Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Science (Conservation Biology)

Conservation Biology is the study of the Earth's biodiversity with the aim of being able to manage and protect species and ecosystems.

At UOW, this degree provides the knowledge and skills to understand and develop strategies to minimise the impact of humans on their environment.

You will focus on biology, developing skills in evolutionary physiology, conservation biology and ecology of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

If you achieve an average of 70% or greater in 300-level Biological Sciences subjects you will be eligible to transfer to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Conservation Biology degree, subject to the approval of the Course Co-ordinator and the Sub Dean.

Mid-year entry for the Bachelor of Science (Conservation Biology) must be in consultation with the Head of the School. The minimum duration to complete the degree, if the program is commenced mid-year, is 3½ years full-time or part-time equivalent.

course structure

Subject Code

Subject Name

Session

Credit Points

First Year

BIOL104

Evolution, Biodiversity and Environment

Autumn

6

BIOL105

Functional Biology of Animals and Plants

Autumn

6

CHEM101

Chemistry 1A: Introductory Physical and General Chemistry

Autumn

6

or

     

CHEM104

Foundation Chemistry: Properties of Matter

Autumn

6

Note: Students who have achieved a mark of 65% or more in NSW HSC Chemistry or equivalent must select CHEM101. All other students must select CHEM104.

MATH151

General Mathematics 1A (if required)

Autumn

6

BIOL103

Molecules, Cells and Organisms

Spring

6

CHEM102

Chemistry 1B: Structure and Reactivity of Molecules for Life

Spring

6

or

     

CHEM105

Foundation Chemistry: Reactions and Structures

Spring

6

SCIE103

Climate Change

Spring

6

Recommended Electives: Select one or two to total 48 cp at 1st Year
Note: EESC103 Landscape Change and Climatology is a pre-requisite for MARE200

EESC103

Landscape Change and Climatology

Autumn

6

EESC104

Human Geography: Sustainability, Cities and Cultures

Spring

6

STAT252

Statistics for the Natural Sciences

Spring

6

Second Year

BIOL240

Biodiversity of Marine and Freshwater Organisms

Autumn

6

BIOL251

Principles of Ecology

Autumn

6

EESC204

Introductory Spatial Science

Autumn or Spring

6

BIOL241

Biodiversity of Terrestrial Organisms

Spring

6

BIOL252

Evolution and Behaviour

Spring

6

STAT252

Statistics for the Natural Sciences*

Spring

6

 

* If not completed in 1st Year

 

Electives
Select from the following to total 48 cp at 2nd Year

EESC203

Biogeography and Environmental Change

Autumn

6

MARE200

Introduction to Oceanography

Autumn

6

EESC202

Soils, Landscapes and Hydrology

Spring

6

Students wishing to specialise in Conservation Genetics should select

BIOL213

Principles of Biochemistry

Autumn

6

BIOL215

Introductory Genetics

Spring

6

Third Year

Core

BIOL332

Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology

Autumn

8

BIOL351

Conservation Biology: Marine and Terrestrial Populations

Autumn

8

EESC305

Remote Sensing of the Environment

Autumn

8

or

     

EESC304

Geographic Information Science

Spring

8

BIOL355

Marine and Terrestrial Ecology

Spring

8

Electives
Select TWO electives

BIOL392

Advanced Biology

Autumn, Spring or Summer

8

EESC305

Remote Sensing of the Environment

Autumn

8

STAT355

Sample Surveys and Experimental Design (with Project)

Autumn

8

EESC304

Geographic Information Science

Spring

8

LAW 380

Law for Environmental Managers

Spring

8

MARE300

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Spring

8

MARE357

Advances in Molluscan Biology

Not offered in 2014

8

or other subjects approved by the degree coordinator

Honours

If the required academic standard is attained, with the approval of the degree coordinator, BSc (Conservation Biology) students may transfer into the Bachelor of Conservation Biology degree and subsequently undertake the 4th (Honours) year of this latter degree.

Professional Recognition/ACCREDITATION

Graduates may qualify to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Biology.

OTHER Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: smah-students@uow.edu.au 

Last reviewed: 8 January, 2014