Become a leader in animal-friendly tourism.
The Bachelor of Animal Ecology/Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) is a hands-on, industry oriented four year program, aimed at training specialist animal ecologists and tourism managers who are skilled in maintaining and enhancing environmental integrity. You will learn how animals are impacted by the environment and human interaction and what we can do to protect their future. You will develop your analytical, management and research skills to better understand how to conserve animals, and how to engage with stakeholders in the scientific, public and business sectors. You will also learn how to assess the sustainability-related impacts of tourism, and how this links with animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour. You will apply your growing knowledge and skills through fieldwork in locations such as Fraser Island and Stradbroke Island, and through industry projects designed to develop a solid foundation for your chosen career.
- 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.
The Bachelor of Animal Ecology/Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) is a hands-on, industry oriented four year program, aimed at training specialist animal ecologists and tourism managers who are skilled in maintaining and enhancing environmental integrity. You will learn how animals are impacted by the environment and human interaction and what we can do to protect their future. You will develop your analytical, management and research skills to better understand how to conserve animals, and how to engage with stakeholders in the scientific, public and business sectors. You will also learn how to assess the sustainability-related impacts of tourism, and how this links with animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour. You will apply your growing knowledge and skills through fieldwork in locations such as Fraser Island and Stradbroke Island, and through industry projects designed to develop a solid foundation for your chosen career.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this degree will be trained to work as environmental consultants, wildlife managers, collectors and curators in museums, specialist environmental educators, ecotourism guides, within policy think-tanks, policy and planning, environment/visitor management, conservation NGO's, marketing, research organisations and public education.
Membership
Graduates are eligible for membership / associate membership 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, Australian Physiological Society, Australian Tourism Research Institute, Pacific Area Travel Association, Ecotourism Association of Australia, and the Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.
Program structure
Animal Ecology courses:
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
ANM100 Science Research Methods
ANM102 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ANM103 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ANM104 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
LFS100 Weather and Climate
SCI102 Geographic Information Science and Technology
SCI110 Restoration Ecology
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
ANM201 Population Ecology and Genetics
ANM203 Hydrology and Geomorphology
ENS213 Coastal Geomorphology
ENS222 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
ENS282 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
ANM301 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
ANM302 Special Field Studies Topic
ENS316 Sustainability Project
ENS317 Special Research Project A
Tourism, Leisure and Event Management courses:
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
BUS101 Workplace Learning I
BUS102 Marketing Essentials
BUS104 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
BUS105 Contemporary Communication Theory and Trends
BUS106 Communication for the Creative Professional
BUS108 Editing for Professionals
TSM102 Introduction to Contemporary Global Media and Communication
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
BUS203 Social Media: Content Curation and Creation
IBS220 Issues in Social Media
TSM200 Creative and Interactive Advertising
TSM223 Social Media Communication
BUS306 Work Integrated Learning Project
BUS320 Work Integrated Learning Placement
TSM300 Social Media: Monitoring and Measurement
TSM313 Transmedia Storytelling Campaigns
TSM315 Global Communication
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
A program may not be offered in full at each location.
Total units: 384
Program requirements and notes
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit point 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
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Students in this program will be expected to purchase personal protective equipment (laboratory coat, safety glasses, closed footwear) for use during practical work at USC. Nominal contributions to cover costs of field trips and travel to workplace learning activities may be required.