Production Animal Science (B-AGR_MAJOR_3)

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

Handbook home

Production Animal Science

Contact information

Coordinator