Overview

Animal and veterinary biosciences combine fundamental biological sciences with practical management to safeguard the health, welfare, and sustainable care of domesticated, agricultural, and wild animals. The Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences at La Trobe University delivers an extensive scientific education focused on animal health, physiology, nutrition, and disease management. Taught within high-tech research laboratories, an on-campus teaching farm, a dedicated animal facility, and the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, the program embeds hands-on practical learning throughout the curriculum. The study structure progresses from foundational biochemistry, cellular biology, and microbiology to advanced animal physiology, metabolic biochemistry, disease mechanisms, and reproductive technologies. Students customize their pathway through flexible electives in zoology, wildlife ecology, and agricultural science. Emphasizing career readiness, the degree features compulsory work-based learning placements and industry research projects alongside local and international sector partners. Designed for curious problem-solvers and animal advocates, this program also offers an established pathway into postgraduate veterinary medicine degrees. Graduates emerge with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to improve animal health and management across global sectors.

What You'll Learn

• Animal science fundamentals, including physiology, nutrition, health, and welfare management

• Cellular biology, genetics, molecular processes, and metabolic biochemistry

• Microbiology principles, disease transmission mechanisms, host-pathology interactions, and immunology

• Agricultural animal systems, livestock management, breeding strategies, and reproductive science

• Wildlife conservation strategies, zoology principles, and captive animal management

• Experimental design, laboratory safety protocols, biostatistics, and scientific data analysis

• Professional scientific communication, ethical reasoning, and work-based industry placement practices

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the programme, students will be capable of applying complex biological principles and scientific reasoning to solve problems regarding the health, welfare, and management of domesticated and wild animals. Graduates will demonstrate high-level technical capability in executing laboratory procedures, assessing disease mechanisms, and analyzing animal physiological data accurately. Through hands-on farm work, sanctuary field studies, and compulsory work-integrated learning placements, learners cultivate practical skills in animal handling, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based problem solving. They will critically evaluate scientific literature, adhere strictly to ethical guidelines governing animal research, and assess the broader societal and environmental impacts of animal industries. Ultimately, graduates acquire the practical mastery and scientific versatility necessary to pursue dynamic careers as animal health officers, biosecurity advisers, wildlife managers, research specialists, or advance into further studies in veterinary medicine and research.