Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) |
| Deakin course code | S393 |
| Course Credit Points | 24 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2006 to 2022 |
| Final Intake | Offered to continuing students only. The final intake to this course was in teaching period 2, 2022. Students should contact Student Central for course, course map and enrolment information. |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS code | 055286D Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Articulated courses
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) gets you out of the classroom and into nature. You will learn how to capture and handle native animals, measure the health of ecosystems, survey wildlife populations and develop conservation strategies and even have the opportunity to visit global biodiversity hotspots.
Deakin is a leader in the environmental science education sector, with this specialised course being the first of its kind to be offered in Victoria.
This course focuses on developing real-world solutions to global wildlife and conservation issues. You will gain theoretical and practical experience in wildlife ecology, biodiversity, fire ecology and more. Develop practical skills through regular fieldwork and a yearly field studies camp. You will gain valuable industry experience that prepares you for your future career by completing work placements and work-integrated learning programs.
Do you want to create a better world for future generations?
If you’re passionate about the environment and wildlife, this course allows you to focus on real-world problem-solving and applied solutions to wildlife and conservation issues. Throughout your studies, you will acquire knowledge, skills and practical expertise in a range of areas, such as:
- biodiversity
- wildlife and landscape ecology
- landscape and vegetation management
- fire ecology
- conservation (such as planning and managing park/reserve networks, saving threatened species, and reducing threats)
- wildlife biology and behaviour
- wildlife monitoring and research.
Study alongside students and academics who share your love for wildlife and conservation, and work together on projects that reflect the real challenges facing the environment today. You will be part of a cohort that focuses on fieldwork and hands-on experience – from regular wildlife field trips and annual remote field studies camps, through to professional work placements within environmental agencies and opportunities to join overseas study experiences.
Professional work placements are an important feature of this course and you’re encouraged to volunteer in local, regional and international environmental programs, which you may even get credit for. This strong focus on professional skills development will prepare you for an exciting career in a diverse range of industries. An additional six to 12 months of paid, relevant industry experience may be available through the work-integrated learning program.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Students commencing in Trimester 3 will be required to complete units in Trimester 3.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Articulated courses
| Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (S494) |
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.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical, applied and technical knowledge of wildlife and conservation biology, with particular knowledge of its relevance and application to biodiversity conservation. Use a broad set of field techniques and approaches to contribute to research and/or monitoring programs in field locations. |
| Communication | Clearly and coherently communicate information, conclusions and arguments regarding wildlife conservation and ecosystem management to a range of audiences for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes. |
| Digital literacy | Demonstrate and apply technologies to find, use, critically evaluate and, where appropriate, share scientifically valid information pertaining to wildlife and conservation biology. |
| Critical thinking | Identify and evaluate the importance of topical issues, problems and questions in wildlife and conservation biology. Evaluate, select and integrate established knowledge to formulate potential solutions to issues regarding biodiversity conservation. |
| Problem solving | Apply traditional and contemporary information technologies and methods to scope and solve real world (authentic) problems in discipline-specific and professional contexts. Develop appropriate hypotheses, collect relevant data and apply contemporary analytical tools and approaches, to solve environmental issues and interpret the findings. |
| Self-management | Take personal, professional and social responsibility for their own learning, including the capacity to engage in life-long learning by reflecting on learning, working responsibly and safely, understanding and demonstrating appropriate ethical conduct and behaviour. Demonstrated ability to document and show evidence of skills, attributes and experiences relevant to making the transition into the professional sphere. |
| Teamwork | Engage in, and contribute to, effective teams to deliver high quality, coherent outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Recognise the social, cultural, ethical and economic drivers of environmental change, both locally and globally. Apply cultural awareness and professionalism in the workplace and/or academic settings. Integrate cultural and social considerations into possible wildlife conservation and management through appreciation of, and effective consultation with, key stakeholders. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 18 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit DAI001]
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes |
| SLE103 | Ecology and the Environment |
| SLE151 | Biodiversity: a Global Perspective |
| SLE109 | Foundation for Environmental Science |
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SLE102 | Physical Geography |
| SLE114 | Introduction to Parks and Wildlife Conservation |
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function |
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
| SLE201 | Society and Environment |
| SLE220 | Wildlife Ecology |
| SLE202 | Landscapes and Their Management |
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SLE226 | Environmental Team Based Research |
SLE216 Bushfire Management [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SLE366 Bushfire Management]
plus two elective units (two credit points)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SLE301 | Professional Practice # |
SLE310 Pest Plants and Animals [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit will be an elective]
SLE322 Landscape Ecology [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SLE355]
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SLE309 | Wildlife Conservation and Management |
| SLE317 | Australian Vegetation and Its Management |
| SLE332 | Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists |
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Work experience
The course includes a compulsory professional practice unit that requires you to undertake at least 80 hours of work experience in a course-related host organisation. Explore the SEBE WIL program.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Other learning experiences
To broaden your experience of the world, you will have an opportunity to participate in overseas placements and study tours as an elective option in your course.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.