Why Bachelor of Science (Honours)?
Curious about the natural world but want a competitive edge in your career?
Many jobs now require applied science and research experience. This is where an honours program can help you stand out.
Ecology skills are relevant across many different sectors, including agriculture, energy, mining, development and climate adaptation. Ecology also has a growing role in business, planning and natural resource management.
In this degree, you’ll learn about complex ecosystems and experience scientific research first-hand. Connect with experts, networks and real-world projects. Contribute to real conservation efforts and environmental solutions. Build the skills to tackle environmental problems, protect habitats and support a more sustainable future.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Science (Honours) is a four-year degree that combines core science knowledge with advanced research skills.
In the Ecology major, you’ll study plants, animals, people and the places they live. You’ll conduct ecological fieldwork and surveys. Learn how to ask scientific questions and understand patterns in nature. Get used to collecting, interpreting and communicating data.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through placements and projects. Meet experts in the field. Investigate habitat loss, food webs, pollution, climate change, resource management, restoration and conservation.
You’ll graduate with strong critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills, with a competitive edge for lab-based roles. Or, use this degree as an important foundation for postgraduate research.
Key features
Explore how ecosystems function and change over time. - Work in purpose-built laboratories with industry-standard equipment and technologies.
- Gain real-world experience through a professional placement.
- Design and complete an independent project in the field.
- Specialise and shape your study around what matters most to you.
- Opens doors to jobs that demand research experience in government, consultancy and conservation.
What you'll learn
In this flexible, four-year degree, you’ll study a mix of core science courses and specialised ecology subjects.
In the Ecology major, you’ll learn about common concepts – and advanced issues in the field. This includes marine ecology, where you’ll research the behaviour, habitats and changing conditions of marine wildlife. You'll also explore how human activity affects ecosystems in Australia and around the planet and what can be done to protect them.
You’ll study biology and evolution. Take zoology and botany courses. Build skills in research, fieldwork and data analysis. Undertake a placement or project on a topic of your choice.
Through electives, you can choose to study things like:
- Data skills for scientists
- Mathematics
- Conservation biology
- Plant identification
- Marine and wildlife conservation
- Molecular methods in ecology and evolution
- Evolutionary biology
- GIS for agriculture and natural resources
- Earth observation for environmental sciences.
If travel is calling your name, you can even take off on a science study tour.
In your honours year, you’ll study advanced courses and complete an independent research project in ecology. This will prepare you for real-world work in research and conservation.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:
- Animal Behaviour
- Chemistry
- Genetics
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Environmental Science
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Physics and Geophysics
- Plant Biology
- Soil Science.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 144 units for Majors, and
- 6 to 18 units for Work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 1
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 2
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Biological Sciences
|
Course code
BIOL4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Zoology
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Botany
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 1
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 2
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Biological Sciences
|
Course code
BIOL4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
Complete 6 to 18 units comprising:
- One of the following:
- 12 units from Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry and Pure and Applied Chemistry work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Animal Behaviour work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Animal Science work integrated learning, or
- 18 units for all Biochemistry and Biotechnology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Computational Physics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Ecology and Marine and Wildlife Conservation work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Environmental and Geospatial Science and Environmental Science work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Evolutionary Biology work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Experimental Physics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Food Science and Technology work integrated learning, or
- 18 units from Genetics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geology and Geology and Earth Resources work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geology and Palaeontology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geophysics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Medicinal and Biological Chemistry work integrated learning, or
- 18 units for all Microbiology and Immunology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units from Nuclear and Radiation Physics and Theoretical Physics work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Physics and Geophysics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Plant Biology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Soil Science work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Space Science and Astrophysics work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 6 units from Additional work integrated learning - Optional
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Inorganic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour
|
Course code
ANIM3900
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Skills in Animal Science
|
Course code
ANIM3005
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biochemistry 3: Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Geospatial Field Project
|
Course code
ENVI3014
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3B
|
Course code
BIOL2016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3A
|
Course code
BIOL3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Geoscience Program 3
|
Course code
EART3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3001
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Immunology Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3012
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Landscape Evolution 3
|
Course code
EART3006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 1
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 2
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Biological Sciences
|
Course code
BIOL4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
Complete 0 to 48 units comprising:
- 0 to 48 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 1
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 2
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Biological Sciences
|
Course code
BIOL4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Biological Sciences
|
Course code
BIOL4001
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 1
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 2
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Biological Sciences
|
Course code
BIOL4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 6 units from Level 3 selective courses - List 1, and
- 6 units from Level 3 selective courses - List 2
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Marine Ecology
|
Course code
BIOL3032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Freshwater Ecology
|
Course code
BIOL3034
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Conservation Biology
|
Course code
BIOL3037
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Earth Observation for the Environmental Sciences
|
Course code
ECOL3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI3011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 1
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Level 3 selective courses - List 2
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Biological Sciences
|
Course code
BIOL4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Honours Biological Sciences Project
|
Course code
BIOL4002
|
Units
36
|
Career outcomes
Studying ecology can lead to work in research, conservation and policy, where you’ll use science to understand and protect the planet.
You could be a consultant, surveying ecosystems and advising on how to protect them during development projects. You might lead monitoring programs for a government science agency. Perhaps you’ll pursue your master’s or PhD in ecology.
You could also be a:
- Field ecologist
- Natural resource manager
- Climate change analyst
- Restoration ecologist
- Environmental policy advisor
- Marine ecologist
- Vegetation management officer
- Ecological data analyst
- Impact assessment officer.
Industry trends
Jobs in environmental science have jumped 45.6% in the past decade, with more growth expected still (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). As climate pressure builds, your ecology skills will be in demand to help manage the environment and guide more sustainable ways of living. The advanced research experience you gain from your honours year will boost your job prospects and help you stand out in a growing field.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
