Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
2019 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2019 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) |
| Course Map | If you started your course before 2019, 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 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
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
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 capture and handle native animals, measure the health of ecosystems, survey wildlife populations and develop conservation strategies.
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.
There is a strong focus on fieldwork and hands-on experience including a field studies camp in each year of the course, professional work placements within environmental agencies and extensive opportunities for enhancing your study with overseas study experiences.
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.
Participation requirements
Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
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. Click here for more information.
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.
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 | 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 7 June 2018
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 STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 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
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
Course structure
Core
Level 1 - Trimester 1
| STP050 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes |
| SLE103 | Ecology and the Environment |
| SLE151 | Biodiversity: A Global Perspective |
plus one elective unit
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SLE102 | Physical Geography |
| SLE114 | Introduction to Parks and Wildlife Conservation |
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function |
| STP010 | Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit points) |
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 1
| SLE201 | Society and Environment |
| SLE220 | Wildlife Ecology |
| SLE204 | Animal Diversity |
| SLE202 | Landscape Evolution |
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SLE226 | Environmental Team Based Research |
plus three elective units
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SLE301 | Professional Practice # |
| SLE310 | Pest Plants and Animals |
| SLE322 | Landscape Ecology |
plus one elective unit
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SLE309 | Wildlife Conservation |
| SLE317 | Australian Vegetation and Its Management |
| SLE332 | Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists |
plus one elective unit
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)
Course structure
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.
Course structure
Course structure
Course structure
Course structure
Course structure
Course structure
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. deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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.