Wildlife Conservation (Extended Major)

Program Overview

Through a combination of classroom learning and field experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in wildlife conservation, including wildlife officer, fauna consultant, and conservation biologist. The program is ranked 1st in Australia and 32nd in the world for Biological Sciences, and equips students with the tools to preserve and manage biodiversity for future generations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Wildlife Conservation (Extended Major) at the University of Western Australia is a program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the challenges facing Australia's unique fauna.

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify threatened animal species and the functioning ecosystems they require for survival.
• To enable students to discuss major threats to biodiversity, their causes, and the management and research to mitigate them.

Teaching:

• The program involves a combination of classroom learning and field experiences.
• Students have opportunities to study animals living in diverse habitats in Western Australia, from deserts to forests and tropical reefs.
• The program is taught by passionate lecturers who are committed to engaging and supporting students.

Careers:

• Wildlife officer
• Fauna consultant
• Graduate research officer
• Conservation biologist
• Zookeeper
• The program can be studied full-time or part-time.
• The program is delivered on-campus.
• The program starts in Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• The program is available at the undergraduate level.
• The program code is MJD-WLCDM.
• The program duration is 3 years (BBioSc) or 4 years (BSc[Hons]).
• Honours are available.
• The program is available as a Bachelor of Biological Science or Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).
• The program is supported by the Shenton Park Field Station, a large-scale agricultural research facility.
• The program is ranked 1st in Australia and 32nd in the world for Biological Sciences (ARWU 2023).
• The program includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, such as the SCIE2205 Science Work Placement Unit and SCIE2206 Science Consultancy Project.
• The program is designed to prepare students for careers in state management agencies and conservation NGOs.
• Australia faces serious challenges to conserve its threatened fauna and needs skilled graduates to fill positions in these areas.
• Western Australia is home to almost half of Australia's animal species.
• The program provides students with practical experience through field courses.
• The program fosters a passion for fieldwork, Australian wildlife, and conservation biology.
• The program is suitable for students who enjoy being in the bush and appreciating Australia's unique wildlife.
• The program equips students with the tools to preserve and manage biodiversity for future generations.
• The program is a well-rounded degree in the biological sciences that provides students with a platform to dream big.
• The program is supported by the University of Western Australia's commitment to research excellence.
• The program is part of the University of Western Australia's commitment to Indigenous heritage and knowledge.