Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) - Roseworthy Campus

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    Roseworthy Campus

About Degree

Communicate across species

Love interacting with animals? Fascinated by pets and their personalities?

Animal behaviour is psychology for the animal kingdom. It’s about understanding the science behind why animals act in certain ways, how we should work with them, and how we can look after their futures. It even informs our understanding of human behaviour.

What will you do?

Explore why cat’s meow, find out if parrots are smart, and play with the odd puppy or two as you build the skills to join this growing industry. You will:

  • study the behaviour of animals big and small, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, livestock, wildlife and insects
  • build practical skills through internship opportunities
  • join a close-knit, animal-loving community at our Roseworthy campus
  • learn about animal development and the biological drivers of behaviour
  • explore your personal animal interests through research projects and case studies
  • draw on the University’s internationally recognised expertise in animal science and veterinary bioscience.

There is also a strong practical element, with opportunities for industry experience, field work and study tours.

Where could it take you?

You could consult with exotic pets, prepare greyhounds for adoption or work in animal management for local government. You might ready dogs for roles guiding the visually impaired, detecting in customs, or even comforting children with autism and anxiety. Perhaps you’ll host your very own animal science show on TV.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code334171
    2022 CSP ATAR65.45
    2022 CSP IB24
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer59.05
    Median ATAR to receive an offer76.35
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer96.85
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer65.45
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer80.625
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer98.4
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    818.2%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    2352.3%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students613.6%
    All students44100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS097317K
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma26
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma70%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation70%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma78%
    China – Gaokao65%
    Germany – Abitur3.40
    GCE A Levels8
    Hong Kong – HKDSE18
    India – ISC & CBSE70%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations80%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate74%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.78
    Malaysia – UEC20
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma320
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels9
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma68%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.4
    USA – SAT1130
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)7
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program74%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program360
    ANU College Foundation Studies66%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY70%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)72%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.00
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.20
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.70
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)57%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score74%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    818.2%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    2352.3%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students613.6%
    All students44100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,855

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $45,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


There is a growing understanding that behaviour (both human and animal) is key to a wide range of areas, including policy, economics, law enforcement and resource management. Employment opportunities exist in the following areas:

  • shelters and welfare organisations
  • private animal training
  • zoos and wildlife parks
  • animal management for government agencies
  • research
  • education.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Throughout your degree, you’ll undertake professional work experience placements at locations such as shelters, training facilities, zoological parks and farms. Placements can often be undertaken throughout Australia. Overseas placements are also possible, pending approval.

You must complete 120 hours of professional work experience at an approved workplace in the Level III course Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour.  

Potential careers

Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Technician, Life Scientist, Agriculture, Agricultural Service Industry, Livestock Production, Animal Technician, Animal Behaviourist, Animal Breeding, Animal Welfare, Entrepreneur, Quarantine Officer, Research Associates, Research Manager, Research Scientist, Research and Education, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Officer, Scientist, Welfare Officer, Wildlife Officer, Zookeeper, ...

Degree Structure

You will engage with industry through the 120 hours of professional work experience and have the opportunity to attend numerous industry events throughout your degree.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1S1

BIOLOGY 1101 
Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells

ANIML SC 1015RW  Animal Handling & Husbandry I

PSYCHOL 1000  Psychology IA


Approved Level I Elective

S2BIOLOGY 1202 
Biology I: Organisms
ANIML SC 1016RW 
Principles in Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics I

PSYCHOL 1001  Psychology IBSTATS 1004  Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)
(or Semester 1)
Year2S1ANIML SC 2506RW  Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIAANIML SC 2520RW  Research Methodology for Animal Sciences IIApproved Level II ElectiveApproved Level I OR II Elective
S2ANIML SC 2507RW  Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIBAN BEHAV 2000RW  Foundations of Animal BehaviourApproved Level II ElectiveApproved Level I OR II Elective
Year 3 S1AN BEHAV 3020RW  Animal Management [Summer]AN BEHAV 3000RW  Applied Behaviour Analysis for AnimalsApproved Level III ElectiveApproved Level III Elective
S2AN BEHAV 3010RW 
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour
Approved Level III ElectiveApproved Level III Elective






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