Master of Applied Science (Wildlife Health & Population Management)

This course is a unique combination of the veterinary and biological sciences, which emphasises the need for a multidisciplinary team approach in the development of wildlife management strategies.

Overview

The units of study in this course bring together the disciplines of animal health and wildlife population management, providing students with a coordinated approach to recognising and solving problems in both wild and captive populations. This course would suit anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of wildlife conservation to include wildlife health and population management, particularly:

• recent graduates in Science or Veterinary Science
• practising veterinarians
• officers in local, state and federal government agencies involved in environmental science, environmental management or natural resource management who wish to extend their knowledge to wildlife health and the management of native and pest animal species
• environmental consultants

University of Sydney Advantage

This program is unique in providing interdisciplinary understanding encompassing study from both the Faculties of Science and Veterinary Science. Students are exposed to a large pool of world-class researchers and teachers available in the Sydney region. Most field work in the program will be conducted at the University of Sydney’s 7800 hectare property “Arthursleigh”, located near Marulan in NSW. This will involve periods from several days to a week, using accommodation on the property. Some units are conducted in Royal National Park and Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

Degree Expectations

After studying the course you should expect to have:

• health and other problems in wildlife populations
• integrated understanding of animal health and management
• conceptual understanding of issues in conservation and pest management
• practical application of field and laboratory methods
• appreciation of ethical issues in wildlife studies, with emphasis on animal welfare
• detailed understanding of the ecology and status of Australian wildlife
• experience relevant for employment in government, non-government agencies and private industry

Mode of Delivery

The course is carried out at a number of sites, including the University’s Camden campus, “Arthursleigh”, the Royal National Park and Western Plains Zoo. Each wildlife unit of study has a one week full-time component at one or more of these sites, with the remainder of the unit involving the use of assessed projects that are carried out in the students’ own time. research Projects are tailored to address important ecological and environmental issues.

Students take core and optional units of study that comprise different combinations of lectures, seminars, tutorials, field trips and/or practical sessions, and private study. Training involves study of the theoretical background of topics in wildlife health and population management, as well as obtaining hands-on skills in sampling field populations and diagnosing management problems. Emphasis is placed on using scientific methodology in all aspects of wildlife investigations.

Admission Requirements

• Admission to these programs requires a completed Bachelor’s degree in Science, Veterinary Science or equivalent.

Degree Requirements

GradCertApplSc(WildHlth&PopMan)
– satisfactory completion of 24 credit points

GradDipApplSc(WildHlth&PopMan)
– satisfactory completion of 36 credit points

MAppSc(WildHlth&PopMan)
– satisfactory completion of 48 credit points, including a supervised research
project

Non-degree students are encouraged to take individual units, in which case recognition of successful completion of units will be provided through a Certificate of Attainment awarded by the Faculty of Science. Units completed can later be credited to the award qualifications.

Units of Study

Up-to-date list of units of study.

After Graduation

Successful completion of this program should provide opportunities for employment in government and nongovernment conservation agencies, or any other agency with natural resource management responsibilities. Other potential employment opportunities would be curatorial positions in zoos and wildlife parks, in game farming enterprises, in ecotourism operations and in environmental consultancies. Some graduates may also wish to undertake further research towards a PhD.

Annual Intake

There is no quota for this course.

Minimum Course Duration - Full Time

GradCertApplSc(WildHlth&PopMan) – 0.5 year

GradDipApplSc(WildHlth&PopMan) – 1 year

MAppSc(WildHlth&PopMan) – 1 year

Minimum Course Duration – Part Time

GradCertApplSc(WildHlth&PopMan) – 1 year

GradDipApplSc(WildHlth&PopMan) – 1.5 years

MAppSc(WildHlth&PopMan) – 2 years

Is Mid-Year Entry Available?

No