Bachelor of Science (Conservation and Ecology)
Bachelor of Science (Conservation and Ecology)
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 2 - 17 Jul 2023
November Summer School - 13 Nov 2023
Semester 1 - 19 Feb 2024
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Qualification
Bachelors
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Duration
3 years full-time
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Credits
360
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
More than any other time in humanity’s history, there is a need for highly skilled, passionate conservation and ecology specialists to help protect and guide the bio-protection of our environment. This degree major offers a firm grounding in all the appropriate sciences, as well as important practical skills. If future-proofing the environment appeals to you, don’t waste a minute.
As the world changes, we need skilled experts to help sustain the health of the natural environment.
The Bachelor of Science- Conservation and Ecology major cultivates your potential by combining necessary academic learning with practical experience and industry connections.
Through your study and beyond, you’ll be able to contribute to the conservation and ecological activities of both private agencies and the New Zealand Government, as well as further afield.
As a recognised leader in land-based tertiary education, Lincoln is right at the cutting edge of this vital scientific field.
How you’ll grow
- Gain a solid scientific understanding of the causes and potential solutions to major conservation issues and challenges.
- Develop your knowledge of the biological sciences, including biology, ecology, geology, plant and animal science.
- Extend your skills with hands-on field trips and through practical laboratory work
- Learn from world-class scientists who are spearheading ground-breaking conservation and ecology research.
Career opportunities
This degree opens up careers in ecology, conservation, nature restoration and wildlife biology. You’ll be in demand amongst a wide range of organisations including local and regional councils, the Department Of Conservation, Predator-free New Zealand, Zero Invasive Predators, Fish and Game, the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Manaaki Whenua / Landcare Research, environmental consultancies, universities and non-governmental conservation organisations.
Upon successful completion of this degree programme, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science with a Conservation and Ecology major.
Programme information
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Biology (highly recommended)
- Chemistry
- Computing
- English (highly recommended)
- Geography / Social Studies
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics (highly recommended)
- PE / Outdoor education
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses, including at least one of PHSC 101, PHSC103 or PHSC 107, and at least one of ANSC 105 or PLSC 104, and at least two of ERST 330, ENTO 304, LASC 312, PLPT 305, PLPT 306, PLSC 325
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Please refer to the Academic Calendar for all of the suggested electives for the Bachelor of Science
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
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Entry requirements
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Biology (highly recommended)
- Chemistry
- Computing
- English (highly recommended)
- Geography / Social Studies
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics (highly recommended)
- PE / Outdoor education
-
Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses, including at least one of PHSC 101, PHSC103 or PHSC 107, and at least one of ANSC 105 or PLSC 104, and at least two of ERST 330, ENTO 304, LASC 312, PLPT 305, PLPT 306, PLSC 325
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Please refer to the Academic Calendar for all of the suggested electives for the Bachelor of Science
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
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Intake semesters
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
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Additional major
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
Programme Structure
Note: PHSC 107 is now ENSC 101. Please enrol in ENSC 101 for semester 1.
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'PHSC 107' | except-last-word }} {{ 'PHSC 107' | last-word }}
Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences
15 credits
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{{ 'BIOS 110' | except-last-word }} {{ 'BIOS 110' | last-word }}
Biological Sciences
15 credits
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B Sc Conservation and Ecology Electives*
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Elective
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'ECOL 103' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ECOL 103' | last-word }}
Ecology I: New Zealand Ecology and Conservation
15 credits
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B Sc Conservation and Ecology Electives*
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B Sc Conservation and Ecology List A*
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Elective
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
Semester 2 courses
Year 3
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'SCIE 393' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SCIE 393' | last-word }}
Advanced Field Research
15 credits
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{{ 'ECOL 302' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ECOL 302' | last-word }}
Applied Ecology and Conservation
15 credits
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B Sc Conservation and Ecology List B*
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Elective
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'ECOL 309' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ECOL 309' | last-word }}
AgroEcology
15 credits
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{{ 'ECOL 302' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ECOL 302' | last-word }}
Applied Ecology and Conservation
15 credits
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B Sc Conservation and Ecology List B*
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Elective
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
- Refer to the lists below
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*B Sc Conservation and Ecology Electives
The following courses are suggested for first years:
Semester 1
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*B Sc Conservation and Ecology List A
Choose a minimum of one of the following courses:
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*B Sc Conservation and Ecology List B
Choose a minimum of two of the following courses:
This degree structure is indicative only. A course advisor will help you to select your electives and plan your degree. You can check out our courses to see what electives might interest you.
Programme contacts

Need more info?
Email us on [email protected]
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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