Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences
Introduction
The course is designed for students who wish to focus on animal issues, including health and welfare, ecology and behaviour, genetics and biotechnology in a professional degree course. It is designed to allow hands-on studies of both domestic and wild animals and thus offers a greater range of career options and science specialisations. An animal science student has the ability to select and study every subject offered by the university that considers wild or domestic animal science plus add an area of molecular studies to complement their career options. This enhances the range of employment outcomes available to our graduates. In addition, an animal science degree should allow a student with suitable grades to be eligible for entry into a veterinary science degree.
The provision of electives allows a choice of at least five areas of interest within the course, including:
- Animal biotechnology
- Animal ecology
- Animal genetics
- Animal health
- Animal physiology
Course description
The first year consists of basic science subjects including Chemistry, Biology and Physics with some choice on the level of Physics and other subjects taken. In second year, the science becomes more specific with units such as Animal Health, Animal Physiology, Animal Nutrition and Animal Ecology. The third year rounds off the educational experience with specialist topics in Zoology, and Animals & Mankind. This last unit includes a work/research experience component and case study sessions to build oral and written communication skills based on current topics in animal welfare, research and management.
Note: Those students wishing to be eligible for entry to veterinary science at The University of Melbourne in second year must take a full year of Physics and at least four Biology units.
For more information about the course, including course structure, visit the University Handbook
Key features
The theory taught in this course is supported by an innovative project-based teaching program which allows students to work on a research project or carry out work experience during third year. La Trobe University has outstanding support facilities, including a dedicated Animal House, an on-campus farm, and the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary, our living laboratory utilised by all our biology students.
In addition, the Industry Cadetship Program has provided placements for students from this course at a range of public and private animal research and veterinary facilities, biotechnology companies, and breeding centres.
Employment Prospects
Animal and Veterinary Bioscience graduates have obtained employment in a very wide range of industries and institutions including Victoria's Department of Primary Industry, and Department of Sustainability and Environment; the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service; animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA; various zoos around the world, including the Melbourne Zoo; animal industries such as pigs, dairy and beef; the equine industry, both racing and recreational; and a wide range of scientific institutions around the world. A number of students go on to study veterinary sciences in a range of courses around Australia and overseas.
Pre-requisites
Units 3 & 4 English (any).
Recommended VCE subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics.
Guaranteed Entry Scheme VCE Score: 80 - Bundoora campus.
For international students, please visit La Trobe International.
Industry Experience
The unit Animals and Mankind includes a 3 week work experience component to be taken in an animal related enterprise or research area during the second to third year summer break. A work experience report is written up concerning this enterprise, which goes towards the assessment of the unit.
Honours
Honours is available to any students who complete their third year studies at a suitable standard in any of the teaching departments, depending on the units taken in third year. The Honours program will be that of the host department or a combination of studies from different departments to allow cross-discipline studies.
