Bachelor of Conservation Biology

Bachelor of Conservation Biology Advanced

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Conservation Biology at UOW is a practical degree aimed at producing graduates who have the knowledge and skills to understand and develop strategies to minimise the impact of humans on their environment and are capable of undertaking postgraduate research to become accomplished conservation biologists.

Studies in biology combined with subjects in chemistry and earth and environmental sciences in first year lead to second-year studies that provide students with an understanding of how organisms function, plant and animal ecology, and landscape science.

Third-year subjects focus on research training and experience in conservation biology and ecology providing students with significant breadth in their research experience in preparation for the Honours year.

A significant component involves experience in how research skills are incorporated into policy and management of biodiversity through contact with practising conservation biologists in both government and non-government agencies. Training in research methodology is carried out with researchers from the Institute for Conservation Biology and Environmental Management located at UOW.

In addition, graduates develop additional skills in conservation management to improve their capacity to contribute to conservation.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements, English requirements and credit transfer information are available from the course finder:

Bachelor of Conservation Biology (327)

Bachelor of Conservation Biology Advanced (328)

Course STRUCTURE

Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics at Band 4 or higher (or equivalent) are required to complete a mathematics subject (MATH151 or equivalent) normally in the first year.

Students may only count 60 credit points of 100-level subjects towards the degree.

Students must complete a minimum of 32 credit points of 300-level subjects.

Students must have a grade of Pass (not Pass Supplementary) or higher in at least 24 credit points of 300-level core subjects which form part of a Science major.

Bachelor of Conservation Biology (327)

This is a prescribed program of study comprising core and optional subjects as set out below.

Progression Requirements

Satisfactory performance must be achieved (normally a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% or greater in 300-level subjects) for entry into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Conservation Biology degree. Students with an average below 70% in 300-level subjects may only progress into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Conservation Biology with the approval of the Conservation Biology Coordinator. Students who do not gain entry into the fourth year of the Bachelor of Conservation Biology degree will normally be required to transfer into the Bachelor of Science (Conservation Biology) degree.

Bachelor of Conservation Biology Advanced (328)

Students who are eligible for this degree fulfil all of the same requirements as Bachelor of Conservation Biology candidates but are also eligible for additional benefits and challenges. Advanced students have the opportunity to undertake individual research subjects and apply for paid research assistantships.

Progression Requirements

To maintain a place in an Advanced degree, students are normally required to achieve a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 75% in the 200 and 300 level subjects completed. The performance of each student will be reviewed initially by the Faculty after the completion of 72 credit points. Students not meeting the minimum progression requirements will be required to transfer into the Bachelor of Conservation Biology or Bachelor of Science degree. 

Honours

The Honours grade for the degrees of Bachelor of Conservation Biology Honours and Bachelor of Conservation Biology Advanced Honours will be calculated in accordance with Method 1 defined in the General Course Rules Section 8.

Professional Recognition/ACCREDITATION

Graduates may qualify to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Biology.

OTHER Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder (Bachelor of Conservation Biology)
UOW Course Finder (Bachelor of Conservation Biology Advanced)
Email: smah-students@uow.edu.au