Animal science - key to the future
People today are increasingly concerned with
where their food comes from and how it is
produced.
They want quality, affordability and safety and,
importantly, they also want to know that farming
and agricultural practices are sustainable and
humane.
Producers, also concerned with animal
welfare and sustainability, are increasingly
looking to scientists to provide new strategies
and technologies to achieve this whilst still
maintaining a viable industry.
Animal science is the study of animal production,
with the focus being to provide the agricultural
industries with animal scientists that are industry
professionals, and highly skilled in theoretical
and practical aspects of animal production.
Animal scientists work in all areas of agriculture
from government departments of agriculture,
rural supply and stock companies, rural financial
institutions, in research funded by industry
agencies, as farm advisors, managers in the stud
industry, in biosecurity and quarantine, and in
schools, colleges and universities as academics.
Western Australian based Murdoch University
offers a four-year degree including a research
project in year four. The animal science degree
focuses on the ethical and sustainable production
of food and fibre from the domestic species:
sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs and poultry.
In addition horses, goats and aquaculture are
also covered.
However, agriculture is a rapidly changing
industry. Traditional food and fibre production
systems must now embrace the new DNA
technologies, the demands from the public
for assurance of food safety and quality,
and general concerns about ethics of food
production and animal welfare. Old practices will
be modified and new standards set,offering a
wealth of opportunities to those who
are prepared.
As an animal science student you will receive
a comprehensive theoretical understanding of
the animal sciences of biochemistry, molecular
biology, physiology and anatomy, statistics,
economics, microbiology, nutrition, pathology
and parasitology, along with industry skills in the
assessment of pastures, soils and food quality.
Our animal science degree aims to combine
theoretical knowledge with practical industry
skills, which will be developed in a hands-on
direct manner. You’ll also gain valuable industry
experience before graduation with six weeks of
industry work experience placement.
So why should you study at Murdoch?
Murdoch University’s animal science degree
is focused on student-centred learning. You
will receive extensive guidance and facilitation
in developing your knowledge base. We have
small class sizes providing an excellent learning
environment and a great social atmosphere.
You will complete practicals in pasture and soil
assessment on the University’s campus farm
from year one and be trained in the competent
handling of sheep, cattle, and pigs during your
first semester of study.
We have excellent facilities including access to
the University’s research laboratory and oncampus
farm.
There is a strong research component as part of
the degree. Under supervision by members of
the staff, you can undertake research projects
that require critical thinking and the evaluation
of scientific evidence.
In this way, you will possess the knowledge
and skills to critically appraise animal studies
and participate in multi-disciplinary research
programs. Performance in the research project
will be a major determinant in graduates
achieving an Honours result during their study.
There is a proven strength of teaching and
learning at Murdoch University. Murdoch has
obtained the highest five-star rating in graduate
satisfaction (as determined by the Australian
Good Universities Guide) in 12 of the past 13
years, the only university in Australia to have
done so.
Murdoch delivers a quality learning
environment, supported by quality staff.
For further information on studying animal
science and to find out how to apply visit:
www.murdoch.edu.au |
