Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
Course summary for local students
Student Information Centre
Tel 1300 334 733
enquire@deakin.edu.au
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
S = Geelong Waterfront Campus
W =Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Campus | Offered at Melbourne Burwood Campus | ||
| Off-campus | No | ||
| Length | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent | ||
| Next available intake | March (Trimester 1), July (Trimester 2) | ||
| Indicative annual fee 2013 | $8,200* - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) | ||
| Level | Undergraduate | ||
| Faculty contacts | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment | ||
| Clearly-in ATAR |
| ||
| VTAC Codes | 14171 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) | ||
| CRICOS course code | 055286D | ||
| Deakin course code | S393 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Fees and charges
- Career opportunities
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Entry requirements - general
- Entry requirements - specific
- Credit for prior learning - general
- How to apply
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.
Fees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s of study.
* The "indicative annual course fee" cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2013, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2013 can be viewed from the Unit Search.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on "indicative course fees" to calculate the total future cost of their course.
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.
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)
- 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
Course structure
Level 1
Trimester 1
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes |
| SLE103 | Ecology and the Environment |
| SLE151 | Biodiversity: A Global Perspective |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program * |
plus one elective unit
Trimester 2
| SLE102 | Physical Geography |
| SLE101 | Techniques in Environmental Science |
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function |
plus one elective unit
* SLE010 is a compulsory 0-credit point unit
Level 2
Trimester 1
| SLE201 | Society and Environment |
| SLE220 | Wildlife Ecology |
| SLE204 | Animal Diversity |
plus one elective unit
Trimester 2
| SLE226 | Research Methods |
plus three elective units
Level 3
Trimester 1
| SLE301 | Professional Practice |
| SLE310 | Ecology of Pest Plants and Animals |
| SLE322 | Landscape Ecology |
plus one elective unit
Trimester 2
| SLE309 | Wildlife Conservation |
plus three elective units
Students are required to select at least five of their elective units from the prescribed list below:
Conservation Practice
| SLE114 | Introduction to Parks and Wildlife Conservation |
| SLE215 | Ecotourism and Interpretation |
| SLE216 | Bushfire Management |
| SLE239 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
| SLE302 | Wildlife Field Studies |
| SLE317 | Australian Vegetation and Its Management |
Biology and Ecology
| SLE136 | History of Life |
| SLE202 | Landscape Evolution |
| SLE203 | Plant Biology |
| SLE205 | Vertebrate Structure, Function and Evolution |
| SLE237 | Biogeography |
| SLE254 | Genetics |
| SLE307 | Behavioural Ecology |
| SLE350 | Marine Wildlife |
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.Entry requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Entry requirements - specific
Applicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.
Credit for prior learning - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
Applications for on and off campus study for Trimester 1 must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC (external site).
Applications for Trimester 2 and Trimester 3 must be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the Apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
