Bachelor of Science (Environmental and Conservation Sciences) Major in Marine Biology and Conservation and Wildlife Biology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at Murdoch University is a hands-on, purpose-driven degree for curious, nature-loving students who want to make a real difference for the planet. You’ll dive into how ecosystems function, learn to protect threatened species, and master scientific tools—from fieldwork to data analysis—that help tackle real environmental challenges both in Australia and beyond.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Your first year lays the groundwork in scientific thinking and environmental understanding. You’ll explore units like Foundations of the Environment, Environmental Biology, and Ecology, discovering how the natural world works and how scientists ask questions and solve problems. Expect plenty of lab and field experiences where you’ll start seeing science in action.

Year 2:
In your second year, the focus shifts to real-world applications. Units such as Applied Ecological Approaches, Environmental Management, and Marine Wildlife Populations and Management take you beyond the classroom, from local wetlands to coastal ecosystems. You’ll also have the chance to tailor your studies through electives or professional units that reflect your growing interests.

Year 3:
By your final year, it’s all about putting your skills into practice. Advanced topics like Marine Ecology, Tropical Marine Biology, or Liveaboard Oceanography (depending on your chosen major) offer immersive field experiences, capstone projects, and professional placements. You’ll finish ready to step confidently into a career, research role, or further study.

Focus Areas: Environmental science, conservation biology, ecosystem management

Learning Outcomes: Graduates are equipped to analyse environmental data, lead conservation initiatives, design solutions for real-world ecological problems, and communicate science with confidence.

Professional Alignment: This degree is fully accredited and designed around industry needs. From field training to professional experiences, the course prepares you to be job-ready from day one.

Reputation & Employability: Murdoch University is recognised globally, consistently ranking among the top ~430 in the QS World University Rankings and 401–500 in the Times Higher Education list. Known for strong teaching quality, graduate employability, and a focus on sustainability, your degree will be respected by employers worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What’s truly exciting about Murdoch’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences (B1399) is how quickly you start doing real science — in real places — not just sitting in classrooms. From day one, you’ll be developing practical, career-ready skills: using industry-standard field and lab techniques, analysing real data, solving environmental problems, and even contributing to genuine research projects. This isn’t about memorising facts in isolation — it’s about engaging with ecosystems, learning from experts, and gaining the hands-on experience that employers in conservation, environmental management, wildlife biology, and marine science are looking for. It’s the kind of learning that leaves you feeling capable, confident, and truly prepared for a career in the environment sector.

Here’s how you’ll get your hands dirty and your skills growing:

Field research in real ecosystems – from Western Australia’s coastlines and bushlands to environments right on campus.
On-campus conservation areas – study and work in Murdoch’s wetlands and banksia woodlands, getting up close with native plants and wildlife like turtles, quenda, and Carnaby’s black cockatoos.
Laboratory skills – learn and practice industry-standard techniques to collect, record, analyse, and interpret environmental data.
Guided fieldwork – build practical conservation and environmental science skills under the mentorship of experienced practitioners and researchers.
Teamwork and problem-solving – develop leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills through hands-on, field-based projects.

By the time you graduate, you won’t just have knowledge — you’ll have real experience. That means stepping into your first environmental science role feeling confident, capable, and ready to make an impact.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Murdoch University’s Bachelor of Commerce — what it can do for you

Step into the professional world with confidence. Murdoch’s Bachelor of Commerce doesn’t just teach business theory — it equips you with the adaptability, critical thinking, and real-world experience employers are looking for. Graduates often move into meaningful roles across industries, whether as an accountant, business analyst, human resource advisor, or account manager — and that’s just the beginning. The skills you gain here make it easier to pivot into emerging areas of business, both in Australia and internationally.

Here’s how Murdoch supports you along the way:

Career support that actually works
From day one, Murdoch’s Careers and Employability team is in your corner. They’ll help you plan your career, polish your resume, ace interviews, and connect you with real job opportunities. You’ll also gain confidence through employability modules, networking events, and guidance that’s designed to make you stand out to employers.

Real workplace experience built into your degree
This isn’t just learning from textbooks. Through work-integrated learning, industry projects, and mentoring programs with business leaders, you’ll see how theory works in real business settings — giving you experience that matters before you even graduate.

Connections that expand your professional world
Murdoch has strong partnerships across industries, helping feed internships, networking opportunities, and employer connections straight into your Commerce experience. You’ll start building relationships with organisations you want to work with — giving your career a head start.

Support for international students
Joining from overseas? Murdoch offers tailored help to ease your transition into the Australian job market. From workshops on work rights to practical career-building strategies, you’ll get guidance that helps you step confidently into professional life.

A credential that opens doors
A Bachelor of Commerce from Murdoch signals to employers that you’ve mastered business fundamentals, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It’s the kind of qualification that prepares you for entry-level roles while giving you the foundation to grow into leadership, consultancy, or specialist positions.

Opportunities to keep growing
If you want to dive deeper after your undergraduate degree, there are clear pathways. You could continue with honours, a Master of Commerce, an MBA, or other specialised business master’s degrees. Some students even combine commerce with postgraduate qualifications in finance, marketing, or human resource management. Whatever path you choose, it builds on the solid foundation you gain at Murdoch and positions you for long-term career success.