Program Overview

This course prepares you for dynamic careers in agriculture and animal health. You will develop core skills in science, analysis and farming systems while pursuing a major of your choice in Animal Science, Animal Health or Crop and Pasture Science.

Throughout their degree, students gain a solid theoretical understanding while also getting their hands dirty with practical learning. We focus on real-life experiences, whether it's in the lab, on a farm, or in the workplace. We want students to learn by doing and to have fun along the way!

Students will learn from academics who are involved in cutting-edge agricultural research, and who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with students. Not only that, students will have access to the latest technologies and tools needed to succeed in today’s agricultural industry.

Major: 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

• Develop skills in livestock animal production in high demand with employers worldwide.
• Learn how technology and sustainable practices are being used to meet the demands for modern livestock production
• 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