Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
ObjectivesDeakin's Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) is the only course offered in Victoria with a major focus on the biology of wildlife and conservation. Content focuses on 'real-world' problem solving and applied solutions to wildlife and conservation issues. The course is designed to provide theoretical and practical expertise in a range of discipline areas such as wildlife ecology, landscape and vegetation management, biodiversity and conservation, animal biology and park management. The course is designed to enable graduates to contribute in a professional capacity to the study and management of wildlife populations both in Australia and overseas. You will be provided with knowledge, understanding and skills in the interdisciplinary study of the interactions of wildlife species with their environment. The hands-on focus of the course includes field-based experiences such as extended wildlife field studies trips and regular practical classes. All students must complete a professional work placement and are actively encouraged to volunteer in local and international environmental programs. The strong focus on skills, professional development and volunteering will prepare you for an exciting career in the industry.
Entry requirementsApplicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.
Academic titleBachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
Course descriptionFees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s of study. All Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa will receive a Student Learning Entitlement (SLE). The SLE entitles a student to the equivalent of 7 years of full time study in a Commonwealth supported place.
* The "indicative annual course fee" cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on "indicative course fees" to calculate the total future cost of their course.
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, and environmental science, and ready to take up challenging roles such as wildlife officer, conservation officer, wildlife manager, park ranger, project officer, research scientist, wildlife biologist, conservation biologist and landscape ecologist.
Course rules
To be awarded a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) degree, a student must complete 24 credit points. The structure of the Bachelor ofEnvironmental Science(Wildlife and Conservation Biology) consists of 13 core credit points; including four environmental science common core units that provide an introduction to ecology and environmental issues, social considerations in resource management, and professional skills; and nine specialty core units that focus on all aspects of wildlife biology, ecology and conservation.
Students will then be required to choose an extra three units, from a suite of nine units focusing on parks and wildlife management, and earth sciences. Students may choose eight general elective units which can be taken from any faculty within the University.
All students are required to complete at least one wholly online unit.
Course structure
Year 1
Trimester 1
SQA101 Ecology and the Environment
SQB151 Biodiversity: A Global Perspective
plus two elective units
Trimester 2
SQA102 The Physical Environment
SQB122 Techniques in Conservation Biology
SBB132 Biology: Form and Function
plus one elective
Year 2
Trimester 1
SQA201 Society and Environment
SQB220 Wildlife Ecology
SBB204 Animal Biology
plus one elective unit
Trimester 2
SQB226 Research Methods
plus three elective units
Year 3
Trimester 1
SQA301 Professional Practice
SQB310 Ecology of Pest Plants and Animals
SQB321 Landscape Ecology
plus one elective unit
Trimester 2
SQB309 Wildlife Conservation
plus three electives
Students are required to select at least three of their elective units from the options listed below:
SBB205 Vertebrate Structure, Function and Evolution
SQB216 Bushfire Management
SQB237 Biogeography
SQB302 Wildlife Field Studies
SQB315 Australian Vegetation and Its Management
SQB331 Geographic Information Systems
SQE114 Introduction to Parks and Wildlife Conservation
SQE212 Ecotourism and Interpretation
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.
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Admission requirements - specific
Applicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
Applications for on and off campus study must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC (external site).