Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0
TOEFL Paper based: overall score of 550 with 5 or better in TWE (Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet based (iBT): overall score of 64 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
La Trobe College Australia ELICOS (LTCA): completion of EFS level 5B with minimum 60% overall and 60% in final exam.
La Trobe College Australia Foundation Studies (LTCA): completion of Foundation studies with 60% in English (Academic Communication).
Pearson Test of EConglish (Academic) (PTE): overall score of 50 with no communicative skill score less than 50.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 169 with no less than 169 in any component.
Working with domestic and wild animals requires more than just passion – it demands scientific knowledge and practical expertise. Choose a degree that gives you both, preparing you for a diverse range of careers in the animal industries.
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.
CRICOS code: 060348G
More information: click here
First year
Academic Integrity Module (online)*
Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education**
Molecules, Genes and Cells
Introduction to Animal and Agricultural Sciences
Data Based Critical Thinking
Students must enrol in either CHE1CHF or CHE1GEN.
Students who have passed VCE Chemistry Units 3 & 4 (or equivalent), must enrol in CHE1GEN. All other students must enrol in CHE1CHF.
Chemistry Foundations
General Principles of Chemistry
Animal, Plant and Microbial Life
Applications of Chemistry
Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity
Students to select a first-year level elective subject to the value of 15 credit points. STA1LS , MAT1MAB or SCI1SIS are recommended.
Second year
Introductory Microbiology
Animal Nutrition
Animal Physiology
Work Integrated Learning Program
Students to select one of the following subject options: AGR2BAA or BCH2IBM and BCH2MBC
Biochemistry for Agriculture and Animal Sciences
or
Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Students to select second-year or third-year level elective subjects to the value of either 30 or 45 credit points depending on the subject option chosen above.
Students who undertake AGR2BAA must select elective subjects to the value of 45 credit points.
Students who undertake BCH2IBM and BCH2MBC must select elective subjects to the value of 30 credit points.
Third year
Animal Health
Students to select two subjects from the following list to the value of 30 credit points AGR3CSA, AGR3AAN or EEE3ANR
Case Studies in Animal Science
Advanced Animal Nutrition
Animal Reproduction
Students to select third-year level elective subjects to the value of 60 credit points. SHE3FRW is recommended.
Animal scientists can find work across almost any industry related to animals. As a graduate, you'll be ready to apply for a large variety of roles including:
animal pathologist
Specialise in diagnosing animal diseases by examining tissue and bodily fluids
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.
530/year
