With a Diploma in Ecology at University of Otago you will typically have, in your first year, been introduced to fundamental aspects of ecology, such as the origin and diversity of life and environmental and community biology. You will also have taken a quantification course, which will have been either a course based on earth modelling and prediction, or one focused on quantification in the life sciences. Additionally you will have chosen courses from other academic areas, such as geography, chemistry or geology. Further study will have introduced you to the study of the principles of ecology and field ecology and also soil, water and atmospheric processes. You will also have covered such areas as Population and Community Ecology and Natural Resource Management.