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.
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) 96 units
COR109
ANM100 Animal Ecology Field Course
ANM102 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ANM103 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
ANM104 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
LFS100 Cell Biology
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
ANM201 Animal Ecophysiology
ANM203 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
ANM301 Animal Behaviour
ANM302 Global-Change Ecology
ENS213 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS282 Coastal and Marine Ecology
ENS315
ENS316 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
ENS317 Coastal Conservation Planning
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENS330 K'gari Field Studies
ENS333 Special Field Studies Topic
SRP301 Special Research Project
WPL310 Workplace Learning I
Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Of these electives, 3 must be developing and graduate 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) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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
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Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)