Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)

Communicate across species

Love interacting with animals? Fascinated by pets and their personalities?

Animal behaviour is psychology for the animal kingdom. It’s about understanding the science behind why animals act in certain ways, how we should work with them, and how we can look after their futures. It even informs our understanding of human behaviour.

What will you do?

Explore why cat’s meow, find out if parrots are smart, and play with the odd puppy or two as you build the skills to join this growing industry. You will:

  • study the behaviour of animals big and small, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, livestock, wildlife and insects
  • build practical skills through internship opportunities
  • join a close-knit, animal-loving community at our Roseworthy campus
  • learn about animal development and the biological drivers of behaviour
  • explore your personal animal interests through research projects and case studies
  • draw on the University’s internationally recognised expertise in animal science and veterinary bioscience.

There is also a strong practical element, with opportunities for industry experience, field work and study tours.

Where could it take you?

You could consult with exotic pets, prepare greyhounds for adoption or work in animal management for local government. You might ready dogs for roles guiding the visually impaired, detecting in customs, or even comforting children with autism and anxiety. Perhaps you’ll host your very own animal science show on TV.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.



  • Largest range of species of any animal behaviour degree in South Australia
  • Learn from world leaders, like COVID detector dogs researchers
  • Linked with industry partners

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 334171
2023 CSP ATAR 66.6
2023 CSP IB 24.25
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 27.5
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2024. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2024 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2023 or 2022), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2022). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

2023 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)		 Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 56.55
Median ATAR to receive an offer 77.18
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 94.75
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)		 Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 66.6
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 80.95
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.55
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)    		 8 28.6%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study N/A N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)    		 <5 N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    		 18 64.3%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    		 N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    		 N/A N/A
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 28 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Apply

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,485

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


There is a growing understanding that behaviour (both human and animal) is key to a wide range of areas, including policy, economics, law enforcement and resource management. Employment opportunities exist in the following areas:

  • shelters and welfare organisations
  • private animal training
  • zoos and wildlife parks
  • animal management for government agencies
  • research
  • education.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Throughout your degree, you’ll undertake professional work experience placements at locations such as shelters, training facilities, zoological parks and farms. Placements can often be undertaken throughout Australia. Overseas placements are also possible, pending approval.

You must complete 120 hours of professional work experience at an approved workplace in the Level III course Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour.  

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Laboratory Manager;  Laboratory Technician;  Life Scientist;  Agriculture, Agricultural Service Industry;  Livestock Production;  Animal Technician;  Animal Behaviourist;  Animal Breeding;  Animal Welfare;  Entrepreneur ...

Degree Structure

You will engage with industry through the 120 hours of professional work experience and have the opportunity to attend numerous industry events throughout your degree.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1 S1

BIOLOGY 1101
Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells

 ANIML SC 1015RW Animal Handling & Husbandry I

 PSYCHOL 1000 Psychology IA
Approved Level I Elective

S2 BIOLOGY 1202
Biology I: Organisms 		ANIML SC 1016RW
Principles in Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics I

PSYCHOL 1001 Psychology IB STATS 1004 Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)
(or Semester 1)
Year2 S1 ANIML SC 2506RW Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIA ANIML SC 2520RW Research Methodology for Animal Sciences II Approved Level II Elective Approved Level I OR II Elective
S2 ANIML SC 2507RW Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIB AN BEHAV 2000RW Foundations of Animal Behaviour Approved Level II Elective Approved Level I OR II Elective
Year 3  S1 AN BEHAV 3020RW Animal Management [Summer] AN BEHAV 3000RW Applied Behaviour Analysis for Animals Approved Level III Elective Approved Level III Elective
S2 AN BEHAV 3010RW
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour		 Approved Level III Elective Approved Level III Elective

Related Degrees

Testimonial

Studying here has opened doors for me in general practice, specialist hospitals and non-profit animal organisations, both within Australia and overseas.
Manhei Ma

Manhei Ma
Veterinary Ultrasonographer

Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Science)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023