University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree focuses on the biological sciences underpinning animal health and disease. Core study areas include animal anatomy and physiology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology and parasitology, together with genetics, epidemiology and animal behaviour. Practical laboratory training is emphasised: students develop skills in diagnostic techniques, histology, molecular biology and clinical pathology.

The program typically combines structured coursework with hands-on learning on campus and at the University’s veterinary teaching facilities. You can expect modules covering:

• Fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology
• Comparative vertebrate biology
• Microbial pathogens, host responses and immunology
• Principles of pathology and diagnostic medicine
• Pharmacology and therapeutics relevant to animals
• Epidemiology, disease surveillance and biosecurity
• Animal behaviour, welfare and ethics
• Laboratory techniques, statistics and experimental design
• Research project or capstone experience, often involving an independent laboratory or field-based investigation

Elective options and industry-linked units allow you to tailor studies toward livestock, equine, companion animals, wildlife or laboratory animal science. Practical placement opportunities and interactions with the University’s veterinary hospital and research groups are an important component.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on completion of senior secondary qualifications or equivalent tertiary study with a strong basis in the sciences. Successful applicants usually demonstrate strengths in biology and chemistry; mathematics is also highly regarded. International applicants must meet recognised secondary or tertiary equivalence and demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or qualification.

Selection may consider academic results, prerequisite subject completion and any specified admissions procedures. Applicants with previous tertiary study in a relevant discipline or recognised practical experience in animal care, research or biosecurity may be considered on academic grounds.

Career prospects

Graduates gain a solid scientific platform for a range of careers in animal and biomedical fields. Common pathways include:

• Entry to postgraduate veterinary medicine programs (subject to competitive selection)
• Roles in diagnostic and veterinary pathology laboratories
• Positions in government biosecurity, quarantine and animal health services
• Livestock and production animal advisory roles, herd health and extension services
• Wildlife and conservation organisations, rehabilitation and management
• Research assistant or laboratory scientist positions in academia and industry
• Careers in animal nutrition, pharmaceutical or animal health product industries
• Further study in veterinary science, animal science, epidemiology or biomedical research

The degree’s combination of practical skills and research experience is valued by employers in both public and private sectors working on animal health, food safety and One Health challenges.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers veterinary and animal-health education with strong practical and research components, supported by dedicated teaching facilities and close links to industry. Students benefit from hands-on training at campus-based veterinary teaching facilities and access to research groups working on infectious disease, biosecurity, food-animal health and conservation science.

Teaching emphasises small-group practicals, laboratory skill development and opportunities for supervised research projects, helping students develop both technical competence and critical scientific thinking. Strong industry and government partnerships in South Australia provide pathways to placements, internships and employment in animal health, research and biosecurity sectors.