Study plan

In your first year of the Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, you will study a foundation science program consisting of 48 credit points (cp) of chemistry, biology, introductory statistics, concepts of animal management, rural and environmental studies. As a second year student, you will undertake more specific studies in areas relevant to animal science: animal structure and function (12cp), introductory veterinary pathogenesis (6cp), animal conservation biology (6cp), economics (6cp), agricultural chemistry (6cp) and genetics (6cp). Your third year of study will focus on applied animal sciences, with 24cp of core units of study in animal nutrition, animal reproduction, animal genetics and Professional Development. You will also choose 24cp from a wide range of elective units of study such as animal behaviour and welfare science, animal biotechnology, agents of animal disease and laboratory disease investigation, agribusiness management and marketing, ecology and wildlife management, food biochemistry, environmental law and ethics, and plant and soil science. In your final year, you will conduct an individual research project (minimum of 12cp) and select an advanced coursework program (maximum of 36cp) in either animal genetics at our Camperdown campus (cytogenetics, gene technology and genomics, wildlife and evolutionary genetics); or animal production at our Camden campus (aquaculture, production in the dairy, beef, sheep, poultry and pig industries, feed technology, food safety, applied animal health and disease). Students with sufficient academic achievement in second to third year inclusive may apply for permission to undertake a 24cp research project.

Progression rules

(1) Candidates for the degree may enrol in the units of study prescribed for the fourth year of candidature only after completion of first year to third year.
(2) All candidates are required to undertake a minimum of 60 days of professional experience as a part of their overall training in this degree.

What is an elective?

An elective is a unit of study within a degree, usually an option within a course. Electives allow more detailed study of a particular subject. Electives can be selected from the Faculty of Veterinary Science or from other faculties within the university (subject to permission from the Faculty of Veterinary Science).

Course opportunities

Animal and Veterinary Bioscience students undertake a Professional Development program throughout the degree and in university vacations. The program comprises at least 60 days of practical, faculty-supported work experience with animal and animal-related enterprises, businesses, properties, government departments, research and volunteer organisations in both rural and urban Australia and overseas. You will find this program both challenging and rewarding, as you experience different animal science careers and make contacts that may assist you in your graduate career.

Overseas exchange may be undertaken during the third year of the course at an international institution offering an animal science degree.

Graduate opportunities

The Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience provides an excellent path to careers in the animal industries, agribusiness, government, research and education. Animal scientists can work with a wide range of animals, from production animals to companion animals and native and exotic wildlife. Animal scientists have proven to be highly employable across a broad range of disciplines, working in capital cities, rural areas, and overseas. For example: animal biosecurity and quarantine (eg AQIS); assisted reproductive technologies and IVF (animal and human); intensive and extensive animal production enterprises; regulatory, advisory and policy-making positions; laboratory and field research in the animal sciences (native and exotic wildlife, production and companion animals); veterinary pathology, histology, immunology and diagnostics; overseas aid in animal welfare and production; companion animal, equine and production animal nutrition, feed technology, veterinary and feed supplements; aquaculture and fish health; animal genomics and the genetic basis of disease; molecular biology (animal and human); secondary and tertiary education; animal breeding management; quality assurance and safety of food and feed products; animal health (eg Livestock Health and Pest Authorities); the pharmaceutical industry (human and veterinary); biotechnology (animal and microbial); biomedical research; media and journalism; Government departments including rural extension officers. Graduate profiles can be viewed at http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience/future_students/undergraduate/careers.shtml

Further study

Graduates seeking further academic studies in animal and veterinary bioscience are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research.

About honours

Honours in the Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience is available to meritorious students who meet academic performance criteria during the final 3 years of the degree. Honours is awarded in classes ranging from First Class to Second Class according to the rules specified in the course resolutions.

Other study options

Students may undertake a limited number of cross-institutional study elective units during their third year with the approval of the faculty.

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is on the basis of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), tertiary study or an approved preparation program. English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English. Special admission pathways are open for domestic mature aged applicants who do not possess a school leaving qualification, educationally disadvantaged applicants and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking.

A limited number of applicants may be eligible for admission to the course under the Rural Entry Scheme http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience/avb/rural.shtml

Assumed knowledge

HSC level chemistry and mathematics. Study in biology would also be an advantage.

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the University's undergraduate courses are made though the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of September.

Ancillary expenses

An estimate of the ancillary expenses for Animal and Veterinary Bioscience is available for download from the Faculty website: http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience/avb/costs.shtml

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Ancillary expenses for international students

An estimate of the ancillary expenses for Animal and Veterinary Bioscience is available for download from the Faculty website: http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience/avb/costs.shtml

Domestic students

Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Future Students' website.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

International students

Indicative international tuition fees for undergraduate students

This international tuition fee is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact tuition fees that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Future Students' website.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.