Ecology and Evolution

Overview

The Ecology and Evolution PhD Program is a supplementary learning opportunity. It will enrich your graduate research experience.

When you join our PhD Program, you’ll feel part of a community. You will work with others who share a passion for research related to ecology and evolution. You’ll connect with graduate researchers from other disciplines. And you’ll engage with relevant external organisations. Through the program, you’ll broaden your networks and improve your career prospects.

What’s special about our Ecology and Evolution PhD Program?

Learn from the world’s best

The University’s researchers are national and international leaders in their fields. This gives you tremendous opportunities for high-quality research training and intellectual development.

We challenge ideas. We do not simply collect and analyse data. We use knowledge to address important environmental and social issues. These include:

• conservation decision-making
• climate change and mitigation
• population health
• sustainable natural resource management
• urban planning.

Access a breadth of expertise

You'll access expertise across the many research areas within ecology and evolution. This adds breadth to your research experience, and helps to expand your network. You could work with researchers in the following areas:

• ecological or evolutionary theory
• marine, terrestrial or freshwater ecosystems
• animals, plants, microorganisms, communities or the environment
• native species or invasions, within Australia or overseas.

You can conduct research in the lab, in glasshouses, or in the field.

Develop your professional and research skills

The program offers personal and professional development opportunities.

• Be part of a network of PhD students working across every branch of ecology and evolution.
• Undertake customised training in quantitative skills based on your needs. This could include statistics, modelling, programming and bioinformatics.
• Access complete subjects, workshops and specialised short courses. This provides you with more skills to enhance your research capabilities and employability.
• Receive mentoring from a recent PhD graduate.
• Take part in an optional paid internship program. You’ll gain real-world experience in your field with a host organisation.
• Attend group meetings with leading scientists visiting the University. Talk with them about their work and careers.
• Participate in an annual Ecology and Evolution Research Symposium. This is organised by students, for students.

You’ll leave the program with a certification listing all the skills you've acquired. You can use this when looking for new opportunities.