Wildlife and conservation biology

Why study Wildlife and conservation biology?

Wildlife and conservation biology is the science of managing native plants and animals. It aims to limit the effects of environmental degradation, climate change and the loss of biodiversity. In this multidisciplinary program, you will study zoology, botany, genetics, microbiology, statistics, earth science, law and public policy. Students will also have access to some of the best teaching and research facilities in the world - the University Wildlife Sanctuary contains 30ha of bushland on the Melbourne campus, in which students gain first-hand experience in ecological techniques.

Courses

Local students

Wildlife and conservation biology courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) Albury-Wodonga
Melbourne
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time. Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) continued…

Course description
Conservation biology is becoming increasingly important, helping to limit the effects of environmental degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity.

This multidisciplinary course focuses on zoology, botany, genetics, microbiology, statistics, earth science, law and public policy. Students undertake fieldwork in zoology, botany and conservation genetics both on the campus in the universitys wildlife reserve and also in a range of habitats in remote locations. This hands-on core training in wildlife biology and ecology is combined with instruction in earth science, quantitative methods and environmental law, to equip students for careers in wildlife and land management, research, conservation biology, and park management.

Please note students enrolling at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus after first year.

Students also can access the Faculty's industry experience and student support programs.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any).
Extra requirements
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR 80 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.

Non-Year 12 selection Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.
Selection
ATAR (2013)
Melbourne: 81.5
Albury-Wodonga: 65.5

Middle band
Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, or Physics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
How to apply
Melbourne: VTAC
Albury-Wodonga: VTAC/UAC (interstate applicants)
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Wildlife and Conservation BiologyMelbourne
Wildlife and Conservation BiologyAlbury-Wodonga

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Wildlife and conservation biology international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) (074696F) Melbourne
Albury-Wodonga
3 years Semester 1 (March) $25 060

Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Conservation biology is becoming increasingly important, helping to limit the effects of environmental degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity.

This multidisciplinary course focuses on zoology, botany, genetics, microbiology, statistics, earth science, law and public policy. Students undertake fieldwork in zoology, botany and conservation genetics both on the campus in the universitys wildlife reserve and also in a range of habitats in remote locations. This hands-on core training in wildlife biology and ecology is combined with instruction in earth science, quantitative methods and environmental law, to equip students for careers in wildlife and land management, research, conservation biology, and park management.

Please note students enrolling at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus after first year.

Students also can access the Faculty's industry experience and student support programs.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - a minimum overall score of 550 with a score of 5 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - a minimum overall score of 60 with a minimum for SLR 18; W 22;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B (EFS5 UG minimum 60 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 60 per cent final result in a course;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): a minimum score of 57 with no communicative skill score less than 50.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a pass grade of C or higher;

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 70
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 80.85
International Baccalaureate - 29
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 3 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 73
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.7
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 70
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.4
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite
VCE Units 3 and 4: English (any).
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Additional information
Albury-Wodonga students must transfer to the Melbourne campus after successful completion of the first year.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Wildlife and Conservation BiologyMelbourne
Wildlife and Conservation BiologyAlbury-Wodonga

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work as conservation officers or researchers in government agencies, conservation organisations, specialist public research institutions and in consultancy firms conducting environmental impact assessments.

Wildlife and conservation biology placements

The industry cadetship program allows you to gain paid workplace experience between semesters, giving you the chance to build on your skills and build your career. See cadetship program.

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. La Trobe has partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.

Student and graduate profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academic staff during your studies, from tutors through to lecturers and supervisors. You can view staff in Wildlife and conservation biology or search all staff in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.

Wildlife and conservation biology events

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