De La Salle University

What you'll study

This programme provides a solid grounding in general biology before focusing on systematics, taxonomy, evolutionary biology and ecological principles. Teaching blends lectures, laboratory practicals, field courses and independent research projects, emphasising the rich biodiversity of the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

• Core foundation modules: cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, physiology and general ecology.
• Systematics and taxonomy: principles of classification, phylogenetics, comparative morphology, molecular systematics and identification techniques for plants, animals and microorganisms.
• Ecology and environmental biology: population and community ecology, ecosystem dynamics, conservation biology, restoration ecology and landscape ecology.
• Fieldwork and practical skills: biodiversity surveys, specimen collection and curation, ecological sampling methods, GIS and remote sensing for ecological applications.
• Laboratory methods: microscopy, molecular lab techniques (DNA barcoding, PCR), histology and bioinformatics for sequence analysis.
• Research project: an independent capstone project or thesis that typically involves original field or laboratory research under faculty supervision, often resulting in a written report and oral presentation.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses in marine biology, entomology, plant biology, conservation policy, environmental law and science communication to tailor the degree to specific interests.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education with a strong background in science and mathematics. Typical entry criteria include solid grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics or physics. Applicants may also be assessed through university entrance examinations and interviews depending on the university’s admissions process.

International applicants should demonstrate equivalent qualifications and proficiency in English if their prior education was not in English. Relevant extracurricular experience—such as participation in science clubs, field camps or volunteer work in conservation—can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a major in Systematics and Ecology are prepared for a range of careers in both the public and private sectors. Typical pathways include:

• Research assistant or technician roles in university, museum or government laboratories focused on taxonomy, biodiversity monitoring or ecological research.
• Conservation and environmental management positions with NGOs, protected area agencies, and environmental consultancies working on species inventories, habitat assessment and restoration projects.
• Roles in natural history museums, botanical gardens or herbaria involving curation, collections management and public education.
• Environmental impact assessment, biodiversity consultancy and resource management in industry sectors such as mining, agriculture and coastal development.
• Further study at the postgraduate level (MSc, PhD) leading to careers in academic research or specialised consultancy, or professional routes into science communication, policy advising and education.

Why study at De La Salle University

De La Salle University offers strong life-science teaching and research facilities in an urban campus with established laboratory infrastructure and connections to regional biodiversity initiatives. Students benefit from faculty with expertise in Philippine biodiversity, systematics and ecology, opportunities for fieldwork across diverse habitats, and collaborations with museums, government agencies and conservation organisations.

The programme emphasises hands-on training, from molecular lab techniques to extensive field surveys, and supports student research through supervised projects. Proximity to local and regional ecosystems makes it well placed for students wishing to study tropical biodiversity, conservation challenges and applied ecological science in Southeast Asia.