Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) |
| Course Credit Points | 24 |
| Deakin course code | S393 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2023 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2026 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| 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
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Articulated courses
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Minors
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of minor sequences
- 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. Learn how to capture and handle native animals, measure the health of ecosystems, survey wildlife populations and develop conservation strategies. You will even have the opportunity to participate in our thriving Global Experience Program. Deakin is a leader in the environmental science education sector, with this specialised course being the first of its kind 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, GIS and more. Develop practical skills through regular fieldwork and a yearly remote field studies camp. Plus, industry placements and work integrated learning opportunities will help prepare you for your future career.
Do you want to create a better world for future generations?
If you’re passionate about the environment and wildlife, this course lets you 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 and management
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- 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 prioritises fieldwork and hands-on experience – from regular wildlife field trips and annual remote field studies camps, to professional placements with environmental agencies and opportunities to study overseas. Become even more globally prepared by participating in one of our many overseas conservation programs, or by completing a minor in global engagement.
Professional work placements are an important feature of this course – you’re encouraged to volunteer in local, regional and international environmental programs, which you may even get credit for. This strong focus on developing your professional skills 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 also be available through our work integrated learning program.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, 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.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) is professionally accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). As a student of this course, you are encouraged to apply for EIANZ student membership and connect with the professional network that can support your future career as an environmental professional.
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. You will be ready to take up challenging roles such as:
- wildlife officer
- zookeeper
- conservation officer
- vegetation manager
- pest manager
- wildlife manager
- park ranger
- project officer
- environmental consultant
- research scientist
- fire ecologist and manager
- GIS specialist
- wildlife biologist
- conservation biologist
- landscape ecologist.
Opportunities exist to work directly with wildlife, their habitats and threats, as well as the policies and strategies that guide their management. These types of roles are available across the private, government and not-for-profit sectors.
The Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) is professionally accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). As a student of this course, you are encouraged to apply for EIANZ student membership and connect with the professional network that can support your future career as an environmental professional.
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.
Students selecting SLE301 Professional Practice as part of their global engagement minor, please note that the placement component of this unit must be completed in an international setting.
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. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 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 which may comprise of:
- 1 minor (4 credit points) and 2 credit points of open elective units
- 6 credit points of open elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 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.
Minors
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
Course structure
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SLE103 | Ecology and the Environment |
| SLE151 | Biodiversity: a Global Perspective |
| SLE109 | Foundation for Environmental Science |
plus one open elective unit or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SLE102 | Physical Geography |
| SLE114 | Introduction to Parks and Wildlife Conservation |
| SLE121 | Environmental Sustainability |
plus one open elective unit or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
| SLE201 | Society and Environment |
| SLE220 | Wildlife Ecology |
| SLE203 | Environmental Botany |
| SLE218 | Indigenous Engagement: Natural Resource Management |
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SLE226 | Environmental Team Based Research |
| SLE202 | Landscapes and Their Management |
plus two open elective units or two minor unit (two credit points)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SLE301 | Professional Practice # |
| SLE309 | Wildlife Conservation and Management |
| SLE332 | Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Scientists |
plus one open elective unit or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SLE317 | Australian Vegetation and Its Management |
| SLE355 | Zoological and Wildlife Field Studies |
| SLE366 | Bushfire Management |
plus one open elective unit or one minor unit (one credit point)
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
Electives
Select from a range of open elective units offered across many courses. 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
This 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.
Details of minor sequences
Applied data analytics
Campuses
Online
Unit set code
MN-S000023
Overview
No longer found solely amongst the big tech giants, skilled professionals who can understand, analyse and interpret data are in high demand across every industry. These professionals provide meaningful insights that inform business decisions, making them sought after in today’s workforce. This minor sequence provides you with a solid introduction to data and information management, data science concepts, statistics and data analysis. You will also gain insight into the use of geographic information systems and their application in the field of environmental science.
Units
| SIT103 | Database Fundamentals |
| SIT112 | Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
| SLE245 | Marine Geographic Information Systems |
Global Engagement
Campuses
Online
Unit set code
MN-S000022
Overview
The global engagement minor prepares students to become highly effective environmental practitioners, equipped to work professionally in both international and domestic contexts. With a focus on building strong intercultural competencies and offering authentic international experiences, the minor follows a scaffolded learning approach. Students first explore intercultural communication and indigenous concepts – crucial to working within many global environmental systems – then apply these skills and their course knowledge in an international context.
Students considering choosing SLE301 Professional Practice as part of their global engagement minor, please note that the placement component of this unit must be completed in an international setting.
Units
| AIS101 | Intercultural Communication |
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
And 2 of:
| SLE225 | Global Environmental Placement |
| SLE353 | Asian Conservation and Environment Sustainability: International Study Tour |
| SLE301 | Professional Practice |
Some units are offered at the Burwood campus, check individual unit details for availability.
Indigenous Studies
Campuses
Online
Unit set code
MN-A000074
Overview
The Indigenous Studies minor will build understanding, recognition and validity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing and Doing. Completing this sequence of study will facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and Australia's multiple histories to foster productive and meaningful relationships in culturally diverse communities, especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Units
1 unit from:
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
| IND102 | Aboriginal Australian Stories and Songlines |
Plus 2 units from:
| IND203 | Caring for Country |
| IND204 | Australian Aboriginal Holistic Health and Healing |
| IND205 | Global Indigenous Knowledges and Philosophies |
| IND206 | Indigeneity and the Media |
Plus 1 unit from:
| IND301 | Politics of Resistance in Indigenous Australia |
| IND302 | Working Alongside Aboriginal Communities |
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.