Field courses
The Department of Zoology is committed to enhancing the teaching of zoology through field experience. Two field courses in uniquely Australian locations are available as part of the Department's third year subjects. They offer students an unrivalled learning experience.
Heron Island
Physiology of marine organisms
Located 72 km northeast of Gladstone and 539 km north of Brisbane, Heron Island is a small coral cay which is part of the Great Barrier Reef. Comprising just 16.8 hectares and a mere 1.8 km in circumference the island is surrounded by reefs which can be explored during low tide. The coral cay is a natural laboratory for the student interested in zoology to gain some insight into the physiology of marine organisms while at the same appreciating the faunal diversity offered by coral reefs.
Biological calendar
Turtle egg laying begins. Bird life is extremely active. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters can be seen digging and repairing nesting burrows. It is the start of their breeding season. Black Noddies' eggs can be seen in the nest.
The Mallee
Ecological issues
The Mallee Field Course will be based at Walpeup, near the Murray-Sunset and Wyperfield National Parks in Victoria’s north-west. Mallee country has a low annual rainfall and high temperatures in summer and the resident plants and animals have evolved to survive in this extreme environment. The Mallee is a distinctive and fascinating place to study ecology. Students will work in groups on ecological research projects on fauna such as echidnas, ants, geckos and honeyeaters, and management issues such as habitat fragmentation, effects of fire or wildlife corridors.
Current students
If you are currently enrolled, see our current students pages for more information on dates, costs and how to apply.
