Animal And Veterinary Biosciences
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences
Length
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
This broad biology-based course aims to equip students in animal husbandry, and aims for students to gain an appreciation of the interactions between humans and animals. This course offers hands-on studies of both domestic and wild animals, with a great range of science specialisations. The curriculum incorporates project-based teaching, allowing students to work on a research project or undertake work experience during third year.
There are excellent job prospects for graduates within the veterinary science industry, as students will acquire knowledge within: animal diversity, animal nutrition, animal health, genetics and the study of animals and mankind. Graduates could find themselves within the agricultural and animal health industries, animal nutrition industry, animal breeding and the biotechnology industries.
La Trobe is developing some of the best agricultural science teaching and research facilities in the world, through the development of AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, a A$288 million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, is currently under construction. Once completed, this Centre will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe University's science students.
Course structure
First-year studies include animal structure, behaviour and systems, chemistry, genetics and human biology, and physics for the life sciences.
Second- and third-year studies cover evolution, biology and ecology of Australian animals, animal metabolism and nutrition, zoology, and animal management. Students can take electives from at least five areas of interest: animal biotechnology, animal ecology, animal genetics, animal health, and animal physiology.
Contact hours
24 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Animal ecology, animal behaviour, animal genetics, animal health, animal biotechnology, animal science, animal nutrition.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property.
Middle Band
Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics, or Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.
Selection
ATAR 70.35 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 80 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reason for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any).
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to find employment in veterinary and animal research, the agricultural and environmental industries, animal nutrition, care and welfare, biotechnology, and the animal health industry.
Potential employers include animal welfare agencies, university and commercial animal houses, park services, and veterinary, feed, chemical and biotechnology companies. Further study opportunities are available via undergraduate and postgraduate coursework and research programs.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology.