Conservation and Restoration

Conservation and Restoration is offered as a major field of study in the Master of Environment degree.

Biodiversity loss is one of the key environmental challenges globally. Sustainable societies depend on successful conservation and restoration of this diversity, at genetic, species, community and landscape scales.

Students will explore the biophysical and social factors shaping endeavours to conserve and restore wildlife and vegetation. They will develop skills for planning and managing biodiversity at species, community and landscape scales. The cross-faculty teaching program ensures students have a sound understanding of the ecological principles underpinning conservation and restoration, and an appreciation of the political and community dimensions of establishing and implementing these plans.

The major is suitable for people with undergraduate studies and/or professional work experience in life sciences, forestry, natural resource management, agriculture, parks and wildlife management, and environmental engineering. It is also an appropriate major for government and industry professionals working in conservation and development who are looking to upgrade or link their skills to environmental management.

Graduates can expect to find employment in regulatory agencies, local and state government authorities, environmental consulting companies, and industries with international interests in developing economies

Students who complete the Master of Environment will have:

• Knowledge to undertake professional practice in environment or sustainability, including:
  • Specialised knowledge in an environmental discipline or field of practice, including knowledge of recent developments in this field
  • Knowledge of the cross-disciplinary nature of environmental issues and professional practice to promote sustainable futures
  • Knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to specialist field of environmental inquiry
• Skills for collaborative and creative problem solving in environmental practice, including:
  • Ability to critically analyse and synthesise environmental knowledge
  • Ability to envision environmental change and propose pathways to realise this change
  • Ability to communicate complex environmental knowledge and research effectively to a range of audiences
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams
  • Technical skills for professional practice and research in field of specialisation
• Demonstrated capacity to:
• Exercise well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner in an environmental discipline or professional field
• Plan and execute a substantial project in an area of environmental research or practice

Upon successful completion of the Conservation and Restoration specialisation, students will be able to:

• Analyse the biophysical and social factors influencing ecosystem and species functioning at genetic, species, community and landscape scales.
• Propose strategies and plans for conserving and restoring ecosystems
• Collaborate with professionals from across disciplines and sectors to develop, implement and evaluate conservation and restoration plans

Students will be required to complete the two core subjects, plus choose three subjects from the compulsory specialisation subject list. Students in the 200 point pathway must also take at least 12.5 points of subjects from the compulsory capstone subjects – these subjects enable students to complete an independent project related to professional practices in ecosystem and species management. Students in the 100 point pathway will not normally be required to complete this component. Students must also undertake electives to make up the balance of the award. The selection of electives is made in consultation with the Conservation and Restoration major coordinator. A full list of subjects available within this specialisation can be found here:

http://environment.unimelb.edu.au/courses/streams/conservation_restoration_and_landscape_management

Core subjects

Students must complete the following core subjects:

Compulsory Specialisation Subjects

Students must complete three of the following subjects:

Compulsory Capstone Experience

Students must complete at least 12.5 points from the following compulsory capstone subjects - please note that if you select either a 25 or 50 point subject that spreads across two semesters you must enrol into the subject in both semesters (your student centre will be able to assist with this). Students completing the 100 point pathway will normally be exempt from this requirement.

Elective Subjects

Students should make up the balance of the award with electives. Subjects in the list below are recommended. Other subjects may be taken with the approval of stream coordinator.