Bachelor of Animal Ecology | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Animal Ecology

Care about how animals are impacted by the environment and humans, and what we can do to protect their future? Develop analytical and research skills to better understand conservation and management.

In this program you will:

  • Gain hands-on experience from your first year with fieldwork to North Stradbroke Island and your local region
  • Build your knowledge of animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour
  • Work with leading researchers on field trips and in the laboratory, becoming work-ready
  • Undertake a guided research project in Animal Ecology, working as an intern animal ecologist as part of your studies, or take advantage of opportunities to travel abroad

Location

CRICOS code

085714G

Entry threshold

50.00 50.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

3 years 3 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2024 fees (A$)

A$8,944 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP
A$28,600 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

013201 014271

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Career opportunities

  • Collectors and curators in museums
  • Environmental educators
  • Practitioners in environmental monitoring and management
  • Rangers and managers in wildlife management and conservation organisations
  • Research assistants and managers in Government and non-governmental agencies
  • Specialist ecotourism guides

Memberships

Graduates may be eligible to become members of:

  • Australian Mammal Society
  • Australian Marine Science Association
  • Australian Physiological Society
  • Australian Wildlife Management Society
  • Ecological Society of Australia
  • Environmental Institute of Australia
  • Society for Conservation Biology

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
24
Total units
288
Duration
3 years 3 years
CRICOS code
085714G
UniSC program code
SC320
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units

ANM100 Animal Ecology Field Course
ANM102 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ANM103 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
ANM104 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
LFS100 Cell Biology
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SCI113 Discovering Science

Developing courses (6) 72 units

ANM201 Animal Ecophysiology
ANM203 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
ENS213 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS253 Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS282 Coastal and Marine Ecology

Graduate courses (4) 48 units

ANM301 Animal Behaviour
ANM302 Global-Change Ecology
ENS316 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
ENS317 Coastal Conservation Planning

Required course from a specified list

Select a total of 12 units from:

ENS330 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
ENS333 Special Field Studies Topic
SRP301 Special Research Project
WPL310 Workplace Learning I

Elective courses (5) 60 units

Select a total of 60 units from the undergraduate elective course options. Courses must be at developing and graduate level (200/300 coded).

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Student profile

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Notes
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N/A - Students not accepted in this category
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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 50.00
Moreton Bay 50.00
Recommended prior study
English; Maths B or C; and one or more of the sciences
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Some courses may also include a compulsory field trip, requiring payment of an additional fee, and may be held outside of the regular teaching week, ie on weekends or during semester break
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.

Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Previous qualifications or experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

CSP estimate
A$8,944 - 2024 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2024)
A$28,600

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2024 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 013201
Moreton Bay 014271
#1 in Queensland for teaching quality, learner engagement, student support, learning resources and skills development
Start fieldwork from 1st year of study
UniSC among world leaders Sustainable Development Goals. Life Below Water (11th), Life on Land (23rd) THE Impact Rankings 2023

Student story

“On fieldwork excursions to Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) and K’gari (Fraser Island), I met a group of like-minded peers to study alongside and share these wonderful experiences."
Katharine Needham Graduate
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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