Bachelor of Environmental Science
(Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
The course
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
Melbourne Burwood Campus
Deakin's Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) was the first course to be offered in Victoria with a major focus on wildlife and conservation biology.
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.
Why study this course?
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 and growing interdisciplinary field.
The hands-on focus of the course includes field-based experiences such as extended wildlife field studies trips and regular practical classes. All students must complete a professional work placement and are actively encouraged to volunteer in local and international environmental programs. The strong focus on skills, professional development and volunteering will prepare you for an exciting career in the industry.
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.
Fieldwork and camps
Wildlife and Conservation Biology has a strong focus on hands-on fieldwork with at least one major field studies camp running at every year level. Students also gain valuable hands-on practical experience as part of regular practical classes. This hands-on experience, combined with theoretical knowledge, provides students with the necessary skills to gain employment after graduating.
Video: Making an Ark for Native Animals - Watch Deakin environmental science students in the field.
Video: Discover your wild side at Deakin - Field trip to the Otway Ranges for Environmental Science students.
Fieldwork: Into the Wild with Deakin, the Deakin Environment field trip experience
Facilities
Deakin students have access to first-class facilities and infrastructure including the Geographic Information Systems lab and cutting-edge wildlife survey, trapping and tracking technology. The location of the Melbourne Burwood Campus is within easy reach of numerous potential employers, volunteer opportunities and a diversity of ecosystems within southern Victoria.
Industry and professional work placements
All students enrolled in Wildlife and Conservation Biology are required to undertake professional work placements with an environmental organisation of their choice. Volunteer work experiences are strongly encouraged from first year and by graduation students will have gained a wealth of experience with environmental organisations and be well prepared for employment in the environment or wildlife sectors.
Teaching staff members in Wildlife and Conservation Biology are active researchers in their field and have strong connections to industry. This means that students also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and form their own professional networks during their studies.
Flexibility
A degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology is a broad qualification that combines the skills for a specialised career with more generic skills that give graduates job flexibility and broad career options. Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills to be actively involved in managing and understanding all facets of the natural environment.
International study opportunities
Deakin's Study Abroad and Exchange Office offers various programs including exchange, study abroad, short-term study programs, study tours and international volunteering opportunities, enabling students to study overseas for a few weeks, a trimester, or a year as part of their degree. Deakin Environment students have studied in a range of countries, including New Zealand, Canada, USA and Costa Rica. The course is specifically structured to provide flexibility which makes studying abroad easy, allowing students to take up the opportunity to study overseas with no delay to their completion dates.
Tropical Biology Association
The School of Life and Environmental Sciences is a member of the Tropical Biology Association (TBA). This non-governmental, non-profit organisation works in partnership with environmental institutions in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Malaysia. The TBA provides practical training for conservation biologists and practitioners with the potential to have a significant impact on biodiversity management and research. Students benefit from this membership by receiving priority access to places on TBA field courses at reduced rates.
Further information is available at www.tropical-biology.org
Related courses
Dean's Scholars Program, Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability), Environmental Science (Freshwater Biology ), Environmental Science (Marine Biology), Bachelor of Science with Environmental Science major sequence.
Course structures and prerequisites
For complete information on course structures and prerequisites refer to the Deakin course search website
Want to find out more?
Contact us at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences
