Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) (BSc(AnmlBehaviour))
Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) (BSc(AnmlBehaviour))
Program Code
BSC
Program Faculty
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Academic Year
2025
These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).
Overview
Animal behaviour is a specialist field important to many animal-related professions. Animal behaviour informs how animals are treated and managed with direct application in animal welfare, management of animals in intensive and extensive systems, and how animals are viewed in society. Animal behaviour can also be used to better understand human behaviour, as there are many commonalities in biological and genetic regulation of behaviour. This additional focused training will equip students to work in a number of fields, including animal training (most jobs are with companion animals, but students will be equipped to work with any species), animal management (e.g. Animal Management Officers with Local Councils or in shelters), and with wildlife (e.g. Zoos, wildlife parks) as well as in research and education.
Level I involves studies at both North Terrace and Roseworthy campuses, while the core elements of the rest of the program will be based at the Roseworthy campus. This program requires a total of 120 hours of professional work experience to be undertaken in Semester 2 of the third year of the program.
The Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) is an AQF Level 7 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 3 years.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science, and in particular animal behaviour, by: 1.1. articulating the methods of science, and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry 1.2. explaining the role and relevance of animal science and animal behaviour in society.
- Exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge of animal behavioural science.
- Critically analyse and solve problems in animal behavioural science by: 3.1 gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources 3.2 designing and planning an investigation 3.3 selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation 3.4 collecting, accurately recording, analysing, interpreting and reporting scientific data 3.5 demonstrating cooperativity and effectiveness of working in a team environment.
- Be effective communicators of science by: 4.1 communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
- Be accountable for their own learning and scientific and professional work by: 5.1 being independent and self-directed learners 5.2 working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual and team context 5.3 demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practicing ethical conduct.
Conditions
Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Executive Dean or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.
Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program.
Academic Program Rules for Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
There shall be a Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour).
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units, comprising:
1. Core courses to the value of 45 units.
2. Elective courses to the value of 27 units.
3. Level I courses not exceeding 30 units.
4. Level III Science courses to the value of at least 24 units.
5. Broadening experience.
Core Courses
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Core Courses
Level I
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value ANIML SC 1015RW Animal Handling & Husbandry I 3 ANIML SC 1016RW Principles in Animal Behaviour Welfare Ethics I 3 BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells 3 BIOLOGY 1202 Biology I: Organisms 3 PSYCHOL 1000 Psychology IA 3 PSYCHOL 1001 Psychology IB 3 STATS 1000 Statistical Practice I 3 Level II
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value AN BEHAV 2000RW Foundations of Animal Behaviour 3 ANIML SC 2506RW Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIA 3 ANIML SC 2507RW Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIB 3 ANIML SC 2520RW Research Methodology for Animal Sciences II 3 Level III
All of the following courses must be completed:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value AN BEHAV 3000RW The Science of Enrichment and Animal Learning 3 AN BEHAV 3010RW Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour 6 AN BEHAV 3020RW Animal Management 3
Electives
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Elective Courses
Electives may include other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are not listed as elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science up to the value of 9 units in total at levels I and/or II with no more than 6 units at level I.
Level I
Courses to the value of up to 9 units may be taken from the following:
Courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student
Level II
Courses to the value of up to 12 units may be taken from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value ANIML SC 2501RW Genes and Inheritance II 3 ANIML SC 2502RW Wildlife Management II 3 ANIML SC 2545RW Animal Health II 3 ENV BIOL 2501 Evolutionary Biology II 3 ENV BIOL 2502 Ecology II 3 ENV BIOL 2503 Zoology II 3 or
additional courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.
Level III
Courses to the value of 12 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value ANIML SC 3019RW Ecology and Management of Vertebrate Pests III 3 ANIML SC 3045RW Animal Breeding and Genetics III 3 ANIML SC 3046RW Animal Reproduction III 3 ANIML SC 3100RW Laboratory Animal Science III 3 ANIML SC 3250RW Animals and the Law 3 ANIML SC 3530RW Integrative Domestic and Exotic Animal Studies 3 ENV BIOL 3121 Concepts in Ecology III 3 ENV BIOL 3545 Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution 3 SCIENCE 3200 Communicating Science III 3 SCIENCE 3500 Science International Study Tour 3 SCIENCE 3520 Science Experience III 3 SPATIAL 3007WT GIS for Environmental Management III 3 SPATIAL 3020WT GIS for Agriculture & Natural Resource III 3 STEM 3700 STEM Internship 3 or
additional Level III courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science that are available to the student.
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Broadening experience
The broadening experience requirement can be met by any of the following:
Study abroad or exchangeor
Courses to the value of at least 3 units from the following:
Subject/Catalogue Course Title Unit Value SCIENCE 3200 Communicating Science III 3 SCIENCE 3500 Science International Study Tour 3 SCIENCE 3510 Science International Study Tour B 3 SCIENCE 3520 Science Experience III 3 STEM 3700 STEM Internship 3 or
courses outside the major area of study.