, especially in private companies and non-government organizations. Your bachelor’s degree also can provide the foundation for advanced graduate degrees in Ecology and related disciplines.
Ecology for Environmental Science Degree Courses You Could Take
Biodiversity and Conservation of Animals (3 hrs)
Focuses on basic principles of form, function, evolution, biogeography, and ecology
of animals, as well as modern topics related to the theory and practice of conservation.
Community Ecology (3 hrs)
Structure, dynamics and diversity of biotic communities and ecosystems. Focus on population
interactions, niche relationships and processing of matter and energy.
Physiological Ecology (3 hrs)
Animals live within a diverse array of habitats, each characterized by its own physical
and biological constraints varying in intensity, duration and periodicity. In this
course, students will learn various ways in which animals have evolved to meet these
challenges and thrive in the context of their natural environments (biotic and abiotic).
Specifically, a survey of the physiological, behavioral and biochemical adaptations
of animals to environmental factors, including temperature, oxygen, water, salinity,
pH and toxic chemicals will be explored.
Principles of Evolution (3 hrs)
Population genetics; ecological, geographical and historical concepts of evolution.
Conservation Biology (3 hrs)
Principles and values relating to natural biological resources; ecological concepts
applied to resource management and protection of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Principles of Ecology (3 hrs)
Ecological and evolutionary approach to understanding distribution, abundance, dispersion
and form-function diversity of organisms. Focus on organisms, their physiological
and life history adaptations, and populations.
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