Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science
Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science
Salt ponds as habitat for shorebirds
A Master Research Agreement between Rio Tinto Dampier Salt Ltd and ECU has paved the way for a series of exciting new postgraduate research opportunities in Australia's northwest for students in our Environmental Science and Biological Science disciplines.
Professor Pierre Horwitz and his colleagues in our School of Natural Sciences have established two research programs for PhD, Masters by Research and Honours students, amounting to nearly $1m in funding for scholarships, salaries and research support for the next three and a half years.
Among the research programs will be an investigation into the feeding ecology and habitat use of migratory and other shorebirds utilising Dampier Salt operations. The focus will be on habitat selection, feeding behaviour and foraging resources present at the salt sites and how these are influenced by, or related to Dampier Salt operations. This will be in a comparative context with other important shorebird sites in the region because North-Western Australia is a critical stage of the East Asia-Australasia Flyway for migratory and other shorebirds.
This work will provide information to assist in the management of the salt works to minimise negative impacts on shorebirds and to highlight positive effects on shorebird feeding. Together all projects will build knowledge and capacity in the field of salt ponds and internationally significant saline ecosystems, ensuring their appropriate management.
State-of-the-art facilities
Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science students and researchers have access to the latest facilities and equipment in the University's state-of-the-art, award-winning Science and Health building.
The $28 million, ecologically-friendly building includes a range of features to reduce energy consumption by maximising the use of rainwater, solar energy and natural light. The principles of environmental science and protection are also reflected in its design.
"My course allows me to do things most people only dream of."
"The Biological Sciences course at ECU has given me a good understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology and how they connect with, and help me critically analyse, the results from advanced research. Fieldwork is an important part of my course. I’ve helped with reptile surveys and research projects all over the state. These opportunities took me to stunning areas of WA, including the Kimberley, and allowed me to get up close and personal with elusive species of native fauna that most people don’t even know exist."
Marcus Cosentino
Biological Sciences Masters student