Become a leader in animal-friendly tourism.
The Bachelor of Animal Ecology/Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) is a hands-on, industry oriented four year program, aimed at training specialist animal ecologists and tourism managers who are skilled in maintaining and enhancing environmental integrity. You will learn how animals are impacted by the environment and human interaction and what we can do to protect their future. You will develop your analytical, management and research skills to better understand how to conserve animals, and how to engage with stakeholders in the scientific, public and business sectors. You will also learn how to assess the sustainability-related impacts of tourism, and how this links with animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour. You will apply your growing knowledge and skills through fieldwork in locations such as Fraser Island and Stradbroke Island, and through industry projects designed to develop a solid foundation for your chosen career.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
The Bachelor of Animal Ecology/Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) is a hands-on, industry oriented four year program, aimed at training specialist animal ecologists and tourism managers who are skilled in maintaining and enhancing environmental integrity. You will learn how animals are impacted by the environment and human interaction and what we can do to protect their future. You will develop your analytical, management and research skills to better understand how to conserve animals, and how to engage with stakeholders in the scientific, public and business sectors. You will also learn how to assess the sustainability-related impacts of tourism, and how this links with animal conservation, biodiversity and animal behaviour. You will apply your growing knowledge and skills through fieldwork in locations such as Fraser Island and Stradbroke Island, and through industry projects designed to develop a solid foundation for your chosen career.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this degree will be trained to work as environmental consultants, wildlife managers, collectors and curators in museums, specialist environmental educators, ecotourism guides, within policy think-tanks, policy and planning, environment/visitor management, conservation NGO's, marketing, research organisations and public education.
Membership
Graduates are eligible for membership / associate membership of the Ecological Society of Australia, Environmental Institute of Australia, Australian Mammal Society, Australian Marine Science Association, Society for Conservation Biology, Australian Wildlife Management Society, Australian Physiological Society, Australian Tourism Research Institute, Pacific Area Travel Association, Ecotourism Association of Australia, and the Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.
Program structure
Animal Ecology courses:
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
ANM100 Outdoor Environmental Expeditions
ANM102 Leading Coastal Environmental Studies
ANM103 Active Lifestyle Nutrition
ANM104 Advanced Sports Nutrition
LFS100 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
SCI102 Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
SCI110 Motor Control and Learning
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
ANM201 Animal Ecology Field Course
ANM203 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ENS213 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
ENS222 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
ENS282 Cell Biology
ANM301 Biodiversity and Ecology
ANM302 Science Research Methods
ENS316 Animal Ecophysiology
ENS317 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
Tourism, Leisure and Event Management courses:
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
BUS101 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
BUS102 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
BUS104 Coastal and Marine Ecology
BUS105 Animal Behaviour
BUS106 Global-Change Ecology
BUS108 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
TSM102 Coastal Conservation Planning
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
BUS203 Exploring Business Research
IBS220 Economics for Business
TSM200 Discovering Management
TSM223 Marketing Essentials
BUS306 Accounting for Business
BUS320 Information Systems in Organisations
TSM300 The World of Tourism, Leisure and Events
TSM313 Business Law
TSM315 Cross-Cultural Management
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
A program may not be offered in full at each location.
Total units: 384
Program requirements and notes
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit point 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
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Students in this program will be expected to purchase personal protective equipment (laboratory coat, safety glasses, closed footwear) for use during practical work at USC. Nominal contributions to cover costs of field trips and travel to workplace learning activities may be required.