Ecology is the study of animals and plants in relation to their environment. Revived interest in environmental and ecological issues and the public and governmental concern and debate over such matters has created a need for scientifically trained ecologists. An Ecology degree produces graduates with a background which will enable them to make rational judgements on ecological matters, either as professional ecologists or as educated members of the public.

Courses in Ecology are taught by staff from the Departments of , and . The Otago region encompasses a wide range of habitats, from marine to alpine and from semi-arid to perhumid. Many of the papers offered by the various departments have fieldwork components which will give students an insight into these habitats.