Understanding biological diversity, the relationships between animals and their environments, and how humans interact with both is critical for conserving the social and economic benefits yielded by the natural world, without irreversibly destroying or degrading it. This major introduces biodiversity at all levels, genes, species and ecosystems, providing a strong academic background for studying and researching in these topics. It also fosters an appreciation for the richness of local and regional biodiversity. There are many opportunities, both within Hong Kong and internationally, for graduates in this field.

Career Prospects

Graduates in Ecology & Biodiversity have a good track record in local employment in jobs directly related to their studies or the other fields. Our graduates have gone on to work in Government, environmental consultancies, research, teaching, ecotourism, conservation groups and community services. With increasing local environmental awareness of the need to protect our natural resources, not only in Hong Kong but also regionally and internationally, graduates with expert knowledge of biodiversity and conservation issues will be in steady demand. Our graduates have also secured jobs in a wide range of other sectors including commerce, journalism, and service industries. 

Employers of the Ecology & Biodiversity graduates include the HKSAR Government’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Environmental Protection Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and local universities, etc. Positions held by the graduates include ecological surveyor, park ranger trainee, research assistant and environment investigator. 

Selected Courses in the Major

Introductory level:
Ecology of Hong Kong; Ecology and evolution; Evolutionary diversity; Ecology field course

Advanced level:
Biometrics; Systematics & phylogenetics; Conservation biology; Evolution; Terrestrial ecology; Fish biology; Biological oceanography; Freshwater ecology

Students who wish to specialize in a certain area may select courses from the following areas: ecology and evolution; and marine biology.

Student Sharing

LAM Yan Yan Vivian
2007 BSc (Ecology & Biodiversity) graduate 
Student Marshal of Faculty of Science
Graduation Ceremony 2007 
2009 MPhil (Ecology & Biodiversity) graduate 

“After these amazing years, I am confident to say that I could not have made a better choice by choosing to study Environmental Life Science at The University of Hong Kong. With the help of our Professors, we learnt more about the diversity of animals in Hong Kong. Our group is close-knit, enthusiastic and through the passion and faith the teachers put in us, we feel that we could really do something that will make a change. Conservation is difficult, but the successes of my supervisor and professors in this field continue to motivate me, to keep me going. This is what we do. I believe that with our hard work and persistence, Hong Kong’s biodiversity could be saved and this is not just the lives of animals, but also the livelihoods of thousands or millions that depend on these resources. ”