DYNAMICS OF TEMPERATE MARINE SYSTEMS
Much of the profile and public awareness to date for marine science in Australia is based in the tropics or the Antarctic and subantarctic. However, most of Australia's coastline is temperate, and this region harbours a remarkable diversity of interactions and systems. With the majority of the Australian population living in the coastal zone, an understanding of the processes, landforms, and hazards associated with the coastal environment is essential.

 

EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY, GENETICS AND BEHAVIOUR
The School of BEES hosts an important research cluster in evolutionary ecology, genetics, and behavioural ecology. Research systems include a range of terrestrial and marine invertebrates, vertebrates and plants. The Evolution & Ecology Research Centre comprises a number of academic staff members from BEES, as well as other schools within the UNSW.

 

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Research in Human Gepgraphy explores the theoretical debates about identity, urbanism, cosmopolitanism and the complex realities of (post)colonial urban life in Australia and beyond. Additional research includes the ethnographic contributions to projects that span the Asia-Pacific region.

 

SPATIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Our aim is to use remote sensing and geographic information systems along with other spatial information technologies to describe, analyse, and monitor the changes taking place on the Earth's surface. This will provide the scientific expertise needed to address critical environmental issues such as global warming, deforestation, desertification, resource depletion, and changes in biological diversity at local, regional and global scales.

 

VERTEBRATE CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY
A major strength of the school is in ecology and evolutionary biology, with Vertebrate Conservation and Ecology the main strategic focus. Our research involves both fundamental studies of the ecology and evolution of vertebrates and their conservation and management, an important component of BEES' commitment to understanding environmental change and sustainability.

 

WATER, SOILS AND SUSTAINABLE ECO-SYSTEMS
Australia is the driest of all inhabited continents, has the lowest primary productivity and its soils are amongst the most degraded in the world. Our group within BEES is perhaps unique within Australia in its integrated, multidisciplinary focus on interactions at the soil/plant/water interface.

 

OTHER RESEARCH AREAS
A diversity of other research activities and interests outside the four focal areas are also pursued within the School.