Study animals to discover how they relate to each other and their environment.
Want to learn how the environment and human interaction has impacted animals and what we can do to protect their future? Develop your analytical and research skills to better understand how to conserve and manage animals. Hands-on experience starts in your first year with fieldwork in your local region. During the program, you’ll work with leading researchers on field trips and laboratory research. The program will build your knowledge of animal conservation, biodiversity, marine ecology and animal behaviour. Further develop your research skills in a specialised area with your choice of a guided research project or internship in your final year. 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.
- 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.
Want to learn how the environment and human interaction has impacted animals and what we can do to protect their future? Develop your analytical and research skills to better understand how to conserve and manage animals. Hands-on experience starts in your first year with fieldwork in your local region. During the program, you’ll work with leading researchers on field trips and laboratory research. The program will build your knowledge of animal conservation, biodiversity, marine ecology and animal behaviour. Further develop your research skills in a specialised area with your choice of a guided research project or internship in your final year. 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
You can work as an animal ecologist in private environmental consulting; Government and non-governmental agencies; wildlife management and conservation; environmental monitoring and management; museums, and universities. You can also pursue research opportunities in zoology and wildlife biology.
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
ANM100
ANM102
ANM103
ANM104
LFS100
SCI102
SCI110
Advanced courses (12)
ANM201
ANM202
ANM203
ANM301
ANM302
ENS213
ENS222
ENS282
ENS315
ENS316
ENS317
Plus select 1 course from:
SRP301
WPL310
Elective courses (4)
Select 4 elective courses (at least 2 courses must be at 200/300 coded) from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 8 required introductory courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced courses.
- Complete 4 elective courses from any Faculty.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory courses including core courses.
- Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 coded).
Program notes
- 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 including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.