What is a PhD in Ecology?

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 environment protection, animal and vegetal biodiversity, genetic diversity, agriculture, and water purification or climate-change concerns.

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

Ecology is mainly a descriptive and experimental science and it utilises methods from other disciplines including Math, Statistics, Physiology and Geology. Study programmes blend lectures with field practice, data collection, and lab research. Ecology students assimilate core principals 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.

Ecology graduates practice in governmental agencies, in the private sector or in non-profit organisations. As environmental awareness is globally growing, the offer of green jobs is also increasing. Careers prospects include zoologist, conservancy officer, molecular biologist, laboratory manager or environmental consultant.

View all PhDs in Ecology. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Ecology.