Postgraduate: Course rule and topic information

Master of Tourism (Biodiversity)

(MTourism (Biod))

INTRODUCTION

The Master of Tourism is a 72-unit coursework degree which is part of the Graduate Program in Tourism offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology.

The Biodiversity stream is offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering in partnership with the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology.

The degree is offered on a fee-paying basis and may be taken over four semesters full-time, or the equivalent part-time.

The Master of Tourism articulates with the 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Tourism and the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Tourism.

COURSE AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Master of Tourism aims to meet the research needs of graduates with an interest in tourism, enabling them to undertake an in depth research-focused study. It aims to increase the theoretical and research skills required to develop appropriate depth of understanding of issues in tourism.

It draws on both theoretical and practical material and provides the opportunity for students to apply both the principles and practical aspects of the course.

Learning outcomes

On completion of their degree, students will have developed a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in their discipline and a range of transferable professional skills.

Subject knowledge - Tourism

The course aims to:

provide students with a broad understanding of the role of their specialised field in tourism, both in Australia and worldwide;
implement research concepts in their specialised tourism field and examine how they reflect the arts, culture and/or heritage of a place;
develop effective independent research and analysis skills in a variety of disciplines;
produce graduates who will act ethically as professionals within their specialised field of the tourism industry; and
develop a framework for tourism management with the opportunity to apply this framework to specific case studies both on and offshore.

Subject knowledge - Biodiversity

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

understand the concepts, techniques and implementation of biodiversity and conservation assessment,
understand the quantification of visitor impacts on visitor attractions,
demonstrate knowledge of particular groups of organisms and/or ecosystems;
be familiar with concepts, techniques and implementation strategies for interpretation; and
employ skills in biodiversity assessment and conservation strategy.

Transferable professional skills

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

employ scientific methodologies such as experimental design, and the critical analysis of data;
communicate and present information clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms;
interact effectively as part of a team in order to work towards a common outcome;
work and learn independently;
reason critically and logically and make independent judgements;
engage effectively with information and communication technologies;
demonstrate research skills appropriate for further study and employment; and
appreciate the need for continuing professional development.

COURSE RULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must normally hold a Graduate Diploma in Tourism or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Applicants for the Biodiversity stream who do not hold the Graduate Diploma in Tourism (Biodiversity) must normally hold an approved Bachelor degree or equivalent from an approved tertiary institution which includes a major in Biological Sciences, or Tourism, or a related discipline (eg hospitality, marketing etc).

However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances, and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

CREDIT

Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Tourism may be eligible to receive 36 units of credit towards the Master of Tourism. No more than 12 units of unspecified credit at masters level may be granted towards the Master of Tourism.

PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]

To meet the requirements of the Biodiversity stream, students must complete the following topics:

TOUR8201

Essentials of Interpretation

6

TOUR8202

Interpretation Practice

6

TOUR8203

Applied Interpretation

6

and
(b) at least 6 units from:

BIOD8101

Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology

6

BIOD8006

Advanced Community Ecology

6

plus 12 units selected from*:

BIOD8101

Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology

6

BIOD8002

Ecotourism: Principles and Practice

6

BIOD8005

Advanced Vertebrate Palaeontology

6

BIOD8006

Advanced Community Ecology

6

BIOD8007

Australian Floral Diversity

6

BIOD8009

Biodiversity Research Project

6

BIOD8016

Animal and Plant Biodiversity

6

TOUR8107

Research Methods

6

* alternative topics may be chosen, subject to approval by the Biodiversity program coordinator.