Animal Health

Explore the major issues impacting the health of domestic animals and wildlife. In this major, you'll use cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems impacting the health and management of livestock, companion animals and wildlife.

Develop the kind of teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills that are in high demand with employers while being taught by some of Australia’s leading animal health experts.

Murdoch is the only city-based university in Australia with an on-campus farm, so you’ll have easy access to animals for your hand-on practical sessions.

If you’d like to study Animal Health as a pathway to apply to study Veterinary Science, we recommend studying a double major which includes Animal Health and Animal Science. Students that are successful transferring to the veterinary program at Murdoch University can receive credit for completion of some units in the Animal Health major.

3 reasons to study Animal Health at Murdoch

1. Murdoch University is the only city-based university in Australia with an on-campus farm. This means you’ll have easy access to livestock such as horses, sheep and cows for your practical sessions through semester.
2. Learn cutting-edge approaches to Animal Health from leading researchers, veterinarians, veterinarians, animal scientists and animal industry experts in diverse industry roles. You'll be studying units that are part of the internationally accredited veterinary program.
3. Get the opportunity for hands-on experience with a range of animals and careers throughout the course, including opportunities for placements on farms and businesses throughout your degree. 

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• Animal biochemistry, anatomy and physiology
• Principles of infectious disease including veterinary microbiology and parasitology
• Pathology and diseases of domestic animals
• Animal nutrition and veterinary toxicology
• Sustainable One Health approaches to animal health, incorporating animals, humans and the environment

You can complement the Animal Health major with an exciting range of electives to build on topics you are passionate about. Options include animal reproduction, livestock production, equine science, agricultural workplace skills, wildlife and conservation biology and more.

Your future career

A major in Animal Health will give you opportunities to pursue a career in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, companion animal industries and wildlife management. Careers could include:

• Animal health and welfare manager
• Biosecurity manager
• Animal nutritionist
• Farm or livestock manager
• Wildlife health consultant
• Genetic consultant
• Research scientist
• Laboratory scientist in veterinary laboratory
• Animal health product development
• Animal health and biosecurity policy officer

Murdoch graduates with Bachelor of Agriculture (major in Animal Health) are in high demand with employers, both in Australia and abroad. You could work in the private sector, government agencies, animal management or environmental consultancy, non-government organisations, or research and development institutions to help solve animal health issues across the world. Career learning units in your degree allow you to explore different career pathways and network with potential employers.

For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.

Professional recognition

Recognised by Ag Institute Australia. Ag Institute Australia is the peak body representing the interests of Agricultural and Natural Resource Management professionals. Students graduating with Major in Animal Health are eligible for professional membership.