Your degree in Applied Animal Biology

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Applied Animal Biology (APBI), you’re learning how to apply your passion for animals through a scientific focus on a wide variety of topics, such as animal coping, ethics, and animal physiology to address animal welfare in a broader societal context.

You’ll develop important skills through direct interactions with animals and research methodology.

These skills may include:

  • Animal handling and feeding skills, developed on farms, in labs, and in animal shelters
  • Critical analysis of literature on animal ethics and society
  • Understanding of the roles animals play in society from an ethical and environmental viewpoint
  • Conducting field research and surveys to collect data and samples of animal populations
  • Synthesis of scientific data to generate awareness of animal issues
  • Analysis of animal rights and conservation issues using systematic and evidence-based approaches
  • Application of animal behaviour and physiology to improve animal welfare
  • Project management and experimental design for the animal care industry
  • Disease and parasite identification for prevention of animal infection

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, education of animal issues, animal rights advocacy, animal handling, veterinary services, animal nutrition, wildlife conservation, pet industry, farming, sustainable resource management, dairy industry, aquaculture, animal regulatory bodies, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Veterinarian 
  • Wildlife rehabilitator
  • Agricultural technologist
  • Bee Keeper
  • Aquaculture manager
  • Conservation officer
  • Livestock inspector
  • Dairy products inspector
  • Fish farm operator
  • Fish hatchery operator
  • Fisheries analyst
  • Forest ranger
  • Game officer
  • Farmer
  • Agricultural livestock specialist
  • Domestic animal breeder
  • Education program administration manager
  • Farm management consultant
  • Medical doctor
  • Horse trainer
  • College Instructor

Make the most of your major

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify understanding of your values and interests.

  • Departmental events
    Network with Applied Animal Biology students and faculty members at a variety of events through Facebook.
  • Departmental research opportunities
    Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
  • UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre
    Access this state-of-the-art facility which provides opportunities for dairy research and education.
  • UBC Animal Welfare Program
    Work with others to improve the lives of animals through research, education, and public outreach.
  • UBC PAW Club
    Apply your passion for improving the lives of animals with other students through volunteering, community outreach, and conferences.
  • UBC Farm
    Get involved with many different opportunities in teaching and research on this 24-hectare community farm on campus.
  • Agora Eats Café
    Provide affordable, healthy food choices volunteering with this student-run café within the MacMillan building.
  • Vegans of UBC
    Collaborate with other vegans to build a more ethical and healthier UBC community.
  • Animal Welfare Assessment Contest
    Apply knowledge of animal welfare in a case competition to address real-world issues.
  • BC SPCA
    Learn and develop your values for animal care, policy, and ethics by volunteering at a British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) animal shelter.
  • Rabbitats
    Sign up as a volunteer and rescue abandoned pet rabbits and feral offspring with this non-profit organization.
  • Vancouver Humane Society
    Volunteer with a charity that addresses the humane treatment of animals through fundraising and campaigns.
  • Summer Abroad for Faculty of Land and Food Systems
    Study overseas and immerse yourself in a new culture during the summer with a partnering university.
  • NatureKids BC
    Engage BC children and their families to get outdoors to play and learn about nature.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Applied Biology graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Land and Food Systems degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Land and Food Systems degree.