University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The honours year in Animal Behaviour combines advanced coursework with an independent research project supervised by academic staff. You will deepen your understanding of the mechanisms, evolution and ecological context of behaviour, and develop the experimental, analytical and writing skills needed for research careers.

• Core topics: behavioural ecology, animal cognition, neuroethology, ethology and comparative behaviour.
• Research methods: experimental design, behavioural observation techniques, bio-logging and remote sensing methods, field and laboratory protocols.
• Quantitative skills: biostatistics, multivariate analysis, modelling of behavioural data, and use of software for analysing time-series and spatial data.
• Applied subjects: animal welfare and ethics, conservation behaviour, human–animal interactions and animal management.
• Honours thesis: a substantial supervised research project that includes literature synthesis, data collection, analysis and a written thesis; many students also present their work at seminars or conferences.
• Practical experience: opportunities for fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and placements or collaborations with local institutions such as wildlife parks, zoos or conservation groups.

Entry requirements

Admission to the honours year typically requires completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree with a substantial component of biological or behavioural science. Applicants are usually expected to demonstrate strong academic performance in relevant courses and evidence of research aptitude, such as a research project or laboratory experience.

• Relevant prior study: a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Biological Sciences or equivalent with coursework in ecology, animal behaviour, physiology or related subjects.
• Academic performance: competitive grades in upper-level science subjects; the programme is selective and places are limited.
• Research experience: prior honours-level work, summer projects, or laboratory/field experience strengthens an application.
• English language: international applicants must meet the university's English proficiency requirements.
• Other: applicants may need to secure a potential supervisor and provide a research proposal or statement of research interests as part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates of an honours programme in Animal Behaviour are well placed for a range of careers in research, conservation, applied animal science and policy. The emphasis on research methods and quantitative analysis also provides strong preparation for postgraduate study.

• Research and academia: progression to PhD study and research positions in universities and research institutions.
• Conservation and wildlife management: roles with government agencies, NGOs and conservation projects that apply behavioural knowledge to species recovery and habitat management.
• Animal welfare and behaviour consultancy: positions advising on husbandry, enrichment and welfare in zoos, aquaria, farms and shelters.
• Industry and biosecurity: roles in agricultural industries, pest management, ecological consulting and environmental assessment.
• Public engagement and policy: science communication, environmental education and policy positions that require expertise in animal behaviour and ethics.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers an honours experience embedded in a research-intensive School of Biological Sciences with strengths in ecology, behavioural neuroscience and conservation. The programme provides close supervision, access to well-equipped laboratories and field facilities, and opportunities to work with active research groups.

• Research links: collaborative projects and partnerships with local conservation agencies, museums and zoos that provide placement and fieldwork opportunities.
• Supervision and support: small honours cohorts enable personalised supervision, skills workshops and training in scientific communication and research methodology.
• Facilities: access to laboratory spaces, animal-holding facilities where appropriate, and equipment for behavioural recording and telemetry.
• Pathways: strong pathways into higher degree research, with many honours students continuing to PhD study both within the university and at national research institutions.