Learn about animals and their health, behaviour and handling. If you’re looking to become a vet you can specialise in Veterinary Bioscience, a pathway to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Or learn about disease surveillance in animal populations through the Animal Disease Biotechnology specialisation, and help prevent another swine or bird flu epidemic.

Gain an in-depth knowledge of biological sciences and the diagnostic processes used to determine the health of domestic animals and birds. And learn about the role of animal health in assuring the health of human populations.

Your major structure

This major can be completed through the Bachelor of Science.

In your first and second year you will complete subjects that are prerequisites for your major as well as other science core, science elective and breadth studies.

For students intending to apply for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) as a graduate (i.e. after completion of a science or an agriculture degree), the completion of studies in physics is not a requirement. However, the completion of physics (either at Year 12 or by completing a tertiary-level physics subject as part of the course) is a requirement of the pathway taken by second-year level Bachelor of Science students into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation of the Animal Health and Disease major.

In your third year, you will complete 50 points (usually four subjects) of study that is deep and specialised study in animal health and disease areas and you can also complete breadth studies. This major is made up of core and core selective subjects.

Breadth studies

Breadth is a unique feature of the Melbourne Model. It gives you the chance to explore subjects outside of science, developing new perspectives and learning to collaborate with others who have different strengths and interests — just as you will in your future career.

Some of our students use breadth to explore creative interests or topics they have always been curious about. Others used breadth to improve their career prospects by complementing their major with a language, communication skills or business expertise.

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