The Bachelor of Science degree (3 years full-time) at the University of Melbourne offers students a range of pathways in animal science. Each major study area will allow students to specialise in a discipline of interest while exploring a number of breadth subjects to develop cross-disciplinary knowledge. A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the animal sciences can lead to a number of graduate courses, including the new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Melbourne.
Majors in animal science studies at the University of Melbourne*
1. Animal Health and Disease (providing a pathway to the three-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate degree)
This major provides a pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in areas such as veterinary or animal science and research, animal production industries, disease surveillance and bio-security, and animal welfare. At the completion of second year studies, students can apply for entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation, which is the prerequisite specialisation for entry into the graduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. The alternative specialisation is Animal Disease Biotechnology, from which students will graduate with skills in the areas of animal health and disease surveillance.
2. Domestic Animal Science (providing a pathway to the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate degree)
This major will help students to develop an understanding of the biology of domestic and captive animals, their care, management and use as a resource for food, fibre, recreation and companionship. They will learn about the ethical and moral issues facing society concerning animal ownership and investigate nutrition, metabolism, exercise physiology, reproduction, genetics, welfare and behaviour of companion, equine and farm animals. Graduates with a major in this discipline can explore careers in the public or private sectors relating to a wide range of animal production, environmental, biomedical and service industries, or pursue research opportunities. Specialisations include Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Livestock Production and Animal Science.
3. Zoology (providing a pathway to the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate degree)
This major will provide students with an understanding of complexities of animal systems by integrating knowledge from the biology of cells to the behaviour of whole organisms. Students can study a sequence of specialist subjects as well as integrated subjects from a wide range of biological disciplines. Practical skills are also incorporated into fieldwork and laboratory experiences. Specialisations include Behavioural Ecology, Reproductive Physiology and Wildlife and Conservation. Students can enter careers or research in many areas of animal biology including conservation and wildlife management, or the biotechnology, biomedical and bioinformatics industries. Zoologists may pursue careers in government or NGO organisations making, implementing and monitoring environmental policy.
There are some common first year subjects in the life sciences which interested students are advised to take. This will allow them to explore their options in the animal sciences before committing to a particular major.
*Students from other institutions with an approved degree are also eligible to apply for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate degree.
Find out more about pathways to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate degree
Learn more about the majors in animal science studies at the University of Melbourne