Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)

2017 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2017 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2017 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
Course Map	2017 course map If you started your course before 2017, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud Campus	No
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	055286D Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course code	S393
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Quality Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Study the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Deakin and you’ll get out of the classroom and into nature, learn how to handle native animals, measure the health of freshwater environments, survey wildlife populations and conduct sustainability assessments.

This course is ideally suited to those who are passionate about wildlife and conservation as it focuses 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 including biodiversity, wildlife ecology, landscape, habitat and vegetation management, conservation, animal biology and park management.

Deakin has a long history of offering specialised courses in environmental science. The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) was the first course to be offered in Victoria with a major focus on the ecology of wildlife and conservation.

You’ll participate in a range of hands-on experiences, including regular practical classes and extended wildlife field trips. Professional work placements are a feature of this course and students are encouraged to volunteer in local, regional and international environmental programs. This strong focus on professional skills development will prepare you for an exciting career in the industry.

Graduates are qualified for careers in wildlife conservation and management, and in environmental science more generally. Choose from roles such as wildlife officer, conservation officer, wildlife manager, park ranger, project officer, environmental consultant, research scientist, wildlife biologist, conservation biologist and landscape ecologist.

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

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.

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, or in environmental science more generally, and ready to take up challenging roles such as wildlife officer, conservation officer, wildlife manager, park ranger, project officer, environmental consultant, research scientist, wildlife biologist, conservation biologist and landscape ecologist. Opportunities exist to work with wildlife - including their habitats and threats - and the policies and strategies that guide management. Graduates obtain jobs in the private, government and not-for-profit sectors.

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.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (DGLOs)	Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
1. Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession.	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.
2. Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change.	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.
3. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information.	Demonstrate and apply technologies to find, use, critically evaluate and, where appropriate, share scientifically valid information pertaining to wildlife and conservation biology.
4. Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment.	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.
5. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems.	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.
6. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions.	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 behavior. Demonstrated ability to document and show evidence of skills, attributes and experiences relevant to making the transition into the professional sphere.
7. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.	Engage in, and contribute to, effective teams to deliver high quality, coherent outcomes.
8. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context	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 14 July 2016

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology), students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 24 credit points, you’ll need to study 24 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

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

17 core units
7 elective units
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)
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