Bachelor of Science (Ecotourism)

Our ecotourism degree develops scientists and explorers who care about our planet.

It’s for those who’re fascinated by the natural world and wish to share its wonders with others.Ecotourism experts work within a growing nature-based tourism industry, along with governments and communities, to build cultural and environmental awareness.

They develop and provide content for tourists while promoting conservation and the value of science.The demand for nature-based tourism is only growing, already accounting for around 20% of global travel*.

Students blend study in traditional science (including biology and geology) and can specialise in Geotourism or Nature Based Tourism. Students studying their final semester work in collaboration with relevant industry/government/communities to undertake a research project on the ecotourism potential of an area. Projects may involve site visits, field work, and work placements.

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan Year 1 S1 ABORIG 1001 Indigenous People, Country and Protocols SCIENCE 1400 Science or Fiction I Approved Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Elective 1 x 3 unitsorBIOLOGY 1401 Concepts in BiologyorBIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells S2 ENV BIOL 1002 Ecological Issues I GEOLOGY 1100 Planet Earth Approved Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Elective 1 x 3 unitsor BIOLOGY 1202 Biology I: Organisms Year 2 Core Courses S1 GEOG 2139 Environmental Management S2 ECOTOUR 2500 Perspectives in Science Based Ecotourism II Year 3Core Courses Winter School SCIENCE 3200 Communicating Science III S2 ECOTOUR 3500 Advanced Applications in Ecotourism III One major chosen from: Major in Geotourism  Major in Nature Based Tourism Level 1 Major GEOLOGY 1100 Planet Earth BIOLOGY 1202 Biology I: Organismsand 3 units from the following:BIOLOGY 1001 Fundamentals of BiologyBIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and CellsBIOLOGY 1401 Concepts in Biology  Level 2 Major GEOLOGY 2500 Sedimentary Geology IIGEOLOGY 2501 Structural Geology IIGEOLOGY 2502 Igneous and Metamorphic Geology II 6 units from the following:ENV BIOL 2500 Botany IIENV BIOL 2501 Evolutionary Biology IIENV BIOL 2502 Ecology IIENV BIOL 2503 Zoology IIENV BIOL 2510 Plant Identification II Level 3 Major ECOTOUR 3500 Advanced Applications in Ecotourism IIIand 6 units from the following:GEOLOGY 3016 Igneous and Metamorphic Geology IIIGEOLOGY 3013 Tectonics III GEOLOGY 3019 Field Geoscience Program IIIGEOLOGY 3505 Earth Systems History III ECOTOUR 3500 Advanced Applications in Ecotourism IIIENV BIOL 3121 Concepts in Ecology IIIand 3 units from the following:ENV BIOL 3004 Freshwater Ecology IIIENV BIOL 3010 Marine Ecology IIIENV BIOL 3580 Conservation Biology IIIENV BIOL 3560 Evolution of Australian Biota III Please also refer to the Study Plans for the Bachelor of Science (Ecotourism) with a major in either Geotourism or Nature Based Tourism.Students may complete a minor as part of their Bachelor of Science (Ecotourism) Program. Minors must be to the value of 18 units and chosen from: Geotourism Nature Based Tourism Indigenous Knowledges and Society Student can contact the Faculty of Science Office for more information about completing a minor.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

• developing community-based tourism programs in rural communities.
• assessing the potential and demand for ecotourism products and sites in Australia and overseas.
• working as an Ecotourism Consultant to identify investors and develop ecotourism guidelines and agreements for adventure and wildlife viewing tours.
• advising industry and communities to design and construct nature trails.
• providing ecotourism and environmental education and interpretation.
• developing ecotourism products and materials, including for start-up ecotourism ventures and consultancy services.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Potential careers

Ecotourism, Land Resources and Land Care, Marine Biologist, National Parks / Ranger, Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Management, Environmental Project Officer, Environmental Remediation Officer, Resource Management, Resource Manager, Science Communicators, Sustainability Manager, Tourism, Wildlife Officer