About the Course

Course Description:

Conservation and Land Management involves the use, maintenance, conservation and effective management of our natural resources including flora, fauna and water. Since European settlement, these resources have been poorly managed and we now face serious issues such as soil structure decline, water pollution and threatened flora and fauna species.

Aims & Objectives:

Students have the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge in environmental science and specialise in the development of management strategies for the sustainable use of our resources.

Course Structure:

Students undertake a range of competencies over the two years. A total of 10 units of competency must be completed. During the second year, a choice of competencies will be offered. With a substantial practical component in the course, participants will be required to work and liaise with a range of community, government and professional organisations and individuals to achieve competence.

Units of Study:

First Year studies
Students will undertake the following competencies:

Plan Erosion and Sediment Control Measures (RTD5203A – 120 hours)
Geology, hydrogeology, soils and mapping skills are included in this competency. Students are introduced to the relevant legislative requirements.
 
Conduct Field Research into Natural and Cultural Resources (RTD5502A – 200 hours)
Ecological principles, techniques, cultural resources and the natural resource industry are investigated. Communication skills are included in this competency.
 
Conduct Biological surveys (RTC5519A – 200 hours)
Plant and animal identification skills and the recognition of vegetation and ecological communities are included.
 
Plan River Restoration Works (RTD5522A – 150 hours)
Students develop skills in aquatic management, river restoration techniques, wetland management and hydrology.
 
Collect and Classify Plants (RTD5011A – 120 hours)
The classification system, plant collections, occupational health and safety in the field, the use of GPS and computer technology are covered in this competency.

Second Year studies
A selection will be offered from the following units:
Manage Natural Area Restoration Programs ( RTD5003A )
Define the Pest Problem in a regional or broader context (RTD5401A)
Assess applications for legislative compliance (RTD5501A)
Design a Natural Area Restoration Project (RTD5503A)
Develop a Management Plan for a Designated Area (RTC5504A)
Develop Conservation Strategies for Cultural Resources (RTD5507A)
Produce Maps for Land Management Purposes (RTD4507A)
Manage Restoration of Cultural Places (RTD5511A)
Plan Burning Activities for Natural and Cultural Resource Management (FPINCR033A)
Provide Specialist Advice to Clients (RTC5801A)
Devise and Conduct Community Consultation (LGACOM502A)
Prepare Reports (RTC5914A)
Conduct Comprehensive Inspection of Park Facilities (RTC5201A)
Manage Fauna Populations (RTD5120A)
Manage Wildfire Hazard Reduction Programs (RTD5513A)
Develop and Manage a Chemical Use Strategy (RTC5702A)
Develop a Strategy for the Management of Target Pests (RTD5402A)

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

• Forest/Park/Catchment Management.
• Ecotourism
• Environmental Science Research
• Revegetation/Land Rehabilitation
• Hydrography
• Irrigation/Ground Water Management
• Environmental Education

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

Successful completion of Year 12 or recognised equivalent, or mature age. It is strongly recommended that applicants should have completed at least one VCE unit in each of English, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Applicants without these or similar studies may require bridging studies. Applicants preferably need to show a commitment to Conservation and Land Management by involvement in practical work in a related area.

ENTER:

Individual offer

Credit Transfer:

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Pathways (articulation):

An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering TAFE courses can be found on the RPL website.

Course Fees:

TAFE course fees are set by the government, and from 1 January 2008 the fees payable by students enrolled in the TAFE division may be made up of the following:

• Tuition fee ($1.37 per student contact hour)
• Amenities fee
• Materials charges (where applicable)
• Ancillary fee (where applicable)

Concession fees apply for health care card holders.

For full details on TAFE fees, visit the student fees website.

Application Procedure:

Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

VTAC code: 70751

For further information, visit the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au

All applicants must contact the Department of Horticulture and Environmental Sciences to receive further information with regard to a preliminary selection session.

Find Out More

Information Sessions:

2008 Open Day

Sunday 17 August

10:00 am - 4:00 pm               

Only at Hawthorn, Lilydale and Prahran campuses.

For more information, visit www.swinburne.edu.au/openday

Further information: