Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science |
| Deakin course code | S369 |
| Course Credit Points | 24 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2012 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2026 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 075365F Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Mandatory student checks
- Articulated courses
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Minors
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of minor sequences
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Through Deakin’s Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science, you will explore the social and economic impacts of human activity on animals and their ecosystems. You will investigate how animals respond and adapt to changes in climate and the environment, and apply the latest research techniques to test hypotheses in real-world settings. Along the way, you will develop evidence-based decision-making skills that are highly valued by industry.
You will work with live animals in the lab and field, gaining first-hand insight into animal form and function, as well as the underlying mechanisms that influence their ecology and evolution. The course has a strong focus on Australian fauna and its unique importance in the world. Best of all, your learning will be supported by passionate teaching staff who share your love for animals.
Interested in a career that cares for the future of our furry and feathered friends?
If you’re fascinated by the way animals behave, adapt, evolve and survive, you’re not alone. Animal enthusiasts choose Deakin to turn their passion into a rewarding career because of our research-informed teaching and practical approach to learning. This hands-on approach ensures you will develop the technical and practical expertise required to thrive in your career, as well as the communication, teamwork and critical-thinking skills to equip you for future roles in the field.
As you advance through the course, you will be exposed to many different aspects of zoology. These include physiological and behavioural adaptations to environmental change, disease ecology, animal sensory neurobiology and behaviour, field studies, and ecological and conservation genetics. The wide range of core units will broaden your skill set, expanding your career options across the growing zoology and animal science field.
How you will learn is as important as what you will learn. Study animals while working alongside academic staff who aren’t just teachers, but researchers at the forefront of their respective fields. You’ll also undertake a discipline-specific industry work placement, allowing you to gain valuable experience and start preparing for your future career while you study.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Career opportunities
Employers value Deakin graduates for their range of practical experience and evidence-based decision-making skills. You will be well-placed to explore opportunities in areas including:
- zoological research
- environmental monitoring and management
- wildlife biology
- private environmental consulting
- government biosecurity and quarantine.
Graduates typically take on roles such as:
- research assistants
- environmental managers
- field officers
- pest management officers
- collection managers of aquaria and zoological gardens
- primary and secondary teachers (with relevant teaching qualifications).
Further postgraduate studies, including research training either in Australia or overseas, can also lead to becoming a research scientist in a specific field, a museum curator, or even a university academic.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Articulated courses
| Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (S494) | |
| Bachelor of Science (Honours) (S400) |
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of chemistry, zoology and their environment to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of scientific concepts and methods in the study of zoology and animal science. Apply technical knowledge and skills and use them in a range of activities, in a professional setting; this application of technical knowledge and skills being characterised by demonstrable in-depth knowledge of scientific methods and tools; and demonstrable proficiency in the utilisation of scientific facts, principles and practices. Demonstrate an integrated knowledge, autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to investigate, test, analyse, and evaluate scientific data and to argue about characteristics and aspects of scientific theories in the advancement of zoology and animal science. |
| Communication | Use oral, written, graphical and interpersonal communication skills to accommodate, encourage, and answer audience questions in a professional manner. Present details of scientific procedures, key observations, results and conclusions using appropriate scientific language and conventions to share and disseminate information and knowledge in a clear and coherent manner. |
| Digital literacy | Apply well-developed scientific information literacy skills to independently locate, interpret, evaluate the merits of, and synthesise information in a digital world using an advanced working knowledge of relevant bibliographic software applications. Reflect on, create and ethically share knowledge and information to a variety of audiences to demonstrate the ability to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts. |
| Critical thinking | Locate and evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation or fieldwork investigations. Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement to analyse, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles in the field of zoology and animal science. |
| Problem solving | Use initiative and creativity in planning, identifying and using multiple approaches to recognise, clarify, construct and solutions to real world (authentic) problems in zoology and animal science. Advocate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions to authentic real world problems in zoology and animal science taking into account relevant contextual factors. |
| Self-management | Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance. Work autonomously, responsibly, ethically and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and collaboratively as a team to contribute towards achieving team goals and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts. |
| Global citizenship | Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with others to articulate the place and importance of zoology and animal science in the local and global context. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 18 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points - one of:
- 1 minor (4 credit points) and 2 credit points of open elective units
- 6 credit points of open elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
Minors
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
Course structure
Core
Level 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
| SLE117 | Foundations of Zoology |
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes |
| SLE103 | Ecology and the Environment |
| SLE133 | Chemistry in Our World or one elective unit* |
*Students must complete at least one Chemistry unit -SLE133 Chemistry in Our World OR SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences. An elective may be taken in the alternative Trimester.
