Human activity and population growth are increasing the pressure on natural ecosystems and many biologists believe we are currently experiencing the sixth global mass extinction. Conservation biologists work to prevent the extinction of the world's plant and animal species. According to Conservation International, the South West of Australia is one of the world's 36 'biodiversity hot spots' making WA an ideal living laboratory for your studies. If you want to help mitigate this trend by learning how to manage and research threatened species and ecological communities, then Conversation Biology is the major for you. Field trips are a core part of the unit and there will be a cost of up to $1000 to cover the cost of food and accommodation for around 17 nights, to be paid by the student.