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Animal Behaviour

Knowledge of animal behaviour is important for anyone interested in areas such as conservation biology of native birds, the control of pest species, evolutionary biology, population ecology and the efficient and humane management of farm animals.

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April McMurtrie

April McMurtrie

Bachelor of Science (Technology)
 Handling cheetahs, training giraffes and rearing emu chicks are just a few of the things keeping University of Waikato graduate April McMurtrie busy in her inspiring career as a zoo keeper.


Ashleigh Weatherall

Ashleigh Weatherall

Bachelor of Science (Technology)
 Passionate to make a difference after seeing inadequate animal living conditions in Japanese zoos, Ashleigh Weatherall chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Tech) at the University of Waikato.


Completing this minor will provide you with an understanding of how developmental processes can influence animals’ behaviour, mechanisms that trigger or control behaviours, what functions certain behaviours might serve for an animal, and how behaviours might have evolved over time.

The combination of fundamental and applied topics studied at Waikato allows you to work toward a better understanding of some of the world’s ecological problems and to better appreciate the unique attributes of our native animals. You will also be able to use both biological and psychological approaches to address issues in the fields of animal conservation, wildlife management, animal welfare and the fundamental study of behaviour.

New Zealand is the only place in the world where you can study a unique native fauna dominated by birds, reptiles and invertebrates. These are animals that have evolved over tens of millions of years in isolation from terrestrial mammals. This makes New Zealand popular with those studying Zoology and Animal Behaviour.

Facilities

As a student at the University of Waikato, you will have access to the University's well-equipped laboratories, becoming familiar with complex research equipment and techniques. You'll be working alongside, and learning from, well-respected researchers, industry professionals and academics.

 Career opportunities

  • Animal Welfare Officer
  • Conservation Officer
  • Research Assistant
  • Science Writer
  • Technician
  • Zoo Curator or Keeper

Qualifications

Study Animal Behaviour in any of these qualifications

Minor subject:

100 level

Introduction to Ecology and BiodiversityBIOEB10215.0 Points
Brain, Behaviour and CognitionPSYCH10015.0 Points

200 level

Behavioural Ecology & ConservationBIOEB20015.0 Points
Animal Structure and FunctionBIOEB20315.0 Points
Behavioural Psychology and PerceptionPSYCH20415.0 Points

300 level

Advanced Animal BehaviourBIOEB30115.0 Points
Advanced Animal BehaviourBIOL33320.0 Points
Advanced ZoologyBIOL33820.0 Points
Behaviour AnalysisPSYC31420.0 Points

Anne Shannon Scholarship

For students who are studying towards a degree with a major in Biological Sciences or are enrolled in a specified programme including a major in Biological Sciences at the University of Waikato. The scholarship will have a value of $2,500 per year for two years.

Closing Date: 2017-03-31 23:59:00

Brian Perry Charitable Trust Undergraduate Scholarship in Science & Engineering

For students who are enrolled in the second year of full-time study towards an undergraduate degree, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Waikato. The scholarship will have a value of up to $2,000.

Closing Date: 2017-05-31 23:59:00

DairyNZ Masters Scholarship

For students who are enrolled in the final year or have completed a Bachelors degree in Science, agricultural science, agricultural business or economics and are eligible to enrol in a masters degree at a New Zealand University. Up to three scholarships of $30,000 will be available each year + tuition fees.

Closing Date: 2016-08-08 23:59:00

Hamilton Zoo - University of Waikato Science & Engineering Scholarship

For students who are enrolled full-time and have completed the second year of the Bachelor of Science (Technology) degree. The scholarship will have a value of $14,000 and a one year placement with the Hamilton Zoo.

Closing Date: 2017-09-01 23:59:00

School of Science Postgraduate Study Scholarship

For students who qualify to enrol at the University of Waikato, and are intending to enrol part or full-time in semester B 2016 in the School of Science in either a 180pt masters, the taught components of a masters degree or the research component of a masters degree. The Scholarship will have a value of $5,000 per year for two years.

Closing Date: 2016-07-18 23:59:00

Science Admission Fees Scholarship

For school leavers who are intending to enrol full-time (120 pts) in the first year of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science(Technology) in the Faculty of Science & Engineering and are performing well academically in their final year of secondary school. The Scholarship has a value of up to $4,000.

Closing Date: 2017-08-31 23:59:00

Science and Engineering Masters Fees Awards

For students enrolling full-time in the first year MSc (research), MSc, MSc (Tech) ME or MEnvSci programme in the faculty of Engineering. Part-time applicants may be considered but any scholarship awarded will be on a pro-rata basis. The Scholarship will have a value of up to $2,000.

Closing Date: 2017-03-15 23:59:00

The Hicks Scholarship

For students who are enrolled or intend to enrol at any New Zealand University to undertake the research portion of their Masters degree in agriculture, horticulture, arborculture, viticulture or animal husbandry. The Scholarship will have a value of up to $15,000.

Closing Date: 2014-08-23 23:59:00

Contacts

Faculty of Science & Engineering

Phone: +64 7 838 4625 / 0800 438 254
Email: science@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering