Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences is for those who love life. Whether you want to stand in a metre of mud, on top of a tree, perhaps under the sea or on a kilometre of Antarctic ice, biology is for you.

Biological Sciences incorporates the major traditional biological disciplines of botany, microbiology and zoology with the interdisciplinary subjects of biochemistry, physiology, genetics, ecology and behaviour.

Biological Sciences students have many opportunities: they can be ecologists with interests in ecosystems, physiologists aiming to understand how organisms function, or geneticists using DNA as the key to identifying diseases or organisms.

Waikato was rated the top university in New Zealand for its research in molecular, cellular and whole organism biology, and ecology, evolution and behaviour, in the Tertiary Education Commission’s 2006 assessment of tertiary research.

Students may choose a specialisation in:

• Restoration Ecology

Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (Technology)

Biological Sciences can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

As well as biology, students will find chemistry and mathematics useful. Students with no credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology are advised to discuss their options with the first-year student mentor.

Other subjects that may interest you

Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Electronic Engineering, Materials and Process Engineering.

Career Opportunities

• Biochemical Technician
• Biosecurity Officer  
• Conservation Officer  
• Ecologist  
• Geneticist
• Medical Research Assistant  
• Ranger  
• Zoo Curator  

Potential Employers

• Agricultural and Fisheries Sectors
• Biotechnology Industry
• Conservation Sector
• Crown Research Industries
• Local Bodies and Regional Councils
• Medical and Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratories

Papers

COMP103 Introduction to Computer Science 1
This paper introduces computer programming (assuming no prior knowledge) and a variety of concepts in computer science including representation, storage and manipulation of computer-based information, algorithms for problem-solving and an introduction to information systems.

BIOL102 The Biology of Organisms
An introduction to the structure and function of plants and animals and the principles of ecology. Topics include the diversity and function of protists, fungi, plants and animals, particularly nutrient procurement and processing, gaseous exchange, internal transport, regulation of body fluids, control mechanisms, reproduction and development.

ENVS101 - Environmental Science
A study of the utilisation and exploitation of natural resources and the effects of human activities on biological, chemical and physical processes that form resources and control ecosystems.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers allow you to specialise in a wide range of biological topics: from botany and zoology through to ecology, animal behaviour, and physiology; and from biochemistry and microbiology to genetics and molecular biology.