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 full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
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
Application
Melbourne: VTAC
Albury-Wodonga: VTAC/UAC (interstate applicants)
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
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.
Middle Band
Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, or Physics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.
Selection
ATAR 80.10 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR 80 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any).
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to 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.