Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
Deakin course code	S393
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2023
Online	No
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS course code	055286D Burwood (Melbourne)
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

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.

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
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.

Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) membership is open to environmental practitioners at all stages of their career – from those still completing their studies to established experts. EIANZ is a leading professional body in Australia and New Zealand supporting environmental practitioners and promoting independent and interdisciplinary discussion on environmental issues. Membership details are available on the EIANZ website.

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.

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 structure

Core

Level 1 - Trimester 1

STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate 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

plus two elective units (two credit points)

Level 3 - Trimester 1

SLE301

Professional Practice #

SLE310 Pest Plants and Animals [No longer available for enrolment from 2023]

SLE322 Landscape Ecology [No longer available for enrolment from 2023, alternate 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

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing 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.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or 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.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.