Deakin sets the standard for employability
#1 Melbourne university for science facilities
#1 Melbourne university for course satisfaction
Why choose zoology and animal science at Deakin
Through Deakin’s Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science, you will explore the social and economic impacts of human activity on animals and their ecosystems. You will investigate how animals respond and adapt to changes in climate and the environment, and apply the latest research techniques to test hypotheses in real-world settings. Along the way, you will develop evidence-based decision-making skills that are highly valued by industry.
You will work with live animals in the lab and field, gaining first-hand insight into animal form and function, as well as the underlying mechanisms that influence their ecology and evolution. The course has a strong focus on Australian fauna and its unique importance in the world. Best of all, your learning will be supported by passionate teaching staff who share your love for animals.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a program informed by animal and wildlife industries, aligned with current global challenges.
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Practical learning for every student
Apply your learning through hands-on experiences in real animal and wildlife contexts.
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Hands-on animal science learning
Build skills through surveys, fieldwork and applied activities reflecting animal welfare.
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Combined zoology and animal focus
Develop knowledge of wild and domesticated animals, while building key skills in critical thinking, scientific interpretation and a strong scientific skillset.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop practical experience and evidence-based decision-making skills to pursue opportunities across zoology and animal science, from wildlife biology and environmental management to biosecurity.
Zoologist
Study the ecology, behaviour and physiology of animals in natural habitats, as well as in captivity and laboratories. Conduct field surveys and experiments, analyse data and contribute to wildlife management and conservation.
- $105k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 10%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Environmental manager
Plan and oversee environmental programs that help organisations manage their environmental impact. Support compliance, assess environmental risks and implement strategies to improve environmental performance.
- $180k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 11.5%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Other jobs
- Research assistant
- Field officer
- Pest management officer
- Animal curator
- Ecologist
- Biosecurity officer
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science?
The Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science is a three-year degree. You will study animal biology across wild and managed environments while building practical skills in relation to conservation, management and animal welfare.
Foundations in animal and biological science
Explore animal biology and diversity
Learn how animals function, evolve and interact within different environments.
Understand animal health and welfare
Examine the factors that influence animal wellbeing across natural and managed settings.
Develop core scientific capabilities
Build skills in data handling and visualisation, data analysis, observation and communication for animal science.
Develop zoology and animal expertise
Advance animal physiology and ecology
Strengthen your understanding of how animals respond and are affected by their environment, including the impacts of changing climates.
Apply skills through field and practical work
Engage in practical experiences that develop skills relevant to animal management and monitoring.
Broaden your studies with electives
Choose complementary areas to support your interests and career direction.
Advanced application and career preparation
Undertake advanced animal analysis
Explore complex issues in animal welfare, behaviour and conservation using scientific approaches.
Apply learning through practical projects
Complete projects that reflect contemporary animal and wildlife challenges.
Strengthen career-ready capabilities
Build teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills for animal-focused careers.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science, you must pass 24 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete 18 core units (these are essential units for this degree)
In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
*Students must complete at least one Chemistry unit -SLE133 Chemistry in Our World OR SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences. An elective may be taken in the alternative Trimester.
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent).
*Students must complete at least one Chemistry unit -SLE133 Chemistry in Our World OR SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences. An open elective may be taken in the alternative trimester.
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus two open elective units (two credit points)
^ Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit)
You have the option to complete one minor sequence (four units) to complement your degree and broaden your skills (this will use your open electives).
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
You have the option to choose up to six open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites).
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
This course includes a compulsory professional practice unit that requires you to undertake at least 80 hours of work experience in a course-related host organisation. Explore the SEBE WIL program.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of chemistry, zoology and their environment to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of scientific concepts and methods in the study of zoology and animal science. Apply technical knowledge and skills and use them in a range of activities, in a professional setting; this application of technical knowledge and skills being characterised by demonstrable in-depth knowledge of scientific methods and tools; and demonstrable proficiency in the utilisation of scientific facts, principles and practices. Demonstrate an integrated knowledge, autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to investigate, test, analyse, and evaluate scientific data and to argue about characteristics and aspects of scientific theories in the advancement of zoology and animal science. |
| Use oral, written, graphical and interpersonal communication skills to accommodate, encourage, and answer audience questions in a professional manner. Present details of scientific procedures, key observations, results and conclusions using appropriate scientific language and conventions to share and disseminate information and knowledge in a clear and coherent manner. |
| Apply well-developed scientific information literacy skills to independently locate, interpret, evaluate the merits of, and synthesise information in a digital world using an advanced working knowledge of relevant bibliographic software applications. Reflect on, create and ethically share knowledge and information to a variety of audiences to demonstrate the ability to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts. |
| Locate and evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation or fieldwork investigations. Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement to analyse, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles in the field of zoology and animal science. |
| Use initiative and creativity in planning, identifying and using multiple approaches to recognise, clarify, construct and solutions to real world (authentic) problems in zoology and animal science. Advocate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions to authentic real world problems in zoology and animal science taking into account relevant contextual factors. |
| Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance. Work autonomously, responsibly, ethically and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices. |
| Work independently and collaboratively as a team to contribute towards achieving team goals and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts. |
| Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with others to articulate the place and importance of zoology and animal science in the local and global context. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400315483 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- S369
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 075365F Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.