Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science

Program Overview

This undergraduate Zoology program provides a comprehensive understanding of animal form, function, and adaptation, with a focus on Australian fauna. Students engage in hands-on lab and field work, developing research and decision-making skills. The program prepares graduates for careers in zoology, wildlife biology, environmental consulting, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Kickstart an exciting career in zoology. Learn about the form and function of different animals and how they adapt to their natural environment. Investigate how animals respond and adapt to changes in the environment, including climate change, with a strong focus on Australian fauna and its unique importance in the global environment. Apply the latest research techniques to test hypotheses in the real-world and develop the evidence-based decision-making skills valued by industry. You will work with living subjects in the lab and field, giving you a first-hand understanding of the form and function of animals and the underlying mechanisms that influence their ecology and evolution. You will also learn broadly about how animals respond to changing environments over time. Best of all, your journey will be supported by teaching staff who share your passion for animals.

Outline:

• Level: Undergraduate
• Duration: 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
• Locations: Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
• Course Overview:
• Year 1:
• Foundations of Zoology
• Cells and Genes
• Ecology and the Environment
• Chemistry in Our World
• Year 2:
• Animal Diversity
• Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Marine Biology
• Vertebrate Structure and Function
• Genetics and Genomics
• Animal Behaviour
• Year 3:
• Professional Practice
• Ecological and Conservation Genetics
• Evolution
• Sensory Ecology
• Disease Ecology and Epidemiology
• Zoological and Wildlife Field Studies
• Core Units:
• Academic Integrity Module
• Career Tools for Employability
• Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program
• Foundations of Zoology
• Cells and Genes
• Ecology and the Environment
• Chemistry in Our World or Chemistry for the Professional Sciences
• Animal Diversity
• Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Marine Biology
• Vertebrate Structure and Function
• Genetics and Genomics
• Animal Behaviour
• Professional Practice
• Ecological and Conservation Genetics
• Evolution
• Sensory Ecology
• Disease Ecology and Epidemiology
• Zoological and Wildlife Field Studies
• Elective Units:
• Applied Data Analytics

Teaching:

• Teaching Staff: The teaching staff are experts in their fields and share a passion for animals.
• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Practicals
• Online interaction
• Work-based training

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Zoologist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Science Writer
• Science Teacher
• Job Roles:
• Research Assistant
• Environmental Manager
• Pest Management Officer
• Collection Manager of Aquaria and Zoological Gardens
• Primary and Secondary Teacher (with relevant teaching qualifications)