Biodiversity
A postgraduate program
Fast facts
Course type: | Postgraduate (coursework) |
| Availability (full-time or part-time): | Full-time |
| Location: | On campus |
Courses
| Course name | Units | Duration (full-time equivalent) | GradStart code | CRICOS code |
| Graduate Certificate in Biodiversity | 18 units | 6 months | 2GC073 | 051840D |
| Graduate Diploma in Biodiversity | 36 units | 1 year | 2GD043 | 051841C |
| Master of Biodiversity | 72 units | 2 years | 2CM058 | 051842B |
Overview
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.
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.
What will I study?
Refer to the program of study: Why study Biodiversity at Flinders?
- 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, Zoos SA, 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.
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 don’t have an honours degree. The research possibilities in the School of Biological Sciences at Flinders are particularly exciting.
Entry requirements
Domestic students
| International students
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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. | 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. English language requirements: If English is not your 1st language you must meet English language requirements. | ||||
Applications
Domestic students | International students | ||
| Mid-year entry:
| Yes | Mid-year entry:
| No (Available for Masters) |
| Apply through: | SATAC - GradStart | Apply through: | International Office |
| Application closing dates: | Semester 1, 2009: 20 February 2009 | Application closing dates: | Semester 1, 2009: 30 November 2008 Semester 2, 2009: 31 May 2009 |
Annual fees
Note: Domestic student fees are indicative only. Further information: How are these fees calculated?
Contact
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Hotline: 1800 803 131 (local call cost)
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au
Course Coordinator: Dr Greg Johnston
Tel: +61 8 8201 5677
Email: greg.johnston@flinders.edu.au
General domestic students information
Web: Prospective students
Enquiries: Admissions/Prospective Students Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
Fax (08) 8201 2580
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au
General international students information
Enquiries: Ask Flinders
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