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Zoology and animal science

Discipline

Our zoology and animal science course is supported by the latest zoology research. Learn about the form and function of different animals and how they adapt to their environment, and discover Australian fauna and its importance in the global environment.

Get work-ready

Study plants and animals in their natural environment and apply the latest zoology theory and research in real-world settings. Our professional practice unit lets you complete a placement as part of your course. This means you'll have a minimum of 80 hours work experience in a course-related organisation, giving you insight into future career options.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate (your first degree)

An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.

Research

Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)

Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.

Career opportunities

Ready for a career that cares for the future of our furry and feathered friends? You can find opportunities in a range of areas, including:

  • environmental monitoring and management
  • museums
  • zoological research
  • wildlife biology
  • private environmental consulting
  • government quarantine
  • universities.
Highly sought-after skill set

Highly sought-after skill set

Get a broad understanding of the current field of zoology with access to the latest cutting-edge research. This gives you a range of practical and evidence-based decision-making skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Study with the best

Deakin is ranked in the top 1% globally for life sciences and medicine.* This rating highlights Deakin’s world-class facilities, academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

Zoology and animal science at Deakin

Deakin's Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science has a strong focus on Australian fauna and its unique importance in the global environment. The course is underpinned by the latest research in zoology, providing students with a broad understanding of the current field of zoology.

Zoology and animal science at Deakin

Work-integrated learning

Our work-integrated learning (WIL) program allows you to incorporate a full- or part-time industry placement as part of your degree. This enables you to develop the skills employers value highly. It also prepares you for the real-life settings in which today's science graduates work. 

WIL placements are designed as elective units and are credited towards your degree. Some placements also come with an industry-funded scholarship.

Animal behaviour is a really interesting unit and gives an understanding of the underlying mechanisms that cause animals to behave.

Bridie White

Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science

Learn more about Bridie's experiences

'I am passionate about animals and especially their wellbeing, animals are unable to ask for help when something is wrong. I think it is important that there are people out there who can monitor and maintain their health and advocate for animals and their welfare.

Deakin has a world class reputation. Despite this prestige, students are treated as individuals rather than just another number. The academic staff are not only lecturers but they are also at the forefront of research in their respective fields making them the ideal individuals to educate the next generation.

You can't go wrong by choosing Deakin; it has a fantastic social and learning environment. You get so much support and diverse opportunities that aren't always offered at other universities. I have made some wonderful friends, been inspired by like-minded class mates and teachers and had my desire to learn further stimulated.'

Research that matters

A simple idea can change the world. Bring your idea to life with a higher degree by research. Much of our research in zoology and animal science is conducted in partnership with government departments, industry and leading international scientists, so your paper will get the attention it deserves.

Learn more about researching with us

Footnotes

*2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.