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.
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| 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 | |
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Admissions Transparency Data
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 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% - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
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
|
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.
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
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
Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Technician, Life Scientist, Agriculture, Agricultural Service Industry, Livestock Production, Animal Technician, Animal Behaviourist, Animal Breeding, Animal Welfare, Entrepreneur, Quarantine Officer, Research Associates, Research Manager, Research Scientist, Research and Education, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Officer, Scientist, Welfare Officer, Wildlife Officer, Zookeeper, ...
Degree Structure
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Example Study Plan
| Year1 | S1 |
BIOLOGY 1101 |
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 | ||
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Testimonial
The degree is based on the Roseworthy campus where functioning animal production farms allow students to gain firsthand experience in a practical learning environment.
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: Wednesday, 13 Sep 2023
