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Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation

ATAR/Course cut-off
76.75
This information is for local students.
View courses for International students.

Overview

Biodiversity is the study of biological variety and how this is understood and classified. Conservation biology is the study of how biological diversity can be conserved for the future, while Ecology is the study of plants, animals and micro-organisms in relation to each other and the environment. 

This degree combines biology with environmental and conservation management in a unique combination of subjects. You'll have the opportunity to combine ecology with specialised subjects on environmental sciences, conservation and biodiversity, natural sciences and environmental management.

There is a strong focus on students developing research skills, and then applying them in environmental management and wildlife conservation case studies.

Key features

  • Macquarie University is the only university in NSW that offers a degree specialising in conservation biology.
  • The degree has a strong research focus, and all units contain significant proportions of research material in the form of case studies, or reference to the teacher's own research.
  • Students have the flexibility to construct a specific program of study tailored to their intended professional careers.

Minimum course duration

3 years full-time

Location

North Ryde

UAC Code

300532

Suitable for

If you're interested in environmental issues and how organisms in the environment interact.

HECS Course fee

AUD $5,130.00 p.a. This is an Average Fee

Student amenities fee

Information on the Student services and amenities fee

Entry requirements

  • HSC Mathematics (Band 2)
  • Chemistry (Band 3) (or equivalent)
  • Introductory units and bridging courses are available for students without the recommended prior knowledge.

English language requirements

If you have completed the NSW HSC or equivalent you satisfy the English proficiency requirements.

For full information view the English proficiency requirements table (436 Kb).

Work experience requirements

What you will study

General requirements Credit Points
Minimum number of credit points for the degree 68
Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above 38
Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above 18
Minimum number of credit points from Science designated units 42
Completion of a designated People unit
Completion of a designated Planet unit
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

Specific requirements

The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this degree

100 level Credit Points
Required BIOL114 Evolution and Biodiversity 3
Required BIOL115 The Thread of Life 3
Required 3cp from Any 100 level GEOS, ENV, ENVE or ENVG unit 3
Required either STAT170 Introductory Statistics
or STAT171 Statistical Data Analysis 3
200 level Credit Points
Required BIOL206 Genetics 3
Required BIOL227 Ecology 3
Required BIOL235 Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biology 3
Required 6cp from BIOL208 Animal Structure and Function
BIOL210 Plant Structure and Function
CBMS215 Microbiology 6
300 level Credit Points
Capstone BIOL349 C Biodiversity and Conservation 3
Required BIOL390 Selected Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation 3
Required 9cp from BIOL313 Plants: Cells to Ecosystems
BIOL316 Invertebrates: Evolution, Behaviour and Diversity
BIOL318 Birds of Australia
BIOL334 Conservation and Ecological Genetics
BIOL341 Parasitology
BIOL347 Plant Diversity and Conservation
BIOL360 Biology of Australasian Vertebrates
BIOL362 Freshwater Ecology
BIOL368 Ecology and Evolution
BIOL369 Vertebrate Evolution
BIOL372 Marine Birds and Mammals
BIOL373 Marine Ecology 9
Balance of credit points required (Electives) 26
Total credit points required to satisfy this degree 68

Notes

  • Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
  • The course information contained on this page is applicable for 2012 ONLY.
    For more information please read the courses disclaimer.

Careers

Career Opportunities

  • environmental consulting
  • environmental survey and assessment
  • land management
  • scientific research
  • zoo captive breeding programs

Employers

  • conservation agencies
  • departments of agriculture
  • departments of land and water conservation
  • Environment Australia
  • environmental protection agencies
  • fisheries and forestry agencies
  • national parks and wildlife services
  • scientific research organisations
  • state forests
  • Sydney Bush Regeneration Co
  • The Australian Museum

Profiles

Jessie Giblett - biopic_web.jpg

Our Students

Jessie Giblett, Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation

"Studying at a university that shares my passion for
conservation has proven a wonderful experience for me.
The biodiversity and conservation course has fantastic and
relevant subjects which are taught by staff who are friendly
and enthusiastic. Not only have I learnt the relevant theory,
I have also had the chance to apply varying techniques
relevant to understanding and measuring biodiversity."

 

Our Graduates

 
Lesley Hughes Photo by Jaime Plaza_smaller version.JPG

Our Expertise

Professor Lesley Hughes, Head of Department, Biological Sciences

Lesley is an ecologist whose research is mainly focused on the
impacts of climate change on Australian species and ecosystems.
She teaches climate change ecology and the role of environmental
legislation in conservation. Before her role at Macquarie University,
Lesley held a teaching and research position at Harvard University.
"I emphasise to students that they are the guardians of biodiversity
in the future and will take on roles in government, research
organisations and environmental consultancies that will shape the
future of conservation in Australia."

Why choose Macquarie?

Why choose Macquarie

Macquarie offers an outstanding learning experience. We are renowned for excellence in interdisciplinary research and teaching, our unique approach to learning, our highly skilled graduates, and our first-class facilities. 

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatean education in the top two per cent of universities in the world, giving you an international recognised and respected degree

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatea campus in one of the largest business and technology precincts in the southern hemisphere, giving you the industry experience employers look for

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatemulti-billion dollar investment in facilities and infrastructure, including the most high-tech university library in Australia

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatethe most generous international student exchange program in Australia

Macquarie University Future Students Undergrad information for parents

Our reputation

Discover why Macquarie is ranked in the top two per cent of universities globally.

Macquarie University information about types of study and learning skills for life

Learning for life

Our degrees are designed to help you get ahead and stay ahead in your life and your career.

Overseas opportunities

Overseas opportunities

Enhance your degree with Macquarie's overseas study and exchange programs in over 300 countries.

Macquarie University information for future undergraduate students about our vibrant campus

Our vibrant campus

120 social clubs and societies, 35 sports clubs, sport and aquatic centre, the only on-campus music festival.

 

Contact us

Faculty of Science
Ph: 61 2 9850 6000
Fax: 61 2 9850 6565
Email: scienceenquiries@mq.edu.au
www.bio.mq.edu.au

Apply

Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation

To study this degree, apply through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).

Apply

1. Select your UAC Code:

300532

2. Go to the UAC website and select “Apply". This link will open in a new window.

Applications for Session 2 2012 open on Wednesday 4th April 2012.

Re-admission

Students wishing to return to study at Macquarie University should visit the Previous Macquarie Students webpage, for further information and application procedures. 

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