Bachelor of Science - Animal Science Major

Summary

Animals are central to our wellbeing in New Zealand, whether we are developing animal-derived food and products for export, managing the environmental impact of introduced animal species, or considering the role animals play in our lives as companions and pets.

Understanding animals' behaviour, the drivers of their health and well-being, their value to us, and our responsibilities to them plays a key role in our day-to-day activities and the economy.

The Bachelor of Science (majoring in Animal Science) aligns with the needs of industry, preparing you to lead knowledge-driven solutions to some of the industry’s most significant challenges, now and into the future.

The programme provides an in-depth knowledge of animal science and production, with a focus on animal welfare, health and biosecurity, in an overarching framework of sustainability principles in land, systems and community.

How you’ll grow

• Understand the biological, physiological, and biochemical processes that underpin animal form and function.
• Describe key scientific principles of breeding and genetics, nutrition, growth, reproduction, lactation and welfare for animals.
• Outline current scientific and public debates in animal ownership, management and livestock production, including sustainability, the ethical use of animals and their welfare.
• Describe major diseases that impact animal health and welfare.
• Understand management methods for biosecurity and the control of pest species, as well as their impact on the environment, biodiversity and livestock production.
• Identify key functional areas of livestock management and their links with the overall global supply chain.
• Outline how animal performance can be manipulated to improve animal production with consideration to ethical treatment, welfare and sustainability.
• Acquire, analyse and interpret information across a range of animal systems.
• Develop an awareness of Māori perspectives and their implications for animal science.

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science (majoring in Animal Science) will prepare you for a wide range of technical, advocacy and management roles across the animal science,  management and livestock production industries. Potential positions include animal breeding specialist, conservation officer, biosecurity officer, animal production specialist, animal welfare officer and animal science researcher.