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Production Animal Science
Bachelor of AgricultureMajorYear: 2026
Production Animal Science
Overview
This major will provide graduates with a depth and breadth of understanding in production animal science in the context of agricultural systems. Students of this major will study subjects in animal biology, nutrition and physiology, health and welfare. Graduates of this major will also gain a detailed understanding of animal production industries, and how management strategies can optimise growth and product quality.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this major students should be able to show:
- A strong understanding of animal management in agricultural production systems
- An understanding of the determinants of optimal animal health and production
- The ability to critically evaluate management decisions in animal systems, and formulate plans that will ensure industry and environmental sustainability
- An understanding of current issues facing animal agricultural production systems
- Skills to effectively analyse, and scientifically evaluate the welfare and environmental implications of animal production systems
- The ability to communicate and discuss scientific and industry information with relevant stakeholders
- The capacity for initiating and maintaining cooperative relationships with colleagues
- The ability to analyse and interpret data generated in agricultural systems
Last updated: 19 November 2025
Structure
87.5 credit points
To obtain a major in Production Animal Science students need to complete:
- 37.5 credit points of Level 2 Major Subjects including
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 Degree Core subject
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 Major Core subject
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 Major Elective subjects
- 37.5 credit points of Level 3 Major subjects including
- 12.5 credit points of Level 3 Major Core subject
- 25 credit points of Level 3 Major Elective subjects
- 12.5 credit points of Capstone subject
Subject Options
Level 2 Degree Core
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI20043 | Biochemistry in Agricultural Systems | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 2 Major Core
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSC20001 | Animal Physiology and Growth | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Level 2 Major Electives
Students complete 12.5 credit points from:
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI20044 | Microbiology in Agriculture | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ANSC20002 | Comparative Nutrition and Digestion | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI20036 | Ecology and Grazing Management |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Level 3 Major Core
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSC30008 | Production Animal Physiology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Level 3 Major Electives
Students complete 25 credit points from:
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSC30003 | Applied Animal Behaviour | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ANSC30004 | Applied Animal Reproduction & Genetics |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
|
12.5 |
| ANSC30005 | Animal Welfare and Ethics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ANSC30006 | Production Animal Health | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Capstone
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI30038 | Professional Practice for Agriculture |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Recommended Level 2 Electives
Please note the below subjects are recommended based on your intended major.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI20003 | Sustainable Food Systems | July (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
| AGRI20044 | Microbiology in Agriculture | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ANSC20002 | Comparative Nutrition and Digestion | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI20036 | Ecology and Grazing Management |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Recommended Level 3 Electives
Please note the below subjects are recommended based on your intended major.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI30045 | Applications in Precision Agriculture | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Last updated: 19 November 2025