Agriculture, Animal Science and Zoology
Why study Agriculture, Animal Science and Zoology at UNE?
UNE has a long-standing reputation for excellence in research and teaching in agriculture and animal-related studies. We have several Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) involving animal and agricultural industries based at Armidale, and many of the expert staff in these centres are closely involved with teaching in our degrees. Students at UNE benefit from smaller student-to teacher ratios enabling a more personalised learning environment. Our location in Armidale NSW, in the heart of the temperate Northern Tablelands is ideally located within two and a half hour’s drive of the sub-tropical NSW North Coast and the broad-acre farming areas of the North West, making UNE the ideal place to study agriculture or animal related courses. UNE also owns and operates a number of agricultural and animal research stations which are operated as commercial units but their essential function is to provide teaching and research facilities. UNE has excellent relations with many employers who are in frequent contact directly with staff and students concerning job vacancies. As UNE is a leader in distance education, these courses are available both on and off campus.
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Bachelor of Agriculture
| Study Mode | On Campus/Distance |
| Duration* | Full Time: 3 years Part Time: Up to 10 years |
| 2012 ATAR/OP | 72.55/12 |
This degree provides you with the necessary skills to work in the rural sector, where skilled workers are in high demand.
The Bachelor of Agriculture is a management-oriented degree that will help you to understand the implications of land use and management change on agricultural productivity. It allows students the opportunity to choose a major in plants, animals or general agriculture.
Once armed with the basic knowledge to understand agricultural systems, you can continue on to further study in specific areas of interest.
Students must also undertake 16 weeks of practical experience in university vacation periods.
Bachelor of Rural Science
| Study Mode | On Campus/Distance |
| Duration* | Full Time: 4 years Part Time: Up to 10 years |
| 2012 ATAR/OP | 77.10/10 |
This degree provides you with the necessary skills to work in the rural sector, where skilled workers are in high demand.
The Bachelor of Rural Science provides a sound scientific understanding of the interactions in Australian agricultural systems between the soil, plants, animals and the changing climate.
Students also have the opportunity to undertake a research project in an area of their interest during their final year of study.
The degree will provide you with the tools necessary to understand the implications of land use and management change on agricultural productivity. Once armed with the basic knowledge of agricultural systems, you can continue on to further study in specific areas of interest. Students must also undertake 24 weeks of practical experience in university vacation.
Bachelor of Animal Science
| Study Mode | On Campus/Distance |
| Duration* | Full Time: 4 years Part Time: Up to 10 years |
| 2012 ATAR/OP | 77.10/10 |
The Bachelor of Animal Science provides scientific training for a wide range of careers associated with the livestock, wildlife, equine, pet care and service dog industries. It has three specialist majors:
- Livestock Production
Focuses on the more traditional livestock industries including sheep, cattle, dairy, pigs and poultry. - Wildlife Management
Ideal for students interested in the management and sustainable use of Australian wildlife and the management of threatened species. - Canine and Equine Science
Particularly suited to students wishing to pursue a career in the service dog, equestrian or companion animal industries.
Bachelor of Science
| Study Mode | On Campus/Distance |
| Duration* | Full Time: 3 years Part Time: Up to 10 years |
| 2012 ATAR/OP | 72.55/12 |
The Bachelor of Science (Animal Science and Veterinary Studies) gives students the knowledge and skills necessary for entry into a veterinary degree or a career in the animal industries. The University of Melbourne guarantees up to 12 places in their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, for UNE Bachelor of Science (Animal Science and Veterinary Studies) graduates. (Graduates must still meet entry requirements set by Melbourne University and should note that places are open to graduates from other universities.)
This degree can also lead to an honours degree followed by postgraduate awards and research work.
Bachelor of Zoology
| Study Mode | On Campus/Distance |
| Duration* | Full Time: 3 years Part Time: Up to 10 years |
| 2012 ATAR/OP | 72.55/12 |
The Bachelor of Zoology is a unique degree giving students with an interest in animals a great learning atmosphere, the chance to participate in cutting edge research and access to exciting job opportunities. Zoology is the science of studying and understanding animals, regardless of whether they live on land, in freshwater or in the sea. It is the branch of biology that covers behaviour, classification, evolution, conservation, distribution, ecology and the natural history of animals. It also includes biochemistry and physiology, palaeontology, molecular biology and genetics, and the structure and function of animals.
As a Zoology student, you will be able to undertake studies in a range of zoological disciplines including:
- animal behaviour
- animal ecology
- environmental and comparative physiology
- entomology
- freshwater and marine ecology
- parasitology
Other Study Options
You may also be interested in:
Career Opportunities
There is a significant shortage of people graduating from agricultural and rural science degrees in Australia. Graduates from the Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Rural Science are well qualified for numerous positions in all fields of agriculture such as:
- management and consulting in the crop, pasture, horticultural and animal industries
- advisory roles with government and private organisations
- agribusiness
- sustainable land management
- agronomy and soil science
- plant and animal breeding
- agricultural research and extension
- teaching in secondary schools (by completing a Graduate Diploma in Education)
Recent surveys indicate that Animal Science graduates are highly employable, both domestically and abroad, across a range of disciplines. On graduation, you can expect to find employment in:
- industry and research positions in animal health and quarantine
- animal genetics and breeding
- animal nutrition
- livestock industries
- national parks and wildlife
- service dog, equestrian or companion animal industries
- wildlife conservation and management
- livestock advisory services
- pet food and pet care industries
- reproductive technology
- molecular genetics and biotechnology
- sheep, horse and cattle studs As a Zoologist, you may be employed by
- research institutions
- the CSIRO
- local state and federal government agencies
- primary and secondary school teachers
- media
- consultancy firms
- aquaculture, biotechnology and animal breeding businesses