Department of Ecology and Environmental Resources

Faculty

Name	Specialty
Wen-Be Hwang Chair of the Department Associate Professor	Evolutionary Biology, Behavioral Ecology, Etomology
Tsung-Hsin Hsieh Professor	Plant Taxonomy, Vegetation Ecology
Yi-Kwang Wang Professor	Aquatic Ecology, Phycology, Ichthyology, Aquatic Insects
Yuan-Mou Chang Professor	Stable Isotope Ecology, Stable Isotope Hydrology, Animal Ecophysiology
Hau-Jie Hsu Associate Professor	Community Ecology, Landscape Ecology, Ecological Survey, Remote Sensing and Geological Information System
Yu-Lin Fan Associate Professor	Ecotourism Planning and Management, Visitor Behavior Studies, GIS, Environmental Education and Interpretation
Yi-Zhen Hsueh Associate Professor	Landscape Ecology, Recreational Resources Survey and Evaluation, Ecological Planning and Design,
Ying-Shih Chen Associate Professor	Ecotourism Evaluation and Certification, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Tourism Planning and Development
Wei-Yu Chen Associate Professor	Ecotoxicology, Environmental/Biological Monitoring Systems, Ecological/Human Risk Assessment

Background

Environmental degradation and declining biodiversity, driven by population growth and increased resource consumption, have raised significant concerns about the quality of the global environment and the future of human generations. Sustainable development has become a core guiding principle for countries worldwide. The management of human development has expanded beyond traditional pollution prevention and environmental protection to encompass broader ecosystem management. As part of this shift, ecological concepts and practices are increasingly applied in the management of natural resources and the conduct of economic activities.

These growing ecological concerns have led to the establishment of ecological enterprises and the development of related technologies, including ecological engineering, ecotourism, organic agriculture, and green industries. Given that sustainability will continue to guide the development of our society, the Department of Ecology and Eco Technology was created to meet the increasing demand for research and the application of ecological theories. The Department offers an undergraduate program and two master’s degree programs in Environment and Ecology, and Ecotourism.

Educational Goals

The educational goals for the undergraduate program include training students to become skilled professionals and researchers proficient in ecological theories and their applications in ecological conservation and nature-based businesses. Graduates will gain comprehensive knowledge in ecology, conservation biology, environmental sciences, and related technologies. They will be prepared to conduct ecological investigations, wildlife conservation, environmental remediation, environmental education, and apply ecological principles in the planning and management of businesses and industries.The Graduate Program in Environment and Ecology aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge in environmental sciences and engineering, ecology, conservation biology, and environmental education. Graduates of this program will be trained to become competent professionals and researchers in fields such as ecological investigation, environmental quality management, pollution prevention, ecological preservation, and various levels of environmental education.The Graduate Program in Ecotourism focuses on the study, planning, and implementation of ecotourism. The goal is to train students to become professionals in ecotourism management and researchers in areas such as eco-planning and eco-design for tourism, natural resource management, environmental impact assessment, preservation, and the conservation of ecological and socio-cultural resources.

Features and Future Development

As the global population grows and resource consumption continues to rise, sustainability will remain a fundamental guiding principle for societal development. The need for a deeper understanding of ecological functions and the application of ecological theories to business and industry will only increase. Research and education at the Department of Ecology and Ecotechnology are designed to address these societal needs.

Student Career Opportunities

Graduates of the undergraduate program will possess broad knowledge in ecological theories and environmental sciences, with practical applications in ecological conservation, environmental protection, and ecological businesses. Potential employers include government agencies focused on agriculture and conservation, research institutions, consultants, landscape planning and design companies, and conservation-focused NGOs.

Graduates of the Master’s Program in Environment and Ecology will be well-equipped to provide services and conduct advanced research in environmental protection and ecological conservation. Possible employers include government agencies in environmental protection and conservation, environmental consulting firms, landscaping and ecological planning organizations, and academic and research institutions.

The Master’s Program in Ecotourism prepares students for careers in tourism planning, design, management, and ecotourism resource management. Graduates can pursue opportunities in tourism management and entrepreneurship, outdoor recreation, national parks, natural and cultural preservation, environmental education and interpretation, and advanced research in these areas.