Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Biodiversity and Conservation)

The Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity and Conservation) (Honours) will appeal to applicants who have the goal of completing an Honours year in this specialisation of science. The degree teaches principles of reserve design, habitat restoration and other means of conserving species affected by human impacts. Importantly, it will allow you to prepare for negotiations with traditional custodians, local community groups, NGO's and governments responsible for land use management and conserving biodiversity assets. Develop the theory and skills that blend foundation science with Indigenous science. Apply this knowledge to work-integrated activities preparing you for our changing world. Students will analyse and interpret the impacts of key environmental drivers such as habitat destruction and fragmentation, changing climates, altered fire regimes and invasive species.

This degree aims to provide students with a broad-based foundation in biodiversity and conservation and allied areas and understand and apply relevant scientific principles in the area of conservation biology. The degree aims to appreciate the societal and ethical contexts of conservation biology, of human impacts on biodiversity and the professional practice of biologists. The degree critically analyses and evaluates information relevant to biodiversity and conservation biology and appreciates the multidisciplinary aspect of studies in biodiversity and conservation biology and engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline.

The Honours year in Biodiversity and Conservation provides students with advanced skills that are required for planning, funding and carrying out research project. The degree aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to understand and apply relevant scientific principles.

On completion of the degree students will be able to know and critically apply theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to biodiversity and conservation biology. Students will be able to understand the nature and historical basis of current threats to biological diversity and to understand the nature of conservation actions that can be undertaken to mitigate these threats. Students will be able to undertake studies relating to biodiversity and conservation in both laboratory and field contexts and appreciate the relationships between studies in biodiversity and conservation biology and other science and non-science disciplines, and appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of many studies in biodiversity and conservation biology.

On completion of the Honours year, students will be able to apply research skills appropriate to postgraduate research or advanced industrial investigation.

This degree prepares graduates for employment in various workplaces including private and public global organisations. Potential occupations may include conservation officer, biodiversity project offers and ecologist; potential employers may include universities, national parks and research centres.