Zoology Schools and Programs in Australia

Zoology Studies in Australia

84 million years ago, shortly before the extinction of the dinosaurs, the Australian landmass began to break off into its own distinct landmass. At that time, mammals were still in the earliest stages of their evolution, and so many of the common forms that would develop on other landmasses did not exist in newly-isolated Australia. Due to Australia’s geographic isolation, its animal species have evolved along their own startlingly unique evolutionary paths. Hence there are many strange forms of wildlife – such as the koala, the wallaby, the kangaroo, the platypus, the wombat, and the Tasmanian devil – that are found nowhere else on Earth. Thus, Australia is an extremely exciting place to study zoology and all of the other biological sciences.

       &nbs p;    One obvious advantage of studying zoology in Australia is that all Australian zoology programs hold their classes in English. This means that those programs are accessible to English-speakers from all over the world, including those who studied English as a second language in school. Of course, graduate programs in zoology require a specialized scientific terminology that not all English-language-learners will know. But undergraduate programs are much more open, and will teach that specialized vocabulary to their students rather than expecting them to come in with it.

Studying zoology in Australia also provides its own unique set of career opportunities, due to the immense (and growing) popularity of bio-tourism and eco-tourism in Australia. Students who study zoology in Australia can easily develop a specialization in the unique fauna of this incredible island, and thus find work relatively easily at one of Australia’s many eco-resorts. Leading nature walks and answering travelers’ questions is a very different kind of work, obviously, from teaching and doing biological research – the standard line of work for graduates with degrees in zoology. However, it is immensely rewarding in its own right, and is perfect for those who enjoy hands-on, outdoor work with people of all ages and backgrounds. This line of work usually requires a Master’s degree in zoology, although sometimes it is available to those with only an undergraduate degree. A PhD is not necessary for working in the tourism industry.

Quality of life will vary somewhat based on where one chooses to study within Australia, but will always be high due to Australia’s well-developed economy. The major cities of Sydney and Melbourne, of course, are huge cosmopolitan hubs of travel, culture, and commerce, and thus have a distinctly modern and international feel to them. On the other hand, those with an interest in field biology may be more interested in the educational opportunities offered by the Australian countryside, especially the vast expanse of desert and scrubland known as the Outback. The outback is a harsh climate, but is almost entirely devoid of human habitation and is therefore an ideal location to study pristine wilderness and the many forms of animal life that call it home.