Master of Conservation Biology

Course summary

The Master of Conservation Biology is designed for students who seek further knowledge and skills in the biological sciences or seek to qualify for a postgraduate research degree.

What you will study

Areas covered include conservation biology, ecological and evolutionary physiology, marine and terrestrial ecology, and fisheries and aquaculture. Additional preparatory subjects focus on laboratory work and science communication skills. Candidates with appropriate qualifications and laboratory skills will be awarded advanced standing for these subjects.

This degree

The Master of Conservation Biology is a unique course as it provides you with the opportunity to extend your technical knowledge and use it to determine your competency in the specific discipline before choosing one of the three possible pathways (research or technical or management).

Students who perform at a distinction average (WAM) till 48CP will be able to choose either of the above options.

With the appropriate qualifications and laboratory skills, you can be awarded advanced standing for these preparatory subjects.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to demonstrate:

Exercise critical thinking and judgement in relation to concepts, perspectives and recent developments in conservation biology. Consolidate and synthesise knowledge of research principles and methods pertinent to conservation biology. Investigate, analyse and synthesise information, problems and theories associated with conservation biology. Consolidate field and laboratory skills in conservation biology and an appreciation of how these skills are applied in research. Plan, execute and communicate the results of substantial research-based initiatives in a reflective and ethical way for academic and professional practice. Exercise critical thinking, problem solving and reflection. Justify, interpret and communicate hypotheses, methodologies and conclusions.

Course Structure

To qualify for an award of the degree, the Master of Conservation Biology, a candidate must successfully complete at least 96 credit points, as outlined below.

Year 1

Autumn

Spring

To progress to Year 2 students must achieve a WAM ≥ 70% AND ≥ 70% in the discipline-based subjects (BIOL). If students have a WAM <70% and/or <70% in discipline-based subjects they must seek advice from the Head of Students regarding their progression into year 2.

Year 2

For students who commenced year one in spring session – please see Academic Programme Director (APD) for academic advice

Autumn

Spring

Students with a WAM of 75% or above:

Students with a WAM 60%-74%:

Students with a WAM less than 60%, select 24 credit points from the following list of Management subjects:

Why choose this course

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills in Australia is becoming a fast-growing area creating new and increased job prospects. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services is projected to increase by 10.2% from 2018 to 2023 reflecting ongoing strength in demand for the services of qualified and highly educated workers. Source: Employment Projections

Research in Biological Sciences at UOW spans many fields. The main areas are Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Animal Behaviour, Physiology & Systematics, Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology. The advantage is taken of the proximity of many natural and relatively undisturbed marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

Our researchers include academic staff, research associates, PhD, Masters Research and Honours students, as well as a range of collaborators in other institutions such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Agriculture, and the John Curtin School of Medical Research.

As all Science degrees include practical laboratory and/or fieldwork, you can take advantage of the superb local marine life, coastal landscapes, nearby rainforest escarpment and freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

Collaborations with industry and government researchers provide you with "real world" experience.

Admission

A range of admission options is available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures and the UOW College Admissions policy.

For any specific advice or questions regarding an application, please contact the Future Students Team.

Entry Requirements

A recognised Bachelor of Science degree that includes introductory-level subjects in the areas of general biology, ecology, genetics, evolution, physiology and statistics.

English Requirements for international students

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this programme:

IELTS Academic

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Listening: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based)

• Overall Score: 86
• Reading: 18
• Writing: 18
• Listening: 17
• Speaking: 17

UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing).

Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

UOW is young, dynamic, and innovative, and has become a benchmark for Australia’s new generation of universities. The quality of our teaching and research features prominently in national and international rankings, and we’re proud to be among the top one percent of universities in the world.

Harnessing our expertise and strength to create a positive impact in our local and global communities is at the forefront of everything we do and shapes our University’s purpose for the years to come.