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Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)

Course summary for current students

Award granted Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
CampusOffered at Melbourne Burwood Campus
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code055286D
Deakin course codeS393

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Deakin's Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) was the first course to be offered in Victoria with a major focus on the biology of wildlife and conservation.

 

Content focuses on 'real-world' problem solving and applied solutions to wildlife and conservation issues. The course is designed to provide theoretical and practical expertise in a range of discipline areas such as biodiversity, wildlife ecology, landscape and vegetation management, conservation, animal biology and park management.

 

The course is designed to enable graduates to contribute in a professional capacity to the study and management of wildlife populations both in Australia and overseas. You will be provided with knowledge, understanding and skills required for a career in this vibrant interdisciplinary field.

 

The hands-on focus of the course features field-based experiences such as extended wildlife field studies trips and regular practical classes. You must complete a professional work placement and are actively encouraged to volunteer in local, regional and international environmental programs. The strong focus on skills, professional development and volunteering will prepare you for an exciting career in the industry.

 

An honours year is available for high-achieving students upon completion of this degree.

 

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) you will be qualified for a career in wildlife conservation and management, and environmental science, and ready to take up challenging roles such as wildlife officer, conservation officer, wildlife manager, park ranger, project officer, research scientist, wildlife biologist, conservation biologist and landscape ecologist.

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Course expenses

In addition to student contribution fees, students may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with food and accommodation while on fieldwork.

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Fees and charges

Unit fees can be viewed within individual unit descriptions. You can search for a unit using the Unit Search.

 

Please be aware:

  • Fees are calculated on a per unit basis
  • Fees charged will depend on the individual units chosen
  • Fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and services

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Course rules

The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:

 

  • 14 core units
  • 10 elective units (5 restricted electives and 5 general electives)
  • Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
  • At least 5 elective units from a prescribed list below (pre-requisites apply)
  • No more than 10 credit points at level 1
  • At least 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3 with a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
  • Up to 5 electives can be taken outside the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

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Course structure

Level 1

Trimester 1

 

SLE111 Cells and Genes (B, G, W)  

SLE103 Ecology and the Environment (B, G, W)  

SLE151 Biodiversity: A Global Perspective (B)  

SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (B, G, W)  *

plus one elective unit

 

Trimester 2

SLE102 Physical Geography (B, G)  

SLE114 Introduction to Parks and Wildlife Conservation (B)  

SLE132 Biology: Form and Function (B, G)  

STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (X)  *

plus one elective unit

 

* SLE010 and STP010 are compulsory 0-credit point units

 

Level 2

Trimester 1

SLE201 Society and Environment   

SLE220 Wildlife Ecology (B)  

SLE204 Animal Diversity (B, G)  

plus one elective unit

 

Trimester 2

SLE226 Environmental Team Based Research (B)  

plus three elective units


Level 3

Trimester 1

SLE301 Professional Practice (B, W)  

SLE310 Pest Plants and Animals (B)  

SLE322 Landscape Ecology (B)  

plus one elective unit

 

Trimester 2

SLE309 Wildlife Conservation (B)  

plus three elective units

 

Students are required to select at least five of their elective units from the prescribed list below:

 

Conservation Practice

SLE215 Ecotourism and Interpretation (B)  

SLE216 Bushfire Management (B)  

SLE239 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (B)  

SLE302 Wildlife Field Studies (B)  

SLE317 Australian Vegetation and Its Management (B)  

 

Biology and Ecology

SLE136 History of Life (B)  

SLE202 Landscape Evolution (B)  

SLE203 Plant Biology (B)  

SLE205 Vertebrate Structure and Function (B, G)  

SLE237 Biogeography (B)  

SLE254 Genetics (B, G, W)  

SLE307 Behavioural Ecology (B)  

SLE350 Marine Wildlife (B, G, W)  

 

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

8th June 2007