Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
2023 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2023 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) |
| Course Map | Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Online | 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. |
The final intake to this course version was in 2022. Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the Handbook archive. | |
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
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’ll 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.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology), you’ll 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
- landscape ecologist.
Opportunities exist to work with wildlife, including their habitats and threats, and the policies and strategies that guide management. You could obtain these types of jobs in the private, government and not-for-profit sectors.
EIANZ membership is open to environmental practitioners at all stages of their career – from those still completing their studies to established experts. The EIANZ (Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand) is a leading professional body in Australia and New Zealand supporting environmental practitioners and promoting independent and interdisciplinary discussion on environmental issues. For full membership details, visit https://www.eianz.org/membership-information/about-membership
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. 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.
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, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our 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 27 June 2019
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology), students must attain 24 credit points, which must include the following:
- Eighteen (18) core units (18 credit points);
- Six (6) credit points of 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 Career Tools for Employability (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.
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 |
| 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 |
plus two elective units (two credit points)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SLE301 | Professional Practice # |
SLE310 Pest Plants and Animals [No longer available for enrolment]^
SLE322 Landscape Ecology [No longer available for enrolment]+
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)
^SLE310 not available from 2023.
+ SLE322 not available from 2023. Unit replaced by SLE355 Zoological and Wildlife Field Studies from 2023.
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. 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.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
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.