Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences

With La Trobe's Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences, you can turn your love of animals into a fulfilling career.
Study the basics of animal science, including breeding, nutrition and animal welfare. You'll also delve into global issues such as food security, epidemics and pandemics, and the environmental impacts of animal agriculture. In later years you'll explore animal psychology, biochemistry and immunology.

Theory is vital, but we know you can only learn so much in the classroom. That's why your theoretical studies will be supported by robust hands-on learning. Each year of your degree will include practical elements, such as real-life animal case studies which give you the chance to work closely with our industry partners. Placements - both compulsory and elective - allow you to take your learning out of the classroom and into the real world. Industry experts will present lectures and workshops throughout your degree, giving you first-hand insights into your future. You'll graduate with experience under your belt and the foundations of a strong professional network.

Already know how you want your career to look? There's scope for you to make this degree what you want it to be. A wide range of electives in areas like zoology, wildlife and agriculture science give you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your career goals.

You'll graduate ready for the workplace, or you can use this course as a pathway into a veterinary medicine degree.

You'll get the opportunity to learn:

• Animal science
  
  • Build important foundations in all aspects of animal science, including animal health, nutrition, physiology, welfare, reproduction and management.
• Microbiology
  
  • Learn about microorganisms, how they live, how they work and how they cause disease.
• Metabolic biochemistry
  

  • Become familiar with the underlying biochemical processes that occur in animals, including those used to generate energy to maintain body function.

Note: Students commencing their studies at Albury-Wodonga campus are required to transfer to the Melbourne campus from second year to complete this course.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

You'll get the opportunity to learn:

• Animal science
  
  • Build important foundations in all aspects of animal science, including animal health, nutrition, physiology, welfare, reproduction and management.
• Microbiology
  
  • Learn about microorganisms, how they live, how they work and how they cause disease.
• Metabolic biochemistry
  

  • Become familiar with the underlying biochemical processes that occur in animals, including those used to generate energy to maintain body function.

Note: Students commencing their studies at Albury-Wodonga campus are required to transfer to the Melbourne campus from second year to complete this course.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

Career outcomes

You'll graduate ready for employment in a range of animal industry roles. With further study, you could also go on to a career as a veterinarian.

Depending on the electives you choose, you could pursue a career as a:

• Conservation scientist
  • Use your knowledge to protect wildlife and improve land usage for governments, farmers and other stakeholders.

• Microbiologist
  • Study bacteria, viruses and fungi to understand how they contribute to health and sickness in animals.

• Animal health officer
  • Inspect facilities to ensure animal health, sanitation and wellbeing. This may include livestock markets, hatcheries, pet stores, animal quarantines, labs and feedlots.

• Animal biosecurity officer
  • Protect the economy, human health and the environment from problems associated with pests and diseases of animals and residues in animal products.

Professional recognition

How to apply

Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.

Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course's start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.

Check when course applications close

CRICOS code: 060348G