Level 1 - Trimester 2
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function |
| SLE123 | Physics for the Life Sciences |
| SLE155 | Chemistry for the Professional Sciences ^ or one elective unit*^ |
plus one elective unit (one credit point)
^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent).
*Students must complete at least one Chemistry unit -SLE133 Chemistry in Our World OR SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences. An open elective may be taken in the alternative trimester.
Level 2 - Trimester 1
| SLE204 | Animal Diversity |
| SLE251 | Research Methods and Data Analysis ^ |
| SLE238 | Marine Biology |
plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
| SLE205 | Vertebrate Structure and Function |
| SLE254 | Genetics and Genomics |
| SLE224 | Animal Behaviour |
plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
| SLE301 | Professional Practice ^ |
| SLE341 | Ecological and Conservation Genetics |
| SLE370 | Evolution |
| SLE397 | Sensory Ecology |
Level 3 - Trimester 2
| SLE354 | Disease Ecology and Epidemiology |
| SLE355 | Zoological and Wildlife Field Studies |
plus two open elective units (two credit points)
^ Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit)
Electives
Select from the range of open elective units offered across many courses, including, in some cases, the option to choose elective units from a completely different field (subject to meeting unit requirements).
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Work experience
This course includes a compulsory professional practice unit that requires you to undertake at least 80 hours of work experience in a course-related host organisation. Explore the SEBE WIL program.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Details of minor sequences
Applied data analytics
Campuses
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Unit set code
MN-S000023
Overview
No longer found solely amongst the big tech giants, skilled professionals who can understand, analyse and interpret data are in high demand across every industry. These professionals provide meaningful insights that inform business decisions, making them sought after in today’s workforce. This minor sequence provides you with a solid introduction to data and information management, data science concepts, statistics and data analysis. You will also gain insight into the use of geographic information systems and their application in the field of environmental science.
Units
| SIT103 | Database Fundamentals |
| SIT112 | Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
| SLE245 | Marine Geographic Information Systems |
Indigenous Studies
Campuses
Online
Unit set code
MN-A000074
Overview
This minor sequence of Indigenous Studies units will build understanding, recognition and validity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing and Doing. Completing this sequence of study will facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and Australia's multiple histories to foster productive and meaningful relationships in culturally diverse communities, especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Career Outcomes
Completion of the minor sequence of Indigenous Studies will enable graduates to respectfully collaborate and work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. Culturally responsive graduates can apply these skills and practices to a wide range of services, including education, creative industries, and health and community services.
Units
- To complete a minor sequence in Indigenous Studies select four units from the list below:
Complete 1 unit from:
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
| IND102 | Aboriginal Australian Stories and Songlines |
Plus 2 units from:
| IND203 | Caring for Country |
| IND204 | Australian Aboriginal Holistic Health and Healing |
| IND205 | Global Indigenous Knowledges and Philosophies |
| IND206 | Indigeneity and the Media |
Plus 1 unit from:
| IND301 | Politics of Resistance in Indigenous Australia |
| IND302 | Working Alongside Aboriginal Communities |
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Other learning experiences
To broaden your experience of the world, you will have an opportunity to participate in overseas placements and study tours as an elective option in your course.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.