Program Overview

Foundation Studies prepares you for a successful transition to degree-level study, providing a pathway to the first year of study of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.

This course is suited to you if you:

• Need an entrance qualification for Murdoch University
• Want to accelerate your university preparation after Year 11, or equivalent
• Want to change your degree stream after Year 11, or equivalent

On successful completion* of your Foundation Studies program, you’ll gain entry to the first year of any undergraduate degree at Murdoch University.

Course Structure
For Foundation Studies you will complete eight units over two study periods, studying a combination of core and elective units. The units you will undertake will be determined by your chosen degree. All students must complete the two English units and at least one unit from each Discipline Group.

Each unit of study builds concepts from an introductory level through to university entrance level. The units are designed to develop your learning techniques as well as bridging gaps in your unit knowledge.

• English
  • Essential Australian Studies
  • Introduction to Academic Communication
• Mathematics
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Science
• Science and Technology
  • Information Technology for Academic Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
• The Arts
  • Introduction to Media
  • Media Production
• Business and Legal Studies
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Economics

Leading to: Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Pursue your passion for agriculture in Australia and develop a deep understanding of how the sector operates with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Murdoch.

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!

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