Study Science at the University of Sydney
Our rankings
We're ranked 22nd globally for veterinary science by the 2022 QS University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
If you have a keen interest in animals, the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience) will give you fundamental and applied knowledge in animal bioscience.
You will acquire a broad overview of both domestic animals and wildlife species, how they interact with their environment, and gain comparative knowledge in fields such as applied biotechnologies, reproduction and nutrition. We will cover animal structure and function in detail and apply innovative approaches and technologies to enhance animal management and welfare. We will also explore animal behaviour and management systems that respect ethical and environmental concerns and promote animal welfare. This industry-oriented, science-based degree will prepare you for a career in a wide variety of veterinary and animal science industries.
The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience) provides you with an all-inclusive appreciation of the multidisciplinary sciences involved in the veterinary and allied animal science industries, including companion animals and wildlife. Alongside the breadth of animal science you can choose a complementary major from a broad range of areas either to specialise or diversify your knowledge and prepare you for dynamic opportunities to work with animals.
Throughout the four years the Bachelor of Advanced Studies you will integrate a second major as well as studies from a range of disciplines involving advanced coursework and cross-disciplinary, community, professional, research or entrepreneurial project work.
You will complete the Animal and Veterinary Bioscience program, which includes the Animal and Veterinary Bioscience major, as part of this stream.
You will also study a second major or minor from the Faculty of Science schools below or the shared pool of majors.
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
You are required to complete a program in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience including a major in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience. You are also required to choose a second major either from your faculty options below or from our shared pool of majors.
Honours subject areas: Only available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the honours pathway. Minimum WAM and additional entry requirements apply.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place. Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
The Bachelor Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience) is a flexible course focusing on the specific field of animal science.
Starting with a general science foundation, the four year course develops skills in applied animal health and disease; nutrition and feed technology; reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies; behaviour and welfare science; genetics and biotechnology.
You will also undertake practical experience with relevant animal or animal-related enterprises throughout your degree and during university holidays as part of the compulsory professional development program.
The Animal and Veterinary Bioscience Stream consists of eight Core units in Biology, Chemistry and animal management, elective units, and a major in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience. You will complete 12 cp of mathematics degree core units, Open Learning Environment units, and a second major from either Science Table A or from Table S of the Shared Pool for Undergraduate Degrees. In your fourth year you do a series of research projects.
Mandatory work component = 300 hours.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Chemistry 1A | Animals and Us | Introduction to Statistical Methods | Major 2 |
| 2 | From Molecules to Ecosystems | Concepts of Animal Management | Elective | Major 2 | |
| 2 | 1 | Animal Structure and Function | Animal Energetics and Homeostasis | Applied Statistical Methods | Major 2 |
| 2 | Genetics and Genomics ORAustralian Wildlife Biology | Animal Nutrition | Open Learning Environment unit | Major 2 | |
| 3 | 1 | Animal Reproduction | Elective ORNew and Emerging Technologies | Open Learning Environment unit | Major 2 |
| 2 | Animal Biotechnology OR Elective | Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science | Interdisciplinary Project | Major 2 | |
| 4 | 1 | Research Project A | Research Project A | Advanced coursework | Major 2 |
| 2 | Research Project B | Research Project B | Professional Development | Major 2 | |
* Dairy Production and Industry; Food Safety Assessment and Management; Feed Technology; Extensive Animal Industries; Equine Science and Industries
Until 2024: Mathematics Advanced or higher and Chemistry; other assumed knowledge depends on majors or units of study chosen. Biology is recommended.
From 2024: Mathematics Advanced or higher, Chemistry and Biology; other assumed knowledge depends on majors or units of study chosen.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks and activities necessary to be able to achieve the core learning outcomes of a course. They are specific to a particular course or discipline. To assist students to make informed choices about their study, we have identified and set out the Inherent Requirements for this course.
Mathematics Advanced (Band 4) or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3). For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
If you have a high ATAR you may be invited to join our Dalyell Scholars program.
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