Objectives
The course aims to produce graduates who will have critical abilities, communication and professional skills and an understanding of the science that underpins the areas of biodiversity and conservation. It aims to produce graduates with: * an understanding of the extent of the world's biodiversity; * an appreciation of the threat to biodiversity posed by human activities, including an understanding of the nature and levels of current rates of extinction; * an understanding of the scientific bases of biological conservation; * an appreciation of the nature of the scientific method and of its strengths and limitations; * an ability to assess critically current and future developments relevant to the conservation of biological diversity; * an appreciation of the societal and ethical contexts of conservation biology, of human impacts on biodiversity and of the professional practice of biologists; * an ability to work effectively and cooperatively as a member of small teams; * an ability to communicate effectively using a variety of media; * an ability and a motivation to pursue their education throughout their careers and a capacity to deal flexibly and effectively with changes in the scientific and social contexts of their careers; and * exposure to, and training in, the field skills that form the basis of professional practice by biologists working in the field of biodiversity conservation. Learning outcomes On completion of their degree, students will have developed a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in their science discipline and a range of transferable professional skills. Subject knowledge Graduates of the course are expected to be able to: * demonstrate a thorough understanding of the extent of the world's biodiversity and the threat posed to it by human activities; * employ knowledge, skills and scientific techniques to identify threats to biological diversity and to implement conservation actions to mitigate these threats; * explain the scientific bases of biological conservation and recognise the strengths and weaknesses; * assess critically current and future developments relevant to the conservation of biological diversity; recognise and explain the societal and ethical contexts of conservation biology, of human impacts on biodiversity and of the professional practice of biologists; Transferable professional skills Graduates of the course are expected to be able to: * employ scientific methodologies such as experimental design, and the critical analysis of data; * communicate and present information clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms; * interact effectively as part of a team in order to work towards a common outcome; * work and learn independently; * reason critically and logically and make independent judgements; * engage effectively with information and communication technologies; * demonstrate research skills appropriate for further study and employment; and * appreciate the need for continuing professional development.
Course description
The Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation develops the knowledge and skills to work in areas related to the conservation and management of biological resources. It is unique in South Australia for its specific focus on the issues of biodiversity.
It offers the opportunity to combine skills in biology, computing and geographic analysis.
The course is built around knowledge of the core sciences that are crucial to understanding the world's amazing diversity but your specific interests will also govern your exact program.
You can choose to concentrate your studies within one of the following streams:?
* Biodiversity and Conservation of Organisms: Provides broad expertise in the biodiversity and conservation biology of whole organisms, from microbes to vertebrates and flowering plants.
* ?Conservation Genetics: Provides expertise in organismal biodiversity and the application of molecular techniques to the area of biodiversity and conservation. ?
* Landscape Biodiversity & Conservation: Provides broad expertise in biodiversity and conservation biology, including specialised training in bioinformatics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Whatever pathway you choose, throughout the course there is a strong focus on fieldwork and practical training, research projects involving team work and the development of communication and professional skills.
What will I study?
Refer to the program of study.
What is Biodiversity and Conservation?
Conserving our biodiversity has moved into the mainstream debate and is high on the global agenda for governments, organisations and individuals.
Biodiversity essentially is the study of all living organisms in the environment, the range of different species that are found in each place and the methods that we can use to manage ecosystems to conserve as many of those species as possible.
Why study Biodiversity and Conservation at Flinders?
* We have long-standing reputation for expertise in biology and ecology, with a particular focus on the diversity and dynamics of native species that live or have lived in Australia.
* We are involved in biodiversity surveys of natural and disturbed habitats, conservation ecology and ecosystem management, and the interpretation of past and present ecosystems for the development of ecotourism.
* We work closely with National Parks and Wildlife, the Plant Biodiversity Centre (formerly the State Herbarium), the SA Museum and the SA Research and Development Institute (SARDI) on conservation projects and biodiversity surveys.
* We have been funded, by state and local government bodies, to investigate the impact and control of invasive organisms in South Australia.
* We have assisted with environmental impact surveys for the mining and fishing industries and have developed World Heritage listed fossil sites for research and tourism interpretation.
Combined degree options
Combine with Duration
Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise (Science and Technology) 4 years
Refer to Science and Technology combined degrees for further information.
Career opportunities
What can I do with my Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation degree?
Study a language
Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of 1 extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.
The Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and the honours program an additional year (or equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Enrolment in the honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the school/ department being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study
PROGRAM OF STUDY [February, 2009]
To qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation, a student must complete 108 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below:
First Year
36 units comprising:
BIOD1102
Biodiversity and Conservation 1
4.5
BIOL1102
Molecular Basis of Life
4.5
BIOL1101
Evolution of Biological Diversity
4.5
BIOL1112
Biology and Society
4.5
COMP1101
Information and Communications Technology 1A
4.5
COMP1102
Computer Programming 1*
4.5
plus one pair from** :
CHEM1201
Introduction to Chemistry A, and
4.5
CHEM1202
Introduction to Chemistry B
4.5
CHEM1101
Chemistry 1A, and
4.5
CHEM1102
Chemistry 1B
4.5
EASC1101
Earth and Environment 1, and
4.5
EASC1102
Marine Sciences 1
4.5
*COMP1102 is assumed knowledge for all later year COMP topics. Students who do not wish to continue with any later year computing topics may select COMP1120 Information Communication Technology IB instead of COMP1102.
** Students wishing to enter the Organismal and Molecular Biodiversity stream must choose a pair of Chemistry topics.
Biodiversity and Conservation of Organisms stream
Second Year Core
BIOD2100
Biodiversity and Conservation 2
6
BIOL2121
Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity
6
BIOL2162
Functional Biology and Experimental Design
6
BIOL2171
Behaviour and Ecology
6
BIOL2172
Animal Diversity
6
GEOG3013
Geographical Information Systems*
6
* GEOG3013 may be taken in either Second or Third Year.
Students not doing GEOG3013 in Second Year must take a further 6 units from the list below.
BIOL2141
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
6
BIOL2142
Disease and Immunology
6
BIOL2161
Plant and Algal Biology: From Environment to Biotechnology
6
BIOL2201
Introduction to Ecotourism
3
BIOL2232
Foundations in Microbiology
6
BIOL2272
Marine Biology and Ecology
3
BIOL2330
Basic Microbiology
3
BIOL2341
Animal Disease and Defence
3
CPES2032
Physical Basis of Biological Systems A
3
CPES2033
Physical Basis of Biological Systems B
3
CPES2131
Coasts and Oceans
6
ENVS2704
Environmental Systems
6
GEOG2006
Australian Environmental Change
6
GLOB2002
Globalisation and Environmental Issues
6
Third Year Core
BIOD3001
Biodiversity and Conservation 3
6
BIOD3002
Biodiversity and Conservation Practicum
3
BIOL3151
Plant Ecology and Evolution
6
BIOL3152
Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
6
GEOG3013
Geographical Information Systems (if not taken in Second Year)
6
plus at least 15 units from the list below (or 9 units if GEOG3013 is taken in Third Year).
BIOL2112
Aquatic Life Histories
3
BIOL2122
Comparative Physiology
6
BIOL2424
Physiological Systems
3
BIOL3003
Research Project in Biology A
3
BIOL3004
Research Project in Biology B
3
BIOL3005
Extended Research Project in Biology
6
BIOL3101
Marine Ecological Processes
6
BIOL3102
Marine Vertebrates
6
BIOL3131
DNA to Genomics
6
BIOL3132
Protein to Proteome
6
BIOL3141
Advanced Microbiology: Microbial Ecology and Infectious Disease
6
BIOL3142
Microbiology Theory
3
BIOL3380
Animal Behaviour
3
BIOL3390
Vertebrate Palaeontology
6
BIOL3992
Biological Essays
3
ENVS3006
Environmental Weeds
3
ENVS3708
Coastal Studies
6
ENVS3721
Issues in Environmental Management
6
ENVS3722
Environmental Impact Assessment
6
GEOG3014
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3
GEOG3017
Advanced GIS
6
GEOG3020
GIS Modelling
6
STAT2304
Statistics for Biology
3
Landscape Biodiversity and Conservation stream
Second Year Core
BIOD2100
Biodiversity and Conservation 2
6
BIOL2121
Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity
6
BIOL2162
Functional Biology and Experimental Design
6
BIOL2171
Behaviour and Ecology
6
BIOL2172
Animal Diversity*
6
GEOG3013
Geographical Information Systems
6
*May be taken in either Second or Third Year.
Third Year Core
BIOD3001
Biodiversity and Conservation 3
6
BIOD3002
Biodiversity and Conservation Practicum
3
BIOL3151
Plant Ecology and Evolution
6
BIOL3152
Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
6
GEOG3014
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3
plus another 12 units from the list below.
