The university single-major study programme Ecology with nature conservation was adopted by the Senate of the Faculty of Natural Studies and Mathematics at the University of Maribor on 3 May 2006 and by the Senate of the University of Maribor on 6 July 2007. 

The basic objective of the study program is to educate the general profile of experts who would be able to understand living and inanimate segments of nature, and to recognize and understand its patterns and processes, especially the processes and rules in ecology. General competences acquired through the program: – ability to analyze, synthesize and anticipate, solutions and implications at various levels of natural sciences from molecular biology to landscape ecology, – mastery of research methods, procedures and processes in ecology and nature conservation and the ability to develop a variety of self-critical assessments in this field, – the ability to apply knowledge of basic natural studies and science, particularly the basics of biology and ecology as well as nature conservation at different levels – autonomy in professional work in the field of ecology and nature conservation, – the mastery of communication skills and general skills and the ability to do team work both in the national and international social and scientific environments – awareness of the restrictions imposed by professional ethics in this field of natural science.

Diploma holders of the study program Ecology with nature conservation are employable in public (local, regional and national) institutions, in industry and in the private sector. They have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills for self-employment and are trained to participate in applying for national and international projects, working with nature conservation governmental and non-governmental organizations and the like. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of their study they are able to lead different types of small research work groups.

Program Coordinator: prof. Dr. Mitja Kaligarič, email: mitja.kaligaric@um.si