Animal Science

The need to feed the growing Australian and global population means that food production systems must become more efficient to meet demand. This must also be achieved in the face of challenges including climate change, biosecurity risks and increased scrutiny from consumers for high quality products with a focus on animal welfare, sustainability and traceability.

Learn how technology and sustainable practices are being used to meet these increasing demands, while still ensuring the production of wholesome and safe food and fibre products. With an in-depth focus on developments in animal management, disease control and improved welfare, you'll get a comprehensive understanding of animal production systems in a range of industries.

You'll also explore how new technologies are transforming our traditional food and fibre production systems, and the ways that these advances are moving from research to industry practice.

You can combine this course with other majors to further expand your career prospects. Adding a Crop and Pasture Science major will expand your knowledge in the fields of animal production, and crops and pastures to create a well-rounded agricultural degree.

If you'd like to study Animal Science as a pathway to apply to study Veterinary Science, we recommend studying a double major which combines this course with Animal Health.

3 reasons to study Animal Science at Murdoch

1. Develop skills in livestock animal production in high demand with employers worldwide.
2. Learn how technology and sustainable practices are being used to meet the demands for modern livestock production
3. Gain in-depth understanding of livestock breeding and management from world-leading experts in livestock production, health and welfare.

What you'll learn

The Animal Science major focuses on the beef, dairy, sheep, pig and poultry industries. You will build the knowledge and skills you need to enter a career in animal agriculture. Here are some of the things you'll learn:

• Livestock science and genetics
• Veterinary nutrition and animal toxicology
• Comparative mammalian biochemistry
• Animal structure and function
• Animal production systems

Your future career

A major in Animal Science will give you extensive employment opportunities across the livestock industries. You may choose an area of specialisation or work across a broad range of areas, with career options including, but not limited to:

• Farm Business Manager
• Agribusiness Consultant
• Livestock Consultant or Extension Officer
• Animal Nutritionist
• Biosecurity Officer
• Animal Breeding Services
• Research Scientist

You could work in the private sector in agricultural consultancy, in government agencies, non-government organisations, or research and development institutions to help achieve food and fibre production systems which prioritise animal welfare, productivity, profitability and food safety across the globe.

For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.

Professional recognition

Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST)

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

• Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion
• ATAR results
• STAT Test results

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

• Complete or incomplete official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion - both original and English translated versions
• English Language Proficiency Document (if available)