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 Health
Explore the major issues impacting the health of domestic animals and wildlife. In this major, you'll use cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems impacting the health and management of livestock, companion animals and wildlife.

Develop the kind of teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills that are in high demand with employers while being taught by some of Australia’s leading animal health experts.

Murdoch is the only city-based university in Australia with an on-campus farm, so you’ll have easy access to animals for your hand-on practical sessions.

If you’d like to study Animal Health as a pathway to apply to study Veterinary Science, we recommend studying a double major which includes Animal Health and Animal Science. Students that are successful transferring to the veterinary program at Murdoch University can receive credit for completion of some units in the Animal Health major.

3 reasons to study Animal Health at Murdoch

• Murdoch University is the only city-based university in Australia with an on-campus farm. This means you’ll have easy access to livestock such as horses, sheep and cows for your practical sessions through semester.
• Learn cutting-edge approaches to Animal Health from leading researchers, veterinarians, veterinarians, animal scientists and animal industry experts in diverse industry roles. You'll be studying units that are part of the internationally accredited veterinary program.
• Get the opportunity for hands-on experience with a range of animals and careers throughout the course, including opportunities for placements on farms and businesses throughout your degree.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• Animal biochemistry, anatomy and physiology
• Principles of infectious disease including veterinary microbiology and parasitology
• Pathology and diseases of domestic animals
• Animal nutrition and veterinary toxicology
• Sustainable One Health approaches to animal health, incorporating animals, humans and the environment

You can complement the Animal Health major with an exciting range of electives to build on topics you are passionate about. Options include animal reproduction, livestock production, equine science, agricultural workplace skills, wildlife and conservation biology and more.