In the Department of Ecology & Biodiversity, students learn principles about the diversity of life on earth from cellular, molecular and genetic perspectives in light of micro and macro environmental processes and how humans influence and are influenced by them. Through study of biological and chemical aspects of nature, students gain an understanding of marine, marshland, forest, and wildlife ecology.
Through study of ecology and biodiversity Christian believers are prepared to serve in the mission of God in conservation biology, restoration ecology, landscape ecology and coastal and wet ecology and management. Building on theories of ecological sustainability and resilience, missional service may extend to planning habitat conservation and wildlife protection or helping humans and animals achieve healthy lives in diverse physical environments.
As an evangelical missional university, ecology & biodiversity studies build on several faith commitments: creationism, an understanding of environmental & resilence theology and a practical foundation of ecomissiology (the study of the mission of God in nature). This means that students in the Department of Ecology & Biodiversity study biology and chemistry from an evolutionary perspective, but with a commitment to a biblical creationist view and explanation of the origins of life. The study of ecology is framed within a theological discussion of creation, redemption, reconciliation, restoration and renewal and the Christian’s role in the mission of God in creation care and environmental sustainability.