Undergraduate Certificate in Animal Ecology
Learn about animals and turn your love of nature into a meaningful career. In this program, you’ll study animals in their natural habitats to better understand how we can protect their future. The Undergraduate Certificate in Animal Ecology provides a direct pathway (subject to meeting all other entry criteria) to the Bachelor of Animal Ecology.
In this program you will:
- Learn about biodiversity, conservation, human-animal interaction, and the impacts of a changing environment
- Study a wide range of marine and terrestrial wildlife, including sharks, snakes, birds, turtles and whales
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2023 fees (A$)
CSP Annual fee / Estimated total feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 4
- Total units
- 48
- Duration
- 6 months 6 months
- CRICOS code
- 110842J
- UniSC program code
- SC012
Required courses (4) 48 units
Select a total of 48 units from:
ANM100 Animal Ecology Field Course
ANM102 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ANM103 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
ANM104 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SCI113 Discovering Science
LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
Explore the likely peer cohort in the student profile data
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
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Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Fraser Coast | 55 |
| Moreton Bay | 55 |
| Sunshine Coast | 55 |
Additional entry information
Standard English language requirements apply.
- Recommended prior study
- English; one or more of the Sciences (Biology)
Program notes
- The Undergraduate Certificate in Animal Ecology is a pathway into the Bachelor of Animal Ecology, subject to meeting all other admission requirements.
- Completing this program within the specified (part-time) duration is based on studying 12-unit points in one semester and 36 units in a second semester and following the recommended study sequence.
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified.
- It is each student’s responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations.
Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
Career opportunities
- Collector and curator in museums
- Environmental educator
- Manager in Government and non-governmental agencies
- Manager in wildlife management and conservation organisations
- Practitioner in environmental monitoring and management
- Private environmental consulting
- Ranger
- Research assistant
- Researcher
- Specialist ecotourism guide
- With further study - Animal ecology specialist
Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Previous qualifications or experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
- CSP estimate
- A$4,148 - 2023 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2023)
- A$11,500
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2023)
- A$11,500
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to USC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Fraser Coast | 019709 |
| Moreton Bay | 014709 |
| Sunshine Coast | 013709 |
Student story
“On fieldwork excursions to Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) and K’gari (Fraser Island), I met a group of like-minded peers to study alongside and share these wonderful experiences."