Animal scientists are essential in managing and improving the production of animals like cattle, chickens, sheep, goats and pigs, ensuring these animals are healthy and productive.
In the animal science major, you'll study nutrition and reproduction of both grazing animals and intensively housed animals, animal health, animal behaviour, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry and pasture science. This will help you develop strategies to improve the well-being of animals and make farms more efficient.
Join industry visits, and field trips to local livestock producers throughout your degree and gain in-demand practical skills and industry connections. Participate in regular hands-on practicals where you’ll learn to handle and monitor animals.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
You’ll have access to some of the best animal teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Queensland Animal Science Precinct, the UQ Veterinary Medical Centre and the Gatton Research Dairy.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Animal technician
- Animal management officer
- Biosecurity officer
- Animal health officer
Graduate salary
Agriculture & environmental studies (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Next steps after graduation
The agriculture sector contributes billions of dollars annually to the Australian and international economies.
You will find diverse career opportunities in organisations such as:
- local, national and international agribusiness companies such as agricultural service companies, banks, seed companies, food producers and agricultural consultancies
- research institutions, including universities and CSIRO
- local, state or federal government departments
- biosecurity, extension and animal production enterprises
- small- or large-scale organisations involved in production, post-harvest and marketing of horticultural products
- feed mills, stock equipment manufacturers, and livestock and poultry health companies within allied industries.
Alternatively, you can further your research ambitions by applying for a 12-month honours program.
The skills I developed during my time at UQ have equipped me to assess and manage complex challenges, thrive in fast-paced work environments, lead informed decision-making, and be recognised for my strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking capabilities.
UQ gave me the opportunity to develop new ways of thinking. The fundamental knowledge I learnt throughout my degree as well as the opportunity to enhance my problem solving and analysis skills have served me well throughout my career.
The skills I developed during my time at UQ have equipped me to assess and manage complex challenges, thrive in fast-paced work environments, lead informed decision-making, and be recognised for my strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking capabilities.
UQ gave me the opportunity to develop new ways of thinking. The fundamental knowledge I learnt throughout my degree as well as the opportunity to enhance my problem solving and analysis skills have served me well throughout my career.
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7 April
International Baccalaureate Research Skills Program
30 June
Queensland Biology Winter School, Year 11
Stories
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Careers
Career opportunities in agricultural science
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Uni life
What's it really like to study agribusiness and agriculture at UQ?
5-minute read
Stories
See all storiesCareers
Career opportunities in agricultural science
4-minute read
Uni life
What's it really like to study agribusiness and agriculture at UQ?
5-minute read
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Analysis of Scientific Data
- Animal Nutrition
- Australia’s Bio-Physical Environment
- Design and Analysis of Experiments
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