Career options for Biological Sciences at Murdoch University

Our Degrees are changing.

In 2014, Part I (first year) units will be introduced with Part II (second year and higher) units becoming available in subsequent years. Detailed information about Part II will be available here from mid-2014.

Find out more about our new degrees, or to get in touch and ask us what this means for you head to AskMurdoch. Continuing students can still access information for degrees commencing 2013 and prior in the Course Handbook.

Career options

The preservation of Australias natural environment has always been the mainstay of the Australian psyche. With the increasing impact humans have on the normal functioning of earths ecosystems, there is an increasing need for graduates with training and expertise in the management of ecosystems and conservation of wildlife. Therefore, as a Murdoch graduate in Biological Sciences, Conservation and Wildlife Biology or both, your employment outlook is excellent, especially if you combine either of these degrees with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specialisations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider, including extra majors and minors that will improve your prospects of achieving them.

Urban and Regional Planner

Planners promote the best use of a communitys land and resources for residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational purposes. Planners may be involved in various other activities, including making decisions relating to establishing alternative public transportation systems, developing resources, and protecting ecologically sensitive regions. Urban and Regional Planners address issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and the effects of growth and change on a community. They may formulate plans relating to the construction of new school buildings, public housing, or other kinds of infrastructure. Some Planners are involved in environmental issues ranging from pollution control to wetland preservation, forest conservation, and the location of new landfills. Planners also may be involved in drafting legislation on environmental, social, and economic issues, such as sheltering the homeless, planning a new park, or meeting the demand for new correctional facilities.

Biophysicist

Biophysicists apply the laws of physics to biology. A Biophysicist may develop and apply models and experimental techniques derived from physics e.g. electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to systems such as tissues or organs to benefit neuroscience or cardiology or muscle function.

Ecological Modeller / Environmental Ecologist

Ecological Modellers study ecosystems, the control of environmental pollution, and the management of resources. These Environmental Scientists may use mathematical modelling, systems analysis, thermodynamics, and computer techniques. Environmental Ecologists study the relationships between organisms and their environments and the effects of influences such as population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude. Utilizing their knowledge of various scientific disciplines, they may collect, study, and report data on air, food, soil, and water. Environmental Engineers develop plans to rehabilitate land, water and air affected by pollutants, logging, mining, farming, land degradation, grazing, land clearing, industrial and other activities that impact on the environment. They research questions like the disappearance of native animals and effluent in waterways, and negotiate with companies, industry, business and the public on such matters as they arise.