BSc in
Bachelor of Science (Conservation and Wildlife Biology) Edith Cowan University
Introduction
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills required to understand the significance of conservation of biodiversity.
Students develop the ability to analyse the complex interplays between humans and the natural world and to apply the tools of modern biology to devising approaches that tackle important conservation issues. The course covers ecology, genetics, wildlife management, animal and plant biology, evolution and the theory and practice of conservation biology. Students benefit from a learning environment inspired by world-class research academics with strong industry and government links.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course Details
Semester availability
- Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
- Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
Year 1 - Semester 1
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCI1125 | Professional Science Essentials | 15 |
| SCI1187 | Form and Function in Biology | 15 |
| SCI1193 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 15 |
| Select 1 unit from: | ||
| SCC1123 ^ | Chemistry for the Life Sciences | 15 |
| SCC1111 ^ | General Chemistry | 15 |
Note: Students who have completed Chemistry ATAR or equivalent must enrol in SCC1111 General Chemistry, while those that have not completed Chemistry ATAR or equivalent must enrol in SCC1123 Chemistry for the Life Sciences.
Year 1 - Semester 2
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCI1182 | Case Studies in Science | 15 |
| SCI1183 | Origins and Evolution of Life | 15 |
| SCI1185 | Ecology | 15 |
| SCI1192 | Physical Environments | 15 |
Year 2 - Semester 1
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCI2108 | Environmental Management and Sustainability | 15 |
| SCM2201 | Soil and Land Processes | 15 |
| MAT1114 | Introductory Statistics | 15 |
| SCI2117 | Genetics | 15 |
Year 2 - Semester 2
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCI2116 | Diversity of Life | 15 |
| SCI2112 | Molecular Biology and Biochemistry | 15 |
| SCI2118 | Australian Biota | 15 |
| ACS2122 | Aboriginal Perspectives on the Environment | 15 |
Students who are NOT undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement
Year 3 - Semester 1
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCI3112 | Evolution and Systematics | 15 |
| SCI3115 | Wildlife Management | 15 |
| SCM3201 | Conservation Biology | 15 |
| Elective Unit | x 1 | 15 |
Year 3 - Semester 2
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCB3201 | Studies in Ecology | 15 |
| SCI3150 | Science Project | 15 |
| Elective Unit | x 2 | 30 |
Students who ARE undertaking a Work Integrated Learning Placement
Year 3 - Semester 1
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCI3112 | Evolution and Systematics | 15 |
| SCI3115 | Wildlife Management | 15 |
| SCM3201 | Conservation Biology | 15 |
Year 3 - Semester 2
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCB3201 | Studies in Ecology | 15 |
Year 3 - Summer
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| CSI3345 | Work Experience Project | 60 |
Recommended Electives
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
| SCI2111 | Marine and Fisheries Biology | 15 |
| SCI3102 | Environmental Study Tour | 15 |
| SCI3113 | Freshwater Ecosystems | 15 |
| SCI3206 | Environmental Investigation and Monitoring | 15 |
| SCM2104 | Geographical Information Systems | 15 |
| SCM2110 | Marine and Freshwater Processes | 15 |
| MAT2110 | Applied Statistics | 15 |
^ Core Option
Gallery
Program Outcome
Course Learning Outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical conservation biology situations.
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect to organismal diversity.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions relevant to conservation issues.
- Think critically to analyse, conceptualise and prioritise solutions to complex conservation biology problems.
- Use experimental and digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including Indigenous cultural competence.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
The strong practical focus ensures students are prepared for a diverse range of positions in government agencies, industries and non-government organisations that are concerned with biodiversity conservation or ecosystem management and assessment. Potential careers may include species conservation programmes, policy development and management and managing or surveying specific ecosystems (such as wetlands, forests, coastlines and arid regions).
Possible future job titles
Biodiversity Manager, Nature Conservationist, Environmental Consultant, Botanist, Wildlife Conservation Worker, Environmental Educator, Natural Resource Officer, Biologist, Environmental Management Officer, Environmental Scientist.