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Conservation Biology Major

Code MAAAGM

Focuses on knowledge and skills required for the study and management of biodiversity.

Students develop the ability to analyse complex interplays between humans and the natural world, and devise approaches to important conservation issues.

Why ECU?

  • QILT logo

    ECU top in teaching quality

    For the fifth year in a row, ECU has received the top undergraduate teaching quality ranking of all 37 public universities in Australia.

    ECU was also the top-ranked public university in Australia for undergraduate skills development for the sixth year in a row.

    View QILT results.

  • The Good Universities Guide 2021

    Good Universities Guide

    In the 2021 Good Universities Guide, ECU graduates have given us a 5-star rating for teaching quality, skills development, student support, learning resources, learner engagement and overall student experience.

    The 5-star rating for undergraduate teaching quality has now been achieved for 14 straight years.

    Read more about the Good Universities Guide.

  • THE Impact Rankings 2020

    THE Impact Rankings

    ECU has been ranked number 9 in the world for Quality Education and is in the top 100 overall in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact rankings, showing how the global higher education sector is working towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

    Read more about the THE Impact Rankings

  • THE World University Rankings 2020 Top 100 Young

    THE Young University Rankings

    ECU has been ranked in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Young Universities Rankings, THE World University Rankings.

Unit set overview

Code

MAAAGM

Availability & Campus

JO ML BU OL
JO - Joondalup BU - South West ML - Mount Lawley OL - Online

Details

Structure

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCI1183Origins and Evolution of Life15
SCI1185Ecology15
SCI1187Form and Function in Biology15
SCI2116Diversity of Life15
SCI2117Genetics15
SCI2118Australian Biota15
SCM3201Conservation Biology15
SCI3115Wildlife Management15

For more detailed unit information for this Major take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Semester timetable.

Student handbook

Notes

Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical conservation biology situations
  2. Think critically to analyse, conceptualise and prioritise solutions to complex conservation biology problems.
  3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions relevant to conservation issues.
  4. Use experimental and digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  5. Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
  6. Demonstrate a global outlook on organismal diversity.
  7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities

This major is relevant to those seeking careers in government agencies, non-government organisations and industries that undertake environmental impact assessments and manage specific ecosystems (such as wetlands, forests, coastlines and arid regions) or species conservation programs.

Possible future job titles

Biodiversity Manager, Nature Conservationist, Environmental Consultant, Wildlife Conservation Worker, Environmental Educator, Sanctuary Manager, Natural Resource Officer, Biologist, Bushland Supervisor, Environmental Management Officer

This Major can be studied in the following courses

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

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World Ready facilities

Explore your options

Applied and Analytical Chemistry student Samantha Ridgway talks about the ease of returning to study as a mature age student.

Student stories

  • Rebecca MacMillan, ECU Science graduate

    Rebecca MacMillan

    ECU Science graduate

    "Anything is achievable"

    Coming from a farming background, I was always interested in studying biology. So I made the decision to move here and begin my studies at ECU.

    ECU offered me a course with exciting fieldwork and lecturers who were so welcoming. They even helped me find work experience positions! I have completed volunteer work at the Western Australian Herbarium.

    I’ve learned that anything is achievable if you set your mind to it and focus on your goals and dreams.

  • Samantha Ridgway

    Chemistry student

    "The chemistry was right to return to study"

    Applied and Analytical Chemistry student Samantha Ridgway talks about how easy it was to come back to study as a mature age student.

  • Shanaaz Badat

    Conservation and Wildlife Biology student

    "I've always had a passion for animals"

    Conservation and Wildlife Biology student Shanaaz Badat talks about her ECU experience.