My class field trip to Phillip Island
Rong - 2 October 2023
We think our environmental and conservation science students get to go on the best field trips. Who wouldn't want to get up close to some of Australia's best wildlife? Hear about our latest trip to Phillip Island, from the eyes of one of our current students.
"My name is Rong and I’m a Bachelor of Environmental and Conservation Science student at Federation University Australia. After completing my studies, I hope to work in a research institute or company focusing on wildlife conservation."
"I was originally studying my degree at Hebei University of Science and Technology in China. After the pandemic ended, two Federation teachers visited our school to teach face-to-face. I felt their enthusiasm which made me more determined to study abroad in Australia."
"What I like most about the university is that they offer small class sizes, which gives me better access to my teachers and a better learning experience overall. This course offers many opportunities to visit and study in the field, deepening my understanding of subjects and allowing me to gain practical experience working in natural environments."
"As part of the Environmental Science major, we often participate in field trips, where we can observe animals and plants together with our teachers and classmates. These opportunities deepen my understanding of my major and allow me to gain practical experience working in natural environments."
Federation’s science students regularly go on field trips as part of the degree, including visits to Phillip Island where they can explore the nature reserve and learn from local rangers. Located just 90 minutes offshore from Melbourne, the island is home to some of Australia’s most unique wildlife.
"On Phillip Island, you can fully experience the relationship between humans and nature", says Rong. "There is a large wildlife conservation area where you can watch birds hunting for food with their young chicks. I had the opportunity to see penguins up close as they returned to their nests and koalas sleeping. We also went on a boat to observe different species of birds in flight or feeding – there were whales and seals too. I really enjoyed the field trip. I was able to practice my English, enhance my professional knowledge and make more friends."
But why does Federation incorporate field trips into its science degrees? Science Lecturer, Dr Simone Louwhoff gave us more insight:
"Field trips present a myriad of valuable learning opportunities for students in the Environmental and Conservation Science course and are an integral part of their learning process. There are 11 environmental units in this degree that have a fieldwork component, ranging from half-day local field trips to multi-day field trips, including visits to remote settings like the Nanya Station in far western New South Wales."
"The purpose of field trips is to enable lecturer and student interactions while conducting practical fieldwork activities. It teaches students certain skills, such as collecting data for an assessment task, and encourages our students to establish important connections with people currently employed in this field."
