Field trips
The Department of Environment and Genetics is committed to enhancing undergraduate teaching through field experience. Field courses in uniquely Australian locations are available as part of the department's second and third year subjects. They offer students an unrivalled learning experience.
Issues in Conservation - Wilsons Promontory
When: Late February
Duration: 5 days
Visit one of Australia's oldest national parks to learn about issues in conservation biology and the management of protected areas.
Plant Diversity and Ecology - Natimuk
When: Late September, Semester 2
Duration: 5 days
An introduction to soil-vegetation relationships, survey methodology and plant identification based in the botanically diverse Wimmera region of Victoria.
Animal Physiology - Heron Island
When: Early-mid December
Duration: 7 nights on the island and 2 days in transit.
**NOTE: Enrolments for 2022 now closed**
This field trip, now run by the Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the physiology and behaviour of marine organisms, and appreciate the faunal diversity offered by coral reef systems.
Third Year Field Courses
Third year field courses run every second year. In 2023, courses on offer will be:
Freshwater Ecosystems - Ovens River
Subject: Semester 1 2023
Field Trip: April 2023
Field Trip Duration: 5-6 days
Learn about Freshwater ecosystems including hydrology and biology, and undertake team based research in the field.
Mountain Ecosystems - Falls Creek
Subject: Term 6 2023
Field Trip: Early December 2023
Duration: 7 days
Stay at Falls Creek and explore alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems in detail during daytime excursions. View our Mountain ecosystem video.
For 2022, the field courses on offer are:
Animal Ecology - The Mallee
When: Easter break, Semester 1
Duration: 6 days
Work in groups on research projects studying fauna such as pygmy possums, ants, geckos and honeyeaters.
Ecological Management and Restoration - Snowy River
When: early to mid December (Summer 1)
Duration: 7 days
Are you interested in understanding how to manage and restore native ecosystems? This field subject provides an introduction to the theory and practice of applied ecological management, focusing on the diverse natural landscapes of East Gippsland.