Published on Ontario Agricultural College (https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac)

Home > Future Students > Undergraduate Degrees > Bachelor of Science > Animal Biology

Animal Biology

A class instructor using a cow model to teach a group of students.

The animal biology major, offered as part of the Bachelor of Science [1] degree program, emphasizes the science underlying the practical husbandry of animals, primarily those used for food products but also companion and exotic species. You will acquire a broad overview of animal production systems and a detailed understanding of how these rely increasingly on our emerging knowledge in fields such as genetics, molecular biology, reproductive technology, nutrition, environmental physiology, behaviour and welfare.

The program provides excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. This program is offered and administered by the Department of Animal Biosciences [2]. Program format: on-campus, in-person.

Admission Requirements

Ontario secondary school students applying to the program require English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), 2 courses from Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Physics (SPH4U); completion of all three is highly recommended, and 2 additional 4U or 4M courses. Students that are mature, transfer, or applying from outside Ontario should visit the admission requirements page [3] to learn about their requirements.

How to Apply [4]

Unique Courses

  • Principles of Animal Care and Welfare
  • Animal Production Systems, Health and Industry
  • Animal Reproduction
  • Animal Disorders
  • Pet Nutrition
  • Experiments in Animal Biology
  • Principles of Animal Behaviour

Full course descriptions and a listing of all courses, can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar. [5]

Career Opportunities

  • Animal bioscience specialist (research and education)
  • Animal behaviourst/animal care
  • Animal nutritionist
  • Pet nutrition consultant
  • Product quality controller
  • Veterinarian

What Students are Saying

Sometimes the best way to learn about a program is through meeting a current student. Meet them here: 

Stephen playing the ukulele.

"What I like best about my program is that I have already started learning about animals. In first year, students are already introduced to animal-related courses which was amazing!" -Stephen Dawoud, animal biology student

Read the rest of Stephen's profile here. [6]

Learn about other student experiences through the following student profiles:

  • Meet Amber, animal biology student [7]

What Grads are Doing

Want to know what types of exciting careers our graduates have? Meet a few here:

Head shot of Anetia.

"I work as a laboratory technician in a medical lab. The majority of my job is performing molecular COVID-19 diagnostics. However, I also help in other areas of the laboratory such as high-volume testing and delivery and specimen handling."-Anetia Camacho, Medical Laboratory Technician

Read the rest of Anetia's profile here. [8]

Learn about other alumni through the following profiles:

  • Nikki Campbell, Animal Nutritionist [9]

Learn About the Perks

A strong foundation.

This program provides excellent preparation for students wishing to apply to the Ontario Veterinary College.

Learn more [10]

Find your
people.

U of G has a range of clubs perfect for every animal lover like the Animal Biology Student Association or the Future Vets Club. 

Learn more [11]

Access funding support. 

OAC offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, awards and travel grants. In 2020, 687 student awards were given out totaling over $1.5 million!

Learn more [12]

Questions

Our OAC Student Liaison team is here to help! Have you applied to or are you considering this program, but have some questions? Check out the following pages to learn more:

  • OAC frequently asked questions [13]
  • Submit your questions to OAC program experts  [14]
  • Book a virtual one-on-one meeting with Christine, OAC Liasion Officer [15]

 

About

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension. Our community has a strong sense of shared purpose: To Improve Life by inspiring leaders, generating knowledge and creating innovative solutions for food, agriculture, communities and the environment.

Land Acknowledgement.

Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
519-824-4120

Academic Units

  • Department of Animal Biosciences
  • Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
  • Department of Food Science
  • School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
  • School of Environmental Sciences
  • Department of Plant Agriculture

Campuses

  • Guelph
  • Ridgetown

Centres and Institutes

  • The Arboretum
  • Aquaculture Centre
  • Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre
  • Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare
  • Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety
  • Centre for Agricultural Renewable Energy and Sustainability
  • Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock
  • Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility
  • Dairy at Guelph
  • Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation
  • Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming
  • Guelph Turfgrass Institute
  • Honey Bee Research Centre
  • Institute for the Advanced Study of Food and Agricultural Policy

Source URL: https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/future-students/animal-biology

Links
[1] https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/future-students/bachelor-science
[2] http://animalbiosciences.uoguelph.ca/
[3] https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/undergraduate-calendar/admission-information/
[4] https://admission.uoguelph.ca/adminfo
[5] https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/undergraduate-calendar/programs-majors-minors/animal-biology-abio/
[6] https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/news/meet-stephen-animal-biology-student
[7] https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/news/meet-amber-animal-biology-student
[8] https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/news/qa-medical-laboratory-technician
[9] https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/news/qa-animal-nutritionist
[10] http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/index.asp
[11] https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/current-students/student-organizations-events
[12] https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/future-students/awards-scholarships
[13] http://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/future-students/undergrad-frequently-asked-questions
[14] http://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/content/webform/questions-oacs-program-experts
[15] http://admission.uoguelph.ca/individual-meetings-liaison-officers