Program Overview

Foundation Studies prepares you for a successful transition to degree-level study, providing a pathway to the first year of study of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.

This course is suited to you if you:

• Need an entrance qualification for Murdoch University
• Want to accelerate your university preparation after Year 11, or equivalent
• Want to change your degree stream after Year 11, or equivalent

Course Structure
For Foundation Studies you will complete eight units over two study periods, studying a combination of core and elective units. The units you will undertake will be determined by your chosen degree. All students must complete the two English units and at least one unit from each Discipline Group.

Each unit of study builds concepts from an introductory level through to university entrance level. The units are designed to develop your learning techniques as well as bridging gaps in your unit knowledge.

• English
  • Essential Australian Studies
  • Introduction to Academic Communication
• Mathematics
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Science
• Science and Technology
  • Information Technology for Academic Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
• The Arts
  • Introduction to Media
  • Media Production
• Business and Legal Studies
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Economics

Leading to: Bachelor of Science (Environmental and Conservation Sciences)
Focus on a field of science that interests you – Conservation and Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science and Management or Marine Biology.

In this course you will develop a deep understanding of environmental and conservation theory, gain practical experience and build connections with industry and the community, to ensure you have the skills needed for a career in managing the environment and conserving threatened species and communities.

You will develop practical, creative-thinking, problem-solving, and data-analysis skills, both inside, and outside the classroom, helping solve some of the world’s most complex problems. You will also contribute to real-world research projects at our on-campus conservation category wetlands and banksia woodlands or at exciting locations across Western Australia, including our iconic coastlines or our diverse bushlands.

You might also choose to expand your career prospects even further with a double major in a complementary scientific area or a double degree in another discipline, such as law, business, management or communications.

Major: Conservation and Wildlife Biology
As Australia’s population expands, and human activities impact the natural landscape, the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems and endangered species grows. Combine your passion for the environment with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge on how to manage and preserve fragile ecosystems and endangered species and communities.

Throughout your studies you will gain a solid understanding of a range of biological disciplines and their application to the conservation of biota.

You will be immersed in wildlife research through case studies and field experience and gain an understanding of the social, political and economic context in which conservation policy is developed. You will learn applied skills that are in high demand from employers including advanced training in laboratory and field survey techniques from staff with applied experience.

3 reasons to study Conservation and Wildlife Biology at Murdoch

• Preserve fragile ecosystems and conserve endangered species
• Gain practical experience through regular fieldwork at the bushland reserves on-campus which support native plants and fauna
• Get involved with new conservation initiatives, network with experts and become job ready

Develop your skills
Complete case studies and field experience to build essential skills in wildlife survey and conservation initiatives. Some of the things you’ll learn include:

• Gaining a detailed understanding of biology as well as the social, political and economic context of conservation.
• Technical field and laboratory skills to study plants and animals, and the knowledge you’ll need for a career in biodiversity conservation.
• Subjects such as ecology, environmental biology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, genetics and evolution, Australian biodiversity and environmental policy and law.