Wildlife And Conservation Biology
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
Length
3 years
Campuses
Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga
Course description
Conservation biology is becoming increasingly important, helping to limit the effects of environmental degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity.
This multidisciplinary course focuses on zoology, botany, genetics, microbiology, statistics, earth science, law and public policy. Students undertake fieldwork in zoology, botany and conservation genetics both on the Melbourne campus in the University’s wildlife reserve and also in a range of habitats in remote locations. This hands-on core training in wildlife biology and ecology is combined with instruction in earth science, quantitative methods and environmental law, to equip students for careers in wildlife and land management, research, conservation biology, and park management.
Please note students enrolling at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus after first year.
Course structure
First-year studies include animal diversity, ecology and behaviour, plant science, genetics, the organisation and function of cells, processes that shape the earth, and statistics.
Second- and third-year studies include the biology and ecology of Australian plants and animals, ecological and evolutionary genetics, conservation biology and electives including further studies in zoology, microbiology, botany, climate change, or land and soil management. Fieldtrips emphasise and facilitate practical skills.
Contact hours
24 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Biology, conservation biology, genetics, microbiology, environmental studies, environmental law and management, environmental botany, conservation, ecology, environmental microbiology, botany, zoology
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
23 360
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Selection
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (60%) UG) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 213 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 80 with no individual score less than 20; or
Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or
Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 70
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 80.10
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 8,4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 4A 2B
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 73
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.7
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 70
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.4
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 and 4: English (any).
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Additional information
Students at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus after successful completion of the first year.
Career opportunities
Graduates can find employment as conservation officers or researchers in local, state and federal government agencies, non-government conservation organisations, as researchers in specialist public research institutions or as employees in consultancy firms conducting environmental impact assessments. The growth in environmental sciences is likely to continue internationally, and therefore opportunities for graduates in this field should expand.