Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) – Conservation Biology
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) – Conservation Biology
Conservation biologists work to prevent the extinction of the world’s plant and animal species. According to Conservation International, the South West of Australia is one of the world’s 36 ‘biodiversity hot spots’ making WA an ideal living laboratory for your studies. You’ll focus on how to protect and restore biodiversity,…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Conservation biologists work to prevent the extinction of the world’s plant and animal species. According to Conservation International, the South West of Australia is one of the world’s 36 ‘biodiversity hot spots’ making WA an ideal living laboratory for your studies. You’ll focus on how to protect and restore biodiversity, particularly understanding and minimising human impacts on the natural world.
Human activity and population growth are increasing the pressure on natural ecosystems and many biologists believe we are currently experiencing the sixth global mass extinction. This major has been developed in consultation with local conservation industry to provide you with the relevant skills and knowledge to manage and research threatened species and ecological communities.
Course Structure
Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.
Career Pathways
Conservation Biology graduates are employed by government agencies (e.g. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, CSIRO), botanic gardens and zoos, conservation-related industries (e.g. WWF, Greening Australia, WA Museum, Gondwana Link etc.), universities (teaching and research) and a variety of other organisations (e.g. mining industry, local government, private companies, community and natural resource management groups).
Further Study
As human pressures on our natural environment are at an all-time high, the need for experienced conservation biologists to attempt to reverse the declines in ecosystem functioning and health, and in species population sizes, is increasing. You will undertake rigorous scientific research related to the conservation of threatened flora, fauna or ecological communities. Research projects can vary from studying aspects of a rare species biology or ecology, to experiments investigating different threat mitigation strategies, or an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of different management techniques. You will develop your practical and theoretical skills in conservation-related research by conducting your own research project, and participating in units on conservation genetics, conservation planning, restoration ecology, and data analysis. Honours in Conservation Biology can lead to many careers including (restoration) ecologist, conservation biologist, environmental impact assessor, DEC flora or fauna officer, government policy writer and consultant, consultant for mining companies, science journalist, laboratory technician or field research officer.
REQUIREMENTS
Entry requirements may vary from country to country. Students are required to complete an international academic qualification equivalent to Australian High School (or equivalent).
English language requirements:
IELTS (academic): Overall minimum score of 6.5, no band lower than 6.0
TOEFL Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): an overall score of 82 or above with a minimum score of 22 in writing, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 20 in listening
Pearsons Test of English (PTE) (academic): An overall score of 64 with a minimum score of 59 in the speaking and writing sections, and no less than 54 in the other sections
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a proud member of the Group of Eight and is the only university in Western Australia to be ranked in the world top 100 universities (QS World University Rankings 2023).UWA’s main campus is located in Perth, Western Australia and is home to more than 23,000 students. Perth is Australia’s fourth-largest city with over two million people from a variety of cultures worldwide, a strong economy and vibrant lifestyle. Perth is one of the country’s most affordable cities, the closest major Australian city to Asia, and in the same time zone as most of Asia.