BIOL2112
Aquatic Life Histories
3
BIOL2122
Comparative Physiology
6
BIOL2424
Physiological Systems
3
BIOL3003
Research Project in Biology A
3
BIOL3004
Research Project in Biology B
3
BIOL3005
Extended Research Project in Biology
6
BIOL3101
Marine Ecological Processes
6
BIOL3102
Marine Vertebrates
6
BIOL3131
DNA to Genomics
6
BIOL3132
Protein to Proteome
6
BIOL3141
Advanced Microbiology: Microbial Ecology and Infectious Disease
6
BIOL3142
Microbiology Theory
3
BIOL3380
Animal Behaviour
3
BIOL3390
Vertebrate Palaeontology
6
BIOL3992
Biological Essays
3
COMP2221
Computer Programming 2
6
COMP2231
Data Modelling
6
ENVS3006
Environmental Weeds
3
ENVS3708
Coastal Studies
6
ENVS3721
Issues in Environmental Management
6
ENVS3722
Environmental Impact Assessment
6
GEOG3017
Advanced GIS
6
GEOG3020
GIS Modelling
6
STAT2304
Statistics for Biology
3
Conservation Genetics stream
Second Year Core
BIOD2100
Biodiversity and Conservation 2
6
BIOL2121
Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity
6
BIOL2141
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
6
BIOL2162
Functional Biology and Experimental Design
6
BIOL2172
Animal Biodiversity, or
6
BIOL2271
Marine and Terrestrial Animal Diversity
3
Students must take an additional 9 units (or 6 units if they take BIOL2172 Animal Diversity, instead of BIOL2271 Marine and Terrestrial Animal Diversity).
BIOL2201
Introduction to Ecotourism
3
BIOL2272
Marine Biology and Ecology
3
BIOL2232
Foundations in Microbiology
6
BIOL2330
Basic Microbiology
3
BIOL2161
Plant and Algal Biology: From Environment to Biotechnology
6
BIOL2341
Animal Disease and Defence
3
BIOL2142
Disease and Immunology
6
CPES2032
Physical Basis of Biological Systems A
3
CPES2033
Physical Basis of Biological Systems B
3
CPES2131
Coasts and Oceans
6
GLOB2002
Globalisation and Environmental Issues
6
GEOG2006
Australian Environmental Change
6
ENVS2704
Environmental Systems
6
Third Year Core
BIOD3001
Biodiversity and Conservation 3
6
BIOD3002
Biodiversity and Conservation Practicum
3
BIOL3131
DNA to Genomics
6
BIOL3151
Plant Ecology and Evolution
6
BIOL3152
Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
6
Students then need to take 9 units of selective topics from the list below:
BIOL2112
Aquatic Life Histories
3
BIOL2122
Comparative Physiology
6
BIOL2424
Physiological Systems
3
BIOL3003
Research Project in Biology A
3
BIOL3004
Research Project in Biology B
3
BIOL3005
Extended Research Project in Biology
6
BIOL3102
Marine Vertebrates
6
BIOL3101
Marine Ecological Processes
6
BIOL3131
DNA to Genomics
6
BIOL3132
Protein to Proteome
6
BIOL3141
Advanced Microbiology: Microbial Ecology and Infectious Disease
6
BIOL3142
Microbiology Theory
3
BIOL3380
Animal Behaviour
3
BIOL3390
Vertebrate Palaeontology
6
BIOL3992
Biological Essays
3
ENVS3006
Environmental Weeds
3
ENVS3708
Coastal Studies
6
ENVS3721
Issues in Environmental Management
6
ENVS3722
Environmental Impact Assessment
6
GEOG3014
Introduction to Remote Sensing
3
GEOG3017
Advanced GIS
6
GEOG3020
GIS Modelling
6
STAT2304
Statistics for Biology
3
HONOURS PROGRAM
A student who has completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation, or another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, may be accepted as a candidate for the honours degree providing a sufficiently high standard has been achieved in fulfilling the requirements for the bachelors degree.
To qualify for the honours degree, a student must complete satisfactorily 36 units of study in an approved program.
36 units comprising:
BIOD7001 Biodiversity Honours Research Project (24 units). Students should enrol in a combination of sub-topics chosen from the following, ensuring that they enrol in 24 units overall.
BIOD7001A
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 1
6
BIOD7001F
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 2
6
BIOD7001G
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 3
6
BIOD7001H
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 4
6
BIOD7001B
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (9/24 units)
9
BIOD7001C
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (18/24 units)
18
BIOD7001D
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (12/24 units), Part 1
12
BIOD7001J
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (12/24 units), Part 2
12
BIOD7001E
Biodiversity Honours Research Project (15/24 units)
15
plus 12 units selected from the following:
BIOD7002
Biodiversity and Conservation Honours Essay
3
BIOD8003
Advanced Skills in Field Ecology
6
BIOL7005
Critical Readings in Biology
3
or other topics approved by the Honours assessment panel, appropriate to a student's program.
