Online Course Brochure

Course structure

The four-year Bachelor of Animal Science will comprise a core 24 subjects (192 points) plus eight electives (64 points), giving a total of 256 points.

The restricted electives are based around the following themes:

For the Honours stream, the course will comprise a core 24 subjects (192 points), two electives (16 points) and a research project (48 points), giving a total of 256 points.

Year one

Year one provides a strong foundation in the essential sciences with the study of chemistry and biology and introduces some of the important disciplines of animal science, with studies of genetics, physiology, anatomy and animal behaviour and welfare. Introduction to Animal Science in the first semester provides a background on our use of animals for food and fibre and on the sustainability of wildlife in their environment. Practical skills in animal handling and 12 weeks of extracurricular practical experience are important aspects of this subject.

Year two

Year two broadens the base of the animal science disciplines with the study of reproduction, microbiology, nutrition, growth and development, behaviour and welfare. Previous chemistry studies lead on to biochemistry – the chemistry of life – taught simultaneously with biotechnology, which explores the rapidly growing commercial exploitation of the molecular make-up of the living cell.

Year three

In year three, studies of animal health, parasites and parasitic disease and therapeutics build on the foundation subjects to examine the principles of disease and health management in animals and animal populations. In addition to ruminant production, students are allowed to select two subjects from a wide range of electives such as captive vertebrate management, wildlife, livestock, horses or companion animals to suit their own career interests. The year is rounded out with a course on experimental design and  analysis. Students attaining a high academic standard will be offered the opportunity to enter the Research Honours stream in year four.

Year four

All students complete a course on critical reviews of topical issues relating to animals in our world. For those who have attained high marks in their first three years, a research project equivalent to six subjects will be offered.  The research may be based on campus or with industry or academic partners either in Australia or overseas. The remainder of the year will consist of an additional core subject (Animal Nutrition 2) for non-Honours and Statistical Reasoning for Honours students plus six electives (non-Honours) or a research project of equivalent length (Honours). The electives will be chosen from the wide range on offer in biology, veterinary, equine and agricultural science at CSU. During their training students will be encouraged to spend one semester in a similar program in a University in another country subject to approval of course material undertaken for crediting to CSU's degree program.

An indicative course structure and enrolment pattern are available in the CSU Handbook.

 

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