Animal Science (BSc Agr)
Delve into animal biology and welfare, paving the way for careers in veterinary sciences, research, and animal husbandry.
Why choose this program?
Work with live animals in a fully-equipped farm environment. This program prepares you for work that applies your knowledge of animal biology to the best system possible for supporting animal development. After completing two years of this program, you will qualify to apply to veterinary college.
Graduates of this program are eligible for membership in Agrologists in Canada.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
- Minimum overall average: 75%
- Academic English 12
- Pre-calculus Math 12*
- Three additional academic subjects
*If you don't have the appropriate pre-calculus math class, but are otherwise qualified, you may be admitted with the stipulation that you take the relevant non-credit introductory studies class in first year prior to registering in the degree level class
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
The Animal Science major is designed to give you the scientific foundation required to understand and work with animals in various contexts. A minor in Animal Agriculture will provide you with an area of secondary concentration to complement your degree. The honours option has a greater research focus and is intended for those students who plan on pursuing further studies.
The following Animal Science program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Science Agriculture with Major
Bachelor of Science Agriculture with Honours
Minor in Animal Agriculture (see Admissions Requirements for eligibility)
Other minors including Equine Science and Aquaculture
Certificates including Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
What you will learn
Our courses will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You’ll study general university science (biology, chemistry, statistics), combined with humanities and social science electives, as well as courses targeting animal science, including topics such as animal agriculture, mammalian physiology, and genetics.
In third or fourth year, Animal Science majors have the opportunity to select and conduct their own research project through an honours stream.
Sample courses may include:
- Agricultural ecosystems
- Biology
- Chemistry
Animal Agriculture
Mammalian Physiology
Biochemistry
Growth, Reproduction and Lactation
Animal Nutrition
Animal Breeding
Research Methods in Agriculture
Electives
An Animal Science degree at Dalhousie will prepare you for a rewarding career related to animal welfare. It will also prepare you for a wide variety of professional programs in the sciences and beyond.
Careers
Whether your main interest in animals is scientific or economic, a major in Animal Science at Dalhousie can prepare you for a rewarding career. As an Animal Science graduate, your knowledge of how animals function and the business of caring for them gives you access to a wide variety of professional opportunities, such as careers in provincial departments of agriculture, in livestock breeding organizations, or careers in animal research.
After completing your degree, you will be well positioned to take advantage of future study opportunities in a variety of areas including veterinary medicine, food product development, and education.
