Discover the complex web of animal relationships and ecosystems
Want to learn about how animals are impacted by the environment and human interaction and what we can do to protect their future? Develop your analytical and research skills to better understand how to conserve and manage animals. The program will build your knowledge of animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- * Enrolments at Fraser Coast commence from Semester 1, 2017, subject to final University approval.
- * Enrolments at Fraser Coast commence from Semester 1, 2017, subject to final University approval.
Want to learn about how animals are impacted by the environment and human interaction and what we can do to protect their future? Develop your analytical and research skills to better understand how to conserve and manage animals. The program will build your knowledge of animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour.
Hands-on experience starts in your first year with fieldwork to North Stradbroke Island and your local region. During the program, you’ll work with leading researchers on field trips and in the laboratory, thus delivering work-ready graduates who are able to blend concepts gleaned from the global literature with personal experience of a diversity of regional habitats and fauna.
In your final year you can also further develop your research skills in a specialised area by undertaking a guided research project in Animal Ecology, working as an intern animal ecologist as part of your studies, or taking advantage of opportunities to travel abroad.
As an animal ecologist, your career paths include natural resource and environmental protection agencies, private environmental consultancies and research institutes. Many animal ecologists also pursue opportunities outside the science and health sectors in business, finance, education and sales.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities will be available across a range of areas both in Australia and internationally, including: animal ecology specialists in private environmental consulting; researchers, research assistants and managers in Government and non-governmental agencies; rangers and managers in wildlife management and conservation organisations; practitioners in environmental monitoring and management; collectors and curators in museums; environmental educators; specialist ecotourism guides; and researchers and lecturers at universities.
Membership
Graduates will be eligible to become members/associate members of the Ecological Society of Australia, Environmental Institute of Australia, Australian Mammal Society, Australian Marine Science Association, Society for Conservation Biology, Australian Wildlife Management Society, and Australian Physiological Society.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Introduction to Tourism, Leisure and Events
ANM100 Business Law and Ethics
ANM102 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
ANM103 Tourism, Leisure and Special Interests
ANM104 Tourism and Leisure Policy and Planning
LFS100 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
SCI102 Technology and Innovation in Tourism, Leisure and Events
SCI110 Event Management
Advanced courses (12)
ANM201 Business Events
ANM203 Communication and Thought
ANM301 Animal Ecology Field Course
ANM302 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ENS213 How Animals Work: Form and Function
ENS214 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
ENS222 Cell Biology
ENS282 Biodiversity and Ecology
ENS315 Science Research Methods
ENS316 Animal Ecophysiology
ENS317 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
PLUS select 1 course from:
ENS330 Animal Behaviour
SRP301 Global-Change Ecology
WPL310 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
Elective courses (4)
Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Of these electives, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded).
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- Some courses may also include a compulsory field trip, requiring payment of an additional fee, and may be held outside of the regular teaching week, ie on weekends or during semester break
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the 'Planning your study' page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)