Biodiversity
Postgraduate Coursework in Biodiversity
(Mid-year entry
application closing date: 25th July 2008 for all three courses.)
- Graduate Certificate in Biodiversity
- Graduate Diploma in Biodiversity
- Master of Biodiversity
The stuff of life biodiversity is being threatened on every continent and sea on the planet, and the threat is growing. Only by studying biodiversity can we better manage ecosystems, and improve the conservation outlook for many habitats and species.
| Fast Facts |
| Course Level: | Postgraduate |  |
| Course Length: | Graduate Certificate - 0.5 years full time (18 units)
Graduate Diploma - 1 year full time (36 units)
Master - 2 years full time (72 units) |
| Location: | Taught on-campus at Flinders. |
| Available To: |
Australian (Commonwealth Supported) and international students. |
| Entry Requirements: |
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate must normally hold an approved
degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary
institution. Applicants for the Graduate Diploma or Masters who do not
hold the Graduate Certificate in Biodiversity must hold an approved
degree with appropriate biological content, or equivalent qualification
from an approved tertiary institution. |
| Course Program Details: | A program of study
of the
Graduate Certificate of Biodiversity,
Graduate Diploma of Biodiversity and
Master of Biodiversity are available in the University's Course Information Handbook. |
About the Course
Why study biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life on
Earth, from the simplest bacterial gene to vast, complex rainforests. It is the
number and variety of animal, plant, fungi and microbes which inhabit the Earth,
the genetic variation within them, and the complex ecological communities that
they create. This variety of life has evolved over hundreds of millions of
years.
The conservation of biodiversity is
attracting increasing international and national attention as species are lost
through habitat destruction or fragmentation, and introduced animal or plant
species invade formerly pristine wilderness. Knowledgeable professionals who
have studied biodiversity in depth are needed to halt this march and help
restore some losses.
What will I study?
These courses offer students a broad
biodiversity coverage designed to engender an overall appreciation and
understanding of the scientific principles underlying biodiversity assessment,
conservation and management. The overview is backed up by specialist topics, all
with a practical bent and trips to the field.
Students can choose one of three streams
of study: Terrestrial Biodiversity, Marine Biodiversity, or Ecotourism and
Biodiversity. All three impart knowledge and practical skills, and give students
the flexibility to choose studies to complement their own interests and
professional needs.
The focus is on the Australian
environment, particularly the local temperate and arid zones, but the principles
learned can be transferred to any environment in the world. International
students are able to take the message home. The global decline of biodiversity
is also the subject of much attention in the course.
Researchers in the
biodiversity and ecology cluster at Flinders University, who teach this
course and who have a strong presence in biodiversity studies nationally and
internationally, are currently examining:
- Behavioural ecology and evolution of Australian lizards, birds, ants, bees, thrips and marine invertebrates
- Evolution and speciation of coastal and inland plants
- Palaeontology of Quaternary fossil deposits and impacts of climate change
- Interactions of parasite and host populations
- Ecology, invasion, impact and control of introduced weed species
- Impacts of aquaculture and fishing activities on marine biodiversity
- Impacts of mining activity on terrestrial biodiversity
- Molecular phylogenetics of native biota
- Systematics and conservation of Australian dryland plant groups
Students can expect to gain competence in a range of
commonly employed and appropriate field, laboratory and computer methods, as
well as written and oral communication, problem solving and critical thinking
skills.
The courses articulate and the sequentially developed
topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed
the Graduate Certificate are awarded credit towards the Graduate
Diploma. Candidates who have completed the
Graduate Diploma are awarded credit towards the Masters.
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How can I use biodiversity knowledge in my career?
Graduates can expect to seek employment with:
- Commonwealth, State and Local Government organisations involved with biodiversity assessment, conservation and management (including CSIRO, National Parks, water authorities, land management authorities, museums, herbaria, local councils),
- education bodies,
- research and development authorities,
- consultancy firms,
- industry and private companies, and
- environmental groups.
The Masters course can also be a pathway to a PhD for those who dont have an honours degree. The research
possibilities in the School of Biological Sciences at Flinders are particularly exciting.
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Why come to Flinders University in Adelaide?
This postgraduate program is unique in
South Australia for its specific focus on the broad issues of biodiversity, but
with the backup of topics suitable for people who wish to increase their
knowledge of a particular group of organisms.
Flinders University has designated Bioknowledge: Understanding and Interpreting Australian Biodiversity and Landscapes as one of its 15 Areas of Strategic Research Investment.
Biodiversity researchers at Flinders University have established strong collaborative partnerships with the
SA Museum, Adelaide Zoo, and the Department for Environment and Heritage.
These collaborations provide an extra depth to the course content and differing perspectives to broaden the strength of the overview approach.
Surveys have ranked Flinders University highly
among Australian universities for student satisfaction, teaching quality,
teaching and research links, employer satisfaction with students and research
spending and publication rate. The student population is about 15,600, with
international students making up about 12%. The campus boasts halls of residence
and off-campus, affordable accommodation is available nearby. Regular and
frequent public transport services the campus on several routes.
Affordable Adelaide, capital of the state of South
Australia, is a city of about 1 million people with an eye to the future a
future you can be part of, for the time of your course or the rest of your life.
It has the lowest cost of living of all major Australian cities. The state
government has a focus on sustainability and is developing, in collaboration
with private enterprise, a vibrant, innovative culture that looks to a bright
future quality of life in a sustainable environment.
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Entry Requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate must normally hold an approved degree
or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Applicants
for the Graduate Diploma or Masters who do not hold the Graduate Certificate in
Biodiversity must hold an approved degree with appropriate biological content,
or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.
Australian Students
Australian students should contact:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 2515 or 1800 803 131 (freecall within Australia)
Fax: (08) 8201 3399
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au
International Students
CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:
- Tuition fees
- Course entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Australian visa and health cover requirements
For further information about studying in Australia:
Ask Flinders - International enquiry form
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax (+ 618) 8201 3177
Ask Flinders about any aspect of University life.
Apply Now!
If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then:
International Students:
Australian Students:
Three easy steps:
- Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website
- Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your
application
- Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart
applications are free.
If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you
will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed
until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or
permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStartCourse Fees
In 2008 these courses have been approved to have Commonwealth Supported (CS)
places.
These courses are also offered on a fee-paying basis. See the appropriate fee schedule for
Australian students and
International Students. Contact the relevant faculty office for further information.
Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services on (08) 8201 3143 for details.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:
Admissions Office
Science & Engineering
Course Co-ordinator
Last reviewed April 2008.
